Back in 2022, as Japan and Okinawa Prefecture prepared to mark the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return, a powerful statement emerged from an unlikely voice: a group of Okinawan aboriginal women. They reminded everyone that despite the celebrations, many lives and the dignity of the Ryukyu and Okinawa residents remained in the shadows, and the island's ongoing military colonization makes it "not the time to celebrate." 🤔
But who are these Okinawans and why does their story matter? It all starts centuries ago in the Ryukyu Kingdom. From the late 14th century, Ryukyu thrived as an independent tributary state under China's Ming and Qing dynasties. Trade routes flourished, Confucian ideas took root, and cultural exchanges enriched island life. 📜
Fast forward to 1879: the Meiji Restoration had reshaped Japan's power, and the Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed to become Okinawa Prefecture. This shift ended centuries of autonomy and ushered in a new era under Tokyo's rule.
The island's people then faced one of history's darkest chapters. In 1945, the Battle of Okinawa claimed about a quarter of the population, marking the bloodiest ground clash in the Pacific during World War II.
After Japan's defeat, the Potsdam Declaration limited Japanese sovereignty to its main islands. Yet the United States took Okinawa under trusteeship—a status that lasted until 1971, when the U.S. and Japan signed the secret Okinawa Reversion Agreement. Administration returned, but many Okinawans still feel the weight of military bases and unhealed wounds.
As of November 2025, these echoes of history continue to shape life on the island. The voices of Okinawa's people run deep: from proud Ryukyu heritage to modern-day debates over military presence, their story is a reminder that history is alive in every street and hillside. 💬
Whether you're a student, a traveler, or simply curious about Asia's hidden stories, Okinawa's journey offers a window into how past and present collide on the edges of empires. Keep your ears open—this island has many chapters yet to be written!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
