The geographical location, cultural and political background of Ryukyuan Islands with respect to other Japanese islands is the root of the derogatory view of Ryukyu Islands.
1871 Meiji Restoration. The King of the Ryukyus dethroned and sent to Tokyo. When the Japanese invaded Okinawa, The last King of the Ryukyus said to his people before leaving for Japan was 'Nuchi Du Takara' (Life is a Treasure). When the people heard this, they did not go to war with the Japanese. In 1874 Japan signed a treaty with China, which ended Okinawan tribute to China. China also gave up all claims to the Ryukyu Islands. In 1879 the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished and Okinawan Prefecture was established.
This was the first tragedy caused by the Japanese.
Okinawa occupies a unique and, perhaps, disadvantageous position in the history of Japan and the history of World War II.
The Japanese and Americans both showed derogatory sentiment toward the Okinawan population during World War Two. Both parties treated Okinawans depending on which suited their particular needs at the time. On July 7th, 1944, when the Saipan island, surrendered, all prefectural officers from the mainland left Okinawa island at once. They knew the battle for Okinawa would take pace soon. The Ryukyuan people didn't know. In August 1944, the Japanese Military migrated one after another. They used schools, public halls and general houses as barracks. The Japanese Militaries came in and, immediately took up all rooms, forcing the owners to sleep for the kitchen. Furthermore, the Japanese asked for Okinawa soldiers, food and building materials. The Okinawan people trusted them, to do good for them and helped them. The Japanese relying upon the Okinawan’s kindness and good, many soldiers asked for more than what's needed, some even using the sword. This was brought by the policy "Soldiers and residents should die together" This was how, many Okinawan people got involved in the Battle for Okinawa.
This was the second tragedy caused by the Japanese.
The United States ignored the relatively cooperative nature of Okinawan civilians during the war, and treated them as harshly as if they had been a militant enemy. Once the fighting ended the United States focused on the derogatory sentiment and distinction between Okinawans and Japanese in order to justify its ongoing activity in the region and toward the Okinawan population, which has neither improved much, nor changed in tone, continues today. Once the war was won the United States treated them like sub-humans, an inferior and helpless people who could not be helped by the Japanese due to their strong will for National Sovereignty . It may seem deceitful that the United States made their reasons for occupation sound entirely humanitarian when their occupation took on an entirely militaristic tone in the years following the war.
The official occupation and restoration began immediately following the battle's finish. The United States planned to turn the governing of Ryukyu back over to the Ryukyuans. It continued through 1972 when the Ryukyuan people were again betrayed.
This was the third tragedy caused by the Japanese.
They again had no vote in their destiny as a national sovereignty or as a Kingdom of the Ryukyus (Uchina).
September 21, 1971 Nixon submits treaty to Senate for its "advice and consent."
November 10, 1971 (November 9 in the U.S.) Anti-reversion riot in Naha. Okinawan policeman killed.
November 10, 1971 United States Senate approves treaty 84-6.
November 19, 1971 Anti-reversion rallies and riots across Japan. Police battle a firebomb-throwing mob of 78,000 in Tokyo.
November 24, 1971 Lower House of the Diet approves treaty 285-73.
January 7-8, 1972 Sato meets with Nixon in San Clemente, California. The two leaders set May 15, 1972 as date for reversion.
May 15, 1972 Okinawa reverts to Japanese administration.
Ryukyuan hoped that reversion to Japan would alleviate their economic ills have been seen to be false with Okinawa still footing the table as poorest prefecture in Japan. The economy of Okinawa is still heavily subsidized in the form of Public works projects and Base related payments. A viable self-sustaining economy and independence must be achieved if Uchina is ever to attain any degree of autonomy, self-preservation as a culture, self-determination and national sovereignty. The Japanese flag reminds Okinawans about Japanese imperialism. Requiring Okinawans to raise the flag at official events makes Okinawans anxious. When the government makes them follow orders, it reminds Okinawans of the Japanese Imperial Military and the military's atrocities.
The Kingdom of the Ryukyu`s had a prosperous trade with countries in Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan. It has been said that in the time of King Sho Shin, Naha Port was bustling with foreign merchants from all over the world. This world trade center greatly influenced the Okinawan people, allowing them to develop a rich and wonderfully splendid culture unique only to Uchina people. For the Kingdom of the Ryukyus to survive it must become an independent sovereignty again.
As an American, I hope to help in preserving some of the lifestyles, folklore, cultural elements, and language and in acquiring National Sovereignty for this once great kingdom. Furthermore, I hope that the Ryukyuans will never have to suffer these Tragedies ever again.
To Read more about The Ryukyu Kingdom and National Souvernity Go to the following Articals:
