Naha serves as the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. Situated on the East China Sea coast within the southern part of Okinawa Island, it functions as the political, economic, and educational center of the region. The modern city was officially founded on May 20, 1921, though it had long been a significant site in Okinawa prior to that date.

Historically, Naha was the commercial hub of the Ryukyu Kingdom during its medieval and early modern periods. Originally a trade port west of the royal capital Shuri, it became the official capital in 1872 after the kingdom's annexation by Japan. The city suffered extensive damage during World War II, requiring a complete rebuild of its center, and later became a core city in 2013 to manage public health functions.

The city center features Kokusai-dōri, a main street boasting a 1.6-kilometer stretch of stores and restaurants. Nearby landmarks include the Palette Kumoji shopping mall, the Okinawa Prefecture Office, and the Makishi Public Market. Northeast lies Shintoshin, a commercial district developed on former US military housing, while the neighborhood of Tsuboya remains known for its ceramic production heritage.

Cultural attractions include the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, which opened in 2007 to display Ryukyuan art and history. The city hosts tourist information centers with multilingual staff and offers access to historical sites like Shuri Castle, though many original structures were destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa. Visitors can explore traditional markets and enjoy local cuisine amidst a mix of modern and reconstructed heritage.

As of 1 June 2019, Naha had an estimated population of 317,405 people. It is accessible via Naha Airport, the main hub for regional flights, and connected to the city center by the Okinawa Urban Monorail. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, bordering on tropical rainforest conditions, supporting its role as a major travel destination in the Ryukyu Islands.