MLB All-Stars arrive in Okinawa: Home to centenarians and the birthplace of karate

Here we are: The end of the Japan All-Star series and the descent into the bleakness that is a baseball-free winter. But before we give into despair, we have one final exhibition game with the MLB All-Stars taking on Samurai Japan at the Okinawa Cellular Stadium on Thursday morning at 4 a.m. ET. 

After the MLB All-Stars visited Osaka, spent a few days in Tokyo, and just played in Sapporo, what should we know about their final stop in Okinawa? 

Okinawa, which means "rope in the open sea," isn't actually on the Japanese mainland -- instead it is a chain of a few dozen small islands off the coast. While only some of those islands are inhabited, the game will be taking place in the capital city of Naha which boasts a population of 313,000. With a variety of beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the highest rate of people living to be 100 years old than anywhere else in the world, there are certainly worse places to live. 

Some believe the secret to the Okinawans' long lifespan is their diet. The islanders eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and seafood which may lead to a "decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and other chronic diseases." Though maybe it's the awamori, a rice liquor that can be up to 60 percent alcohol. 

However, there is a pretty big drawback: Unlike the other sites on the tour, Okinawa is the only city that doesn't host an NPB team. And if you're not watching baseball, what's the point of all those extra years?

Change may be on the horizon though as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has suggested expanding the league with Okinawa one of the potential sites. 

While you're on the island, you'll probably want to visit Shuri Castle. Originally built in the late-1300s, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during its nearly 700-year history. While it was once the royal court and cultural center for the Ryukyu Kingdom and was briefly the home of the University of the Ryukyus, it is now a historical site where you can tour its famous gates, gardens and see a replica of the "Bridge of Nations" bell that was originally cast in 1458. 

But there is one more reason to visit Okinawa: it is the birthplace of karate.

So the next time you're watching "Karate Cop," just remember that the film wouldn't exist without this island chain.