A MASTER NARRATIVES APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING BASE POLITICS IN OKINAWA
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A Master Narratives Approach to Understanding
Base Po cs (Th
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(Th
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A Master Narratives Approach to Understanding Base Politics in Okinawa UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
Key Findings 1
Summary of the Narratives 3
Map of Okinawa Prefecture, Surrounding Region 4
Population Density Near US Bases on Okinawa 5
How This Guide Is Organized 6
OKINAWA'S MASTER NARRATIVES
Victimization 7
Discrimination 14
Peaceful People 21
Beautiful Island 29
Asia Crossroads 36
SOURCES & ENDNOTES 41
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5 January 2012
Open Source Center Analysis
Japan -- A Master Narratives Approach to Understanding Base Politics in Okinawa
The following guide uses a "master narratives" approach to help explain Okinawan attitudes and
behavior regarding the US military presence there. Master narratives are the historically
grounded stories that reflect a community's identity and experiences, or explain its hopes,
aspirations, and concerns. The Open Source Center (OSC) identified five such narratives for
Okinawa -- some of which are more deep-seated than others, and most of which present some
degree of challenge to US policymakers. An understanding of how these narratives function
should help analysts put Okinawan attitudes into context and help communicators plan
messaging and outreach efforts.
In order to relate the essence of each narrative, OSC gave them descriptive names and drew first
person statements that capture their content. These narrative portraits are summarized with
context and implications for US interests in the table on page three and discussed in detail in this
guide. The narratives -- listed in the order they appear -- are: Victimization, Discrimination,
Peaceful People, Beautiful Island, and Asia Crossroads.
METHODOLOGY NOTE This guide draws upon the Master Narratives methodology recently
developed by the Open Source Center' to uncover five master narratives that help explain
attitudes and behavior pertaining to base issues in Okinawa. It explains the historical
basis and current use of the narratives as well as their implications for US policy.
Research for the guide was based on a review of primary and secondary sources --
including media treatment of basing issues, education materials, memorial sites,
museums, literature, and popular entertainment.
KEY FINDINGS The narratives of Victimization and Discrimination present the greatest
challenges for the United States when it comes to messaging and alliance management. The
narratives are rooted in traumatic or degrading experiences in the past that are widely
memorialized and taught on the island. Local politicians, opinion leaders, and media often frame
their messages in the context of these narratives, keeping them current in the Okinawan public's
view.
� The narrative of Victimization has a historical foundation in Okinawans' memories of
WWII and the US occupation of Okinawa. Okinawans' sense of injustice and perceptions
of helplessness over ongoing incidents and accidents involving US military personnel on
the island contribute to a feeling that some degree of recognition of Okinawa's "burdens"
in hosting US military bases should be forthcoming from Washington and Tokyo.
Attempts to counter this narrative by reframing the discourse -- such as focusing on the
positive "impact" of bases while not acknowledging their perceived burden -- are unlikely
to resonate with Okinawans and could backfire.
� The narrative of Discrimination has a historical basis in past ethnic discrimination
against Okinawans by mainland Japanese and differential treatment of the prefecture at
the hands of the central government. It reflects perceptions that Tokyo still does not act
in the interests of Okinawans and treats them as second-class citizens. Okinawans look
a For more on the methodology, see "Master Narratives Methodology Document, 23 January 2011."
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to Tokyo to address the question of why US bases must be concentrated in Okinawa
rather than elsewhere. They also expect Tokyo to afford them respectful treatment and
offer them measures to mitigate their base hosting. Fundamentally, the discrimination
narrative is about Okinawa's complex relationship with Tokyo, and it is not likely to be
countered by any direct action on the part of the United States. Indirectly, US statements
would probably have an impact to the extent that they converge with Tokyo's policies and
Tokyo's approach in seeking the Okinawans' understanding of basing issues.
The narratives Peaceful People, Beautiful Island, and Asia Crossroads capture values that
affect the way Okinawans perceive the US base presence and interpret messages regarding the
US-Japan alliance.
� The Peaceful People narrative draws upon the lessons of Okinawans' World War II
experiences and a cultural tradition of cherishing life. Okinawans claim a special moral
authority within the broadly pacifist culture of Japan. They attribute this authority to the
island's experience as the site of the only major land battle fought on Japanese soil during
the war and also to long-held beliefs, such as ancestor worship and self-discipline. The
peaceful people narrative manifests itself as a general anti-military attitude that is not
directed specifically at the United States. US messaging that addresses the role of
Okinawa-based forces in regional humanitarian and disaster relief efforts would be
consistent with the general themes of the narrative. Okinawan media would most likely
look for ways to criticize such a message, but the public might be less cynical about it.
� The Beautiful Island narrative is relatively recent but widely shared. Okinawans see
their natural environment as a source of pride, and both traditional and ecotourism rely on
the natural environment to attract visitors. Okinawans will probably want any new base
construction projects to be undertaken with high regard for the environment. Likewise,
they will want returned US base land to undergo thorough environmental remediation
measures. In this respect, Okinawan support for environmental preservation presents
challenges to alliance managers who seek to minimize the negative impact of the bases.
US actions demonstrating a policy of good stewardship of base land, such as quick and
transparent response to accidents that could be detrimental to the environment, could help
in this regard. US messaging regarding such a policy would possibly be viewed
skeptically unless well supported by actions and examples.
� The Asia Crossroads narrative has a weak historical basis in the distant past. It
represents an aspiration, primarily of Okinawan leaders, to define a future vision of the
prefecture as a crossroads in a dynamic, economically linked region. In this vision, US
bases are implicitly presented as obstacles to a prosperous future. This narrative probably
has limited resonance with the public now to the extent that it describes the origins of
their distinct culture. It could gain traction among base opponents if Okinawa becomes
more successful in diversifying its economy, and US bases are seen as an impediment to
such efforts. As of now, however, the narrative does not directly challenge the presence
or maintenance of US bases in Okinawa or affect sentiment toward bases. The United
States could shape its message so that it is consistent with this narrative by pointing out
that the bases in Okinawa help to keep the region safe and thereby enable enhanced
regional economic and cultural exchange.
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3 OSC Analysis/ Okinawa's Master Narratives
Master Narratives
Victimization
Condensed
Description
UNCLASSIFIED!! FOUO
SUMMARY OF OKINAWA'S MASTER NARRATIVES
"We have been the victims of
oppression, domination, and
episodic violence."
This narrative directly involves the US presence in
Okinawa today � in the form of noise, accidents,
and crime. Okinawans do not feel like the United
States adequately acknowledges the perceived
negative effects of the US military presence on
Okinawa.
Key concepts: respect, recognition
5 Januar 2012
Okinawans' sense of injustice and helplessness over
events involving US military personnel on the island
contributes to a feeling that some degree of
recognition of Okinawa's "burdens" should be
forthcoming from Washington and Tokyo. Focusing
on the positive "impact" of bases while not
acknowledging their perceived burden is unlikely to
resonate with Okinawans and could backfire.
I "Tokyo treats us differently
than other prefectures in
Discrimination Japan, seeing us as second
class citizens and
expendable."
Okinawa's political leaders and media have shaped
the discrimination narrative to implicate the United
States by making their central grievance with Tokyo
the "disproportionate burden" of hosting US Forces.
Key concepts: equality, fairness
Fundamentally, the discrimination narrative is about
Okinawa's complex relationship with Tokyo and,
therefore, is not likely to be countered by any direct
action on the part of the United States. Further,
Okinawans may react with frustration to messages
about the deterrence value of US forces, because
that does not answer their "why us" question.
I "We embrace nonviolence
and believe we have a moral
obligation to be ambassadors
for peace. Our culture has
Peaceful People long valued the principles of
peace and cherishing life,
and our experience during
W\A/II has further cemented
these values."
Beautiful Island
,
I Asia
Crossroads
"Okinawa is a beautiful
island. We are responsible
for preserving our natural
environment and have an
obligation to hand it down to
future generations."
Okinawans are taught in school that international
conflicts are best addressed by treasuring life
rather than by making war. Anti-base activists use
Okinawans' strong valuation of peace to cast the
US military presence as inimical to the Okinawan
spirit.
Key concepts: pacifism, spirituality
Okinawans express an intense pride in the natural
beauty of their islands. Okinawans will want new
base projects to be undertaken with high regard for
the environment and returned base land to undergo
thorough environmental remediation measures.
Key concepts: environmentalism, spirituality
US messaging that addressed the role of Okinawa-
based forces in regional humanitarian and disaster
relief efforts would be consistent with the general
themes of the narrative. Such messaging, however,
would likely be viewed with skepticism by Okinawa's
media. It is possible that the Okinawan public would
be less cynical about such messaging.
US actions demonstrating a policy of good
stewardship of base land -- such as quick and
transparent response to accidents that could be
detrimental to the environment -- could help in this
regard. US messaging regarding such a policy would
possibly be subject to criticism unless well supported
by actions and examples.
"Long ago, our ancestors
travelled the ocean and
prospered though trade with
China and Southeast Asia.
We have a future as a
crossroads of exchange and
trade in Asia."
Influential Okinawan figures often use the narrative
implicitly, but sometimes explicitly, to present the
US bases as obstacles to a prosperous future for
Okinawa.
Key concepts: prosperity, harmony
Because most Okinawan leaders appear to be
realistic about the prospects for quickly realizing
credible alternatives to the bases, this narrative does
not present a near-term challenge to the bases. The
narrative might provide opportunities to highlight the
role of the bases in fostering a stable environment for
regional economic integration.
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4 OSC Analysis/ Okinawa's Master Narratives / Overview
MAP OF OKINAWA PREFECTURE, SURROUNDING REGION
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OSC Analysis/ Okinawa's Master Narratives / Overview
POPULATION DENSITY NEAR US BASES ON OKINAWA
Population Density
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2010 Population Estimate
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1,701 -3,500
3,501 - 6,500
6,501 - 16,545
UnclasslfiedllFOU0
Sources: UM, ESM, Landscan 2010
OSC/65P/PA8 2011243U-AT
This OSC-created map estimates the population densities near US bases on Okinawa. Click the icon to view the
map in full resolution.
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OSC Analysis/ Okinawa's Master Narratives / 0%er%ic,, UNCLASSIFIED!! FOLIO
HOW THIS GUIDE IS ORGANIZED
This guide is organized into five narrative portraits, which appear in the following order:
Victimization, Discrimination, Peaceful People, Beautiful Island, and Asia Crossroads.
The narrative portraits consist of the following content categories:
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The HEADER helps readers keep track of their location
in the guide.
The FIRST-PERSON STATEMENT surfaces the
narrative's "characters" (its heroes, villains, or
scapegoats) and articulates the general plot that
drives the narrative's core story. It is written from
the point of view of someone who believes in the
narrative.
" The DESCRIPTION provides background on the
narrative's origins and explains how the narrative
remains current today.
-NARRATIVE IN ACTION shows how the narrative is
used in a contemporary policy context by examining
public statements of groups and key influencers.
- - _ The WHAT'S IN A WORD? box highlights a vernacular
word or phrase that is closely associated with the
narrative. Master narratives often incorporate unique
phrases, images, or symbols that can remind,
reinforce, or even trigger behavior.
-- -AUDIENCE RESONANCE discusses how deeply felt or
widely held the narrative is with the Okinawan
public.
'IMPLICATIONS identifies actionable opportunities for
US communicators to connect with the Okinawan
public and also flags potential communication
pitfalls.
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Okmawa's Master Narratives UNCLASSIFILD 1OU0
The narrative of victimization is deeply held and rests on Okinawa's historical grievances
primarily against Japan and the United States. The narrative manifests itself today in messages
about the perceived negative impact of US bases in Okinawa. These messages probably resonate
widely with Okinawans precisely because they are received in this historical context. Attempts
to counter this narrative, such as by focusing on the positive "impact" of bases while not
acknowledging their perceived burden, arc unlikely to resonate with Okinawans and could
backfire.
VICTIMIZATION ,-----
DISCRIMINATION
PEACEFUL PEOPLE
BEAUTIFUL ISLAND ASIA CROSSROADS
"Okinawans continue to suffer today from noise and crime associated with the US military
bases. This is just another example of Okinawa's long history of suffering at the hands of
outside powers. Since the late nineteenth century, we have been victims of oppression,
domination, and episodic violence."
DESCRIPTION Okinawa's history, as conveyed by educational texts, memorials, literature, and pop
culture, is often presented as a tragedy. Okinawans associate the following four key events with
their historical victimization: (1) Satsuma's invasion of the Ryukyu Kingdomb in 1609; (2)
Japan's annexation and assimilation of Ryukyu as
a prefecture in 1879; (3) the heavy casualties
inflicted on Okinawans by US and Japanese
forces during World War II; and (4) land seizures
by the Japanese military in the prewar period and
by the US military after the war.
� "SATSUMA INVADED THE R YU K VU KINGDOM"
The Okinawa Prefectural Board of
Education in "The History and Culture of
Okinawa" records that the Ryukyu
Kingdom was "conquered and tormented
with oppression" following the 1609
"military attack" by Satsuma, one of
Tokugawa Japan's feudal domains. "Shuni
Castle," it goes on, "was occupied and
many royal belongings were taken. King.
Sho Nei and his retainers were taken
prisoner and sent to the Edo Shogunate."
The Ryukyu Kingdom, which continued
its tributary state relationship with the
WHAT ABOUT CHINA? Accounts of
Okinawa's history recognize the influence
of China as the dominant external power
during the Ryukyu Kingdom's "Golden Age
of Trade" from the late 14th to the 16th
century.
� Well-known Okinawa historian
Kurayoshi Takara said the Ryukyu
Kingdom subordinated itself to the
Ming Dynasty in 1372 and
developed a favored trading
relationship as a tributary state to
China (1993).2
� Okinawa's historical relationship
with China, however, relates most
strongly to the Asia Crossroads
narrative.
b The Ryukyu Kingdom was an independent kingdom ruling most of the Ryukyu archipelago, including Okinawa,
from the 15th to the 19th century. It held trading relationships with China, Korea, and Japan.
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Qing Court of China, bore the "double pressure of Satsuma and China" and saw "its royal
treasury bled heavily" (2000).3
� "JAPAN FORCED OKINAWA'S ASSIMILATION" Okinawa's Board of Education in "The History
and Culture of Okinawa" says the Japanese Meiji Government "forced" the dissolution of
the Kingdom and brought "an end to the tribute system with China." The Kingdom "lost
its independence" and became "part of the Japanese national system" in 1879 (2000).4
� "US, JAPANESE FORCES SLAUGHTERED OUR PEOPLE"
The 1945 Battle of Okinawa, often referred
to as the Typhoon of Steel (tetsu no boufu) by
the media and educational texts, is central to
the victimization narrative. Senior archivist
at the Okinawa Prefectural Archives
Kazuhiko Nakamoto contends that the high
number of civilian casualties during the battle
contributes to a close and enduring
association between war and civilian death
among Okinawans today.' The history of the
battle is further complicated by stories of the
Japanese military forcing Okinawans to
commit group suicide.`
� "JAPANESE, US MILITARY TOOK OKINAWA'S LAND"
The public-private Okinawa Convention and
Visitors Bureau described the Japanese
military as "forcibly seizing" land, houses,
schools, and other property for the
construction of airfields and barracks
beginning in the summer of 1943. "The
Japanese military conscripted Okinawans
from all regions into the forced labor service,"
it says in its tour guide reference book. The
account continues in the postwar period with
the US Military seizing private land in the
early 1950s with "bayonets and bulldozers"
and turning Okinawa into a "fortress island" or an "Okinawa within bases."' The
Prefectural Board of Education's publication notes that "those who opposed were
removed by armed soldiers and bulldozers." 11
Minoru Kinjo's 100-meter-long sculpture,
exhibited along the returned US Yomitan
Airfield from 11 May to 24 June 2007, depicted
scenes of Okinawa's victimization, such as
Japanese troops killing civilians.5
An NHK broadcast in 2010 showed US
bulldozers taking land from Okinawa for bases
in the early 1950s (30 December 2010). 9 The
show commemorated the 50th anniversary of
the US-Japan Security Treaty.
Kenzaburo Oe, the 1994 Nobel laureate in literature, chronicled the role of Japan's imperial army in coercing
Okinawan civilians to commit suicide rather than surrender in his 1970 book "Okinawa Notes." Two plaintiffs
representing two Japanese garrison commanders sued Oe and his publisher in 2005 for libel. In April 2011, the
Supreme Court turned down the plaintiffs' appeal and ruled in favor of Oe.
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The victimization narrative can be found in stories about atrocities committed against the island's
civilian population, in portrayals of a forced takeover of Okinawan property, and in popular
accounts of Okinawa's historical subjugation by dominant powers.
� Yomitan-based sculptor Minoru Kinjo's
2007 exhibit "War and Humanity" depicted
the history of Okinawa as told through a
100-meter-long relief. The exhibit
prominently featured scenes from the Battle
of Okinawa, such as Japanese soldiers
expelling Okinawans from caves, mass
suicides, and Japanese-American soldiers
trying to convince civilians to surrender. It also included scenes from the postwar period,
such as land seizures by "bayonets and bulldozers" at the hands of the United States.'
Americans are not always
remembered as oppressors.
Kinjo's 2007 exhibit also
included scenes of
humanity, such as US
soldiers giving water to
locals during the Battle of
Okinawa. 12
� The Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum in Naha memorializes the lives lost when a US
submarine sank a Japanese evacuation ship on 22 August 1944. Of the ship's 1,788
passengers and crew, 1,418 were lost, including 775 school children. The memory of this
event, said museum foundation chairman Seisho Takara in a note posted on the museum's
website, should be used to "communicate the preciousness of peace and life to our
children." 14 d
� Japan's public broadcaster NHK cast Okinawans as victims
in a special program on the 50th anniversary of the US-
Japan Security Treaty in 2010. The program aired a close-
up interview with Munenobu Kayo, an 86-year old resident
of Henoko in Nago City. In describing the construction of
Marine Corps Camp Schwab in the 1950s, he said, "The US
military used force to suppress the local residents'
opposition --just like the Japanese military before it" (NHK,
5 December 2010). 15
� Anthropologist and Professor of
Cultural Studies at the University
of Kyushu, Yoshinobu Ota, in a
1997 essay on Okinawan popular
culture, said: "Many Okinawans
recall their history in terms of the
politically dominant with whom
they have been negotiating their
lives." 18
An elderly Henoko resident
described the US military as
"suppressing" opposition to
base construction in the 1950s
(NHK, 5 December 2010).
If
...From China to Japan. From Japan to
America. From America to Japan.
Oh, how often things change in this Okinawa..."
Excerpt from Okinawan folk legend Rinsho Kadelcaru's "The
Flow of Time"16 originally recorded in the 1960s and
rerecorded in 2000 by Takashi Hirayasu from the Okinawan
pop group Champaloose, who added an additional line to
account for Okinawa's reversion to Japan.17
d See the Peaceful People narrative for more on the use of tragedy as grounds for promoting peace.
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10 Okinawa's Ntaster Narratives
t 1 AStsll II I) I 01 0
HIMEYURI PORTRA YAL BY MAINLAND, OKINAWA MEDIA SURFACE COMPETING NARRATIVES
The subject of several film and narrative depictions, the Himeyuri -- or the Princess Lily Student
Nurses -- were female student recruits during the Battle of Okinawa. In Tokyo-produced films,
they are portrayed as valiant and self-sacrificing. In Okinawa, however, stories of their deaths
are linked to compulsory group suicide at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.
� The 1952 award-winning film and mainland Japan production "Tower of Himeyuri"
(Himeyuri no To) and its 1982 remake feature multiple scenes of student nurses and their
teachers determined to "stick together until the end," portraying them as choosing of their
19
own free will to use hand grenades to commit suicide. 20
� Himeyuri survivor and former guide at the Himeyuri Memorial Museum, Kikuko Miyagi,
in a 2007 interview with Okinawa Times, said: "Education at that time taught that dying
for one's country was virtuous. Passing out hand grenades was the same as issuing an
order to 'die rather than be captured." Miyagi said, "Japanese troops who passed out
hand grenades bear a grave responsibility (2 September 2007)." 21
Faced with the prospect of capture, two student nurses
commit suicide with a hand grenade in the 1952 award-
winning "Tower of Himeyuri."
A Himeyuri memorial on Arasaki Coast in Roman City
carries the poem: "At the island's edge, beloved students
fluttering down as flowers, pray for peaceful sleep."
NARRATiv( IN ACTION Okinawa's politicians and anti-base activists draw on Okinawa's history of
victimization in public statements when commenting on certain contemporary policy issues, such
as those involving history education or US military-related accidents.
� Okinawa Governor Ilirokazu Nakaima, at a September 2011 news conference in
Washington, said that if Japan's central government goes ahead with the Marine Corps
Air Station Futenma relocation as agreed on by the US Government, it would be
tantamount to using "bayonets and bulldozers." He said that the United States built
Futenma by "bayonets and bulldozers" in the first place, according to Japan's private
news service Ji j i Press (21 September 2011).�
� Naha Mayor Takeshi Onaga in 2007 emphasized the importance of Okinawa's history of
victimization to the island's identity when the Education Ministry recommended the
removal of descriptions of coerced group suicides from high school textbooks. "We must
accurately pass on the true story of the Battle of Okinawa so as to convey to the next
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11 Okinawa's Master Narratives /
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0 I, I/wi,I0 UNCLASSIFIED // FOUO
generation the tragedy of war and preciousness of peace" (Ryukyu Shimpo, 30 September
2007). 23
� Seiken Akamine, a Diet member from Okinawa representing the Communist Party, said
after the 13 August 2004 crash of a US Marine Corps helicopter into Okinawa
International University that "Okinawa's citizens have actual experience with the fear of
death. If we are to learn from these lessons, Futenma Air Station must be closed"
(Okinawa Times, 26 August 2004). 24
� A prominent Yomitan anti-base activist, Shoichi Chibana, has called the central
government's approach to handling US basing issues in Okinawa the "fourth Ryukyu
Shobun." In a February 2011 speech, he characterized negotiations over the relocation of
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma as a continuation of Okinawa's history of assimilation
into and subordination to Japan. Chibana's speech was delivered in Kobe and posted to a
blog maintained by the mainland Japan anti-war group Kanjitsu Sanrizuka.'
WHAT'S IN A WORD? "RYUKYU SHOBUN" The term "Ryukyu shobun" is used in Japan to describe
the dissolution of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its subsequent annexation by Japan in 1879. It is
presented as a neutral term in officially sanctioned history texts, but it has negative
connotations for Olcinawans.
� History books published in Okinawa Prefecture argue that the term "shobun" is
"humiliating," "ignores Okinawa's viewpoint," and connotes a "rightful punishment" --
therefore implying moral justification for the forceful dismantling of the Ryukyu
Kingdom. 26
Viewed through the lens of the victimization narrative, accidents or other incidents involving US
bases can take on greater symbolic meaning. For example, the anniversaries of significant US
military-related accidents continue to receive prominent coverage in the local media and to
attract the attention of local leaders.
� All four of Okinawa's local newscasts on 30 June 2011 covered a memorial ceremony at
Miyamori Elementary School in Uruma City commemorating the 52nd anniversary of a
fighter jet crash there in 1959. Some 500 people attended the ceremony, including the
school's students and families of the victims. "No matter how many years pass,
Okinawan citizens cannot forget the grievous memories of 30 June," said one local
broadcaster while introducing a five-minute segment on the ceremony at the beginning of
its newscast (QAB's "Station Q"). 27
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12 Okinawa's Master Narratives / I I
tit; II :I
� Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima held a
news conference in August 2010 on the sixth
anniversary of a US Marine helicopter crash
that occurred on 13 August 2004 at Okinawa
International University near Marine Corps
Air Station Futenma's southern fence line in
Ginowan. Nakaima called for "removing the
current risks of the Futenma base as soon as
possible" (Kyodo). 28 All four Okinawa
television broadcasters led their evening
news segments that day with stories about a
rally at Okinawa International University
attended by University President Moritake
Tom ikawa. 29
UNCLASSIFIED // FOUO
Okinawa broadcasters showed two US
helicopters flying near an annual rally at
Okinawa International University
commemorating the sixth anniversary of a US
Marine helicopter crash there in 2004 (2010).
AUDIENCE RESONANCE Okinawans see strong feelings of victimhood as a negative aspect of the
prefecture's character. Consequently, there are social pressures against asserting victimhood
frivolously. The narrative is central to their identity, however, and a sense of victimhood often
emerges around a singular event, crime, or accident that galvanizes the public.
� The Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division found in its two most recent
polls in 2009 and 2005 that the public ranks "strong feelings of victimhood" (higaisha
ishiki ga tsuyoi) among the top 10 "shortcomings" of the prefecture and its citizens. 3031
� The brochure of the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum says, "Okinawa's war
experience is at the very core of what is popularly called the 'Okinawan Heart,' a resilient
yet strong attitude to life that Okinawan people developed as they struggled against the
pressures of many years of US military control." 32
� The power of this narrative is often most evident when it is publicly challenged. In 2007,
the Japanese Education Ministry recommended that school text book publishers remove
direct references to the Japanese military's forcing Okinawans to commit group suicide
during the Battle of Okinawa. This case prompted the largest public demonstration in
Okinawa since reversion in 1972 -- reportedly 110,000 people. 33
� The 1995 rape case involving a young Okinawan schoolgirl continues to have currency in
Okinawa. Media refer to it in the context of "a string of crimes and incidents involving
US military personnel" and use the incident as a marker from which to judge progress
since the 1996 US-Japan agreement to return the land used by MCAS Futenma. '35 At
the time, the incident set off a chain of protest activities by women's groups, teachers'
associations, labor unions, reformist political parties, and various grass-roots
e Education minister Kisaburo Tokai announced on 26 December 2007 that the reinstatement of history textbooks
would include references to the Imperial Japanese Army driving civilians into committing mass suicide in Okinawa.
Okinawan media attributed the decision to the protest rallies.
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organizations across Okinawa Prefecture.' 37 A prefectural mass rally on 21 October
1995 reportedly drew 85,000 people, including business leaders and conservative
politicians who had seldom criticized the US military presence (Ryukyu Shimpo, Okinawa
Times; 22 October 1995). 38 39
IMPLICATIONS The narrative of Okinawa's victimization by dominant powers has become tightly
linked to the continued US military presence on Okinawa. Okinawans' sense of injustice and
helplessness over events involving US military personnel on the island contributes to a feeling
that some degree of recognition of Okinawa's "burdens" should be forthcoming from Washington
and Tokyo. Attempts to counter this narrative by focusing on the positive "impact" of bases
while not acknowledging their perceived burden are unlikely to resonate with Okinawans and
could backfire.
� In the past, Okinawa's local media have reacted negatively to leaders, such as Prime
Minister Kan, who expressed gratitude for Okinawa's "base hosting burden" (Ryukyu
Shimpo, 12 June 2010).4� Okinawa media also reported that the Okinawa Prefecture
Government advised former President Bill Clinton against using the term "gratitude" in
his 21 July 2000 speech at the G8 Summit in Okinawa (Ryukyu Shimpo, 19 July 2010;
Okinawa Times, 22 July 2000). 41 42
� Okinawan cultural authorities like novelist Tatsuhiro Oshiro have argued that
"Okinawans desire even belated recognition" of "Okinawa's sacrifices for the prosperity
of the mainland" (Asahi Shimbun, 7 July 2011).43
Recognition, in this case, probably means understanding Okinawa's "burdens" rather than
expressing gratitude for them. Former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi provides an example of an
effective use of recognition. In the year before the 2000 G8 Summit, media quoted Obuchi
numerous times recognizing Okinawa's history and post-war hardships. His selection of
Okinawa as co-host of the summit was welcomed by Okinawan leaders including the governor at
the time, Keiichi Inamine.
� Obuchi told the Japanese media, "After the war, Japan lost its administrative rights over
Okinawa, and Okinawa faced many hardships. During the war, Okinawa greatly
sacrificed [for Japan]. Even today, Okinawa hosts bases. I am fully aware of this pain."
Obuchi said that he wanted the world's leaders to "experience Okinawa's rich empathy
and beautiful natural environment," as well as learn about Okinawa, which "overcame
and survived many difficulties" (Mainichi Shimbun, 30 April 1999).44
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14 Okinawa's Master Narratives / "Tokyo Discriminates Against Okinawa"
"Tokyo Mscri knit s A ahist Ok awe
UNCLASSIFIED // FOUO
The discrimination narrative has a historical basis in past ethnic discrimination against
Okinawans by mainland Japanese and in differential treatment of the prefecture at the hands of
the central government. It reflects perceptions that Tokyo still does not act in the interests of
Okinawans and treats them as second-class citizens. Okinawans look to Tokyo to address the
question of why US bases must be concentrated in Okinawa rather than elsewhere. They also
expect Tokyo to afford them respectful treatment and offer them measures to mitigate their base
hosting. The discrimination narrative is about Okinawa's complex relationship with Tokyo and,
therefore, is not likely to be countered by any direct action on the part of the United States.
rTIMIZATION
DISCRIMINATION I PEACEFUL PEOPLE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND ASIA CROSSROADS
"Tokyo treats us differently than other prefectures in Japan, seeing us as second-class
citizens and expendable. The Japanese Government sacrificed Okinawa to save the
mainland during World War II and gave the United States administrative control over
Okinawa until 1972. Tokyo neglected us after reversion, causing us to lag behind other
parts of Japan economically, and it continues to do so today: we are subjected to a
disproportionate share of the US-Japan Alliance's harmful effects."
DESCRIPTION The narrative reflects aspects of ethnic discrimination and, more generally,
Okinawans' perceptions that Tokyo sees Okinawa as inherently less Japanese and, therefore,
expendable for the benefit of the mainland. Three historical grievances with Tokyo underpin the
narrative.
� "THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT USED OKINAWA DURING WWII TO SAVE THE MAINLAND" People on
Okinawa often describe the way the island was sacrificed by Tokyo during WWII, saying
Okinawa was a suteishi, or sacrifice stone in the strategy game of go. For example, the
Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau -- a public-private organization promoting
tourism since 1996 -- produced a textbook for tourist guides that said that the Japanese
military's strategy during the Battle of Okinawa was to create a "protracted struggle" that
would "delay the US military's attack on the mainland." 45
� "OKINAWA WAS LEFT OUT OF POSTWAR ECONOMIC GROWTH" The term "hondo nami" (parity with
mainland Japan) expressed Okinawan hopes that reversion to Japan in 1972 would close
economic and social gaps with mainland Japan. In the 1980s, then-researcher at Ryukyu
University and future governor Masahide Ota attributed dissatisfaction with reversion to
Tokyo's failure to bring economic prosperity. 46 Okinawan media have long investigated
the gap with Tokyo in unemployment, average income, savings rates, and divorce rates,
according to OSC's monitoring of press reporting over several decades.
� 'IA PAN PERMITS HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS OF US BASES IN OKINAWA" Over time, Okinawa's
central historical grievance with Tokyo has become the disproportionate share of US
forces based in Okinawa. A symbol of this "burden" -- as Okinawans refer to it -- has
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been the figure that about 75% of the land administered by the US military in Japan is
located in Okinawa Prefecture.
The narrative remains current through history
taught in the island's schools and is reinforced
by popular accounts of Okinawa's history.
� An academic leader on Okinawa told
the Ryukyu Shimpo that nationally
approved texts were "often
incomplete" (28 September 2010).49
In his history guide for teachers, he
emphasized the theme of
discrimination against Okinawans for
their cultural, linguistic, and ethnic
differences following Okinawa's e
integration as a prefecture in 1879. '()
� Contemporary Okinawan novelist and
winner of the prestigious national
Akutagawa Prize, Shun Medoruma, has described Japanese suppression of Okinawan
culture and language in his war-themed novels. In "Mabuigumi" (Spirit Recalling, 1999),
for example, the character Uta resists participating in a nationally mandated 52 Si
exercise program by refusing to give up Okinawa's custom of morning tea. 5�
SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT FIGURE SYMBOLIZES TOKYO'S
UNFAIR TREATMENT OF OKINAWA
Public commentary, official prefecture
literature, and media often claim that 74.7% of
land used exclusively by the US military in
Japan is in Okinawa Prefecture.
� The Okinawa Prefecture Government,
for example, prominently features the
74.7 percent figure on multiple pages in
an online pamphlet concerning US
military issues in Okinawa. 47
� Left-leaning Asahi Shimbun compared
an area map of Okinawa with one of
mainland Japan to show 73.94% of
land used by the US military is in
Okinawa (12 February 2010).48
� Okinawan textbooks, museum exhibits, and popular TV
dramatizations have featured Japanese attempts to
stigmatize Okinawa's language. Educators in Okinawa
Prefecture used "dialect tags" (hogen Ada) to shame
Okinawan students into usine. standard Japanese in
schools -- an example of contempt for Okinawa's
distinctive language -- in the prewar period and, at some
locations, in the 1960s as well. 54 55 56
NHK dramatized the use of
"dialect tags" to punish children
for using the Okinawan dialect in
school (18 June 2011).
WHAT'S IN A WORD? "UCHINANCHU" The discrimination narrative has historic
roots in stories about ethnic discrimination, but today ethnicity is a point of pride
for many in Okinawa. The term "Uchinanchu" is a word in the local dialect that
can describe someone from Okinawa or someone identifying as Okinawan. It
connotes pride in Okinawa's heritage and is positively associated with the
island's identity. The Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival, for example, is an
occasion for Okinawa's emigrants and residents to gather on the main island and
celebrate their heritage. It has been celebrated every five years since 1990.57
Ae
Logo for the 5th
Worldwide
Uchinanchu
Festival
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NARRATIVE IN ACTION Local leaders, academics, and anti-base organizations most often charge
Tokyo of discrimination when decrying the concentration of US military bases in Okinawa.
� Governor Hirokazu Nakaima went so far as to call Okinawa's base hosting "close to
being discriminatory" at a mass rally on 25 April 2010. His comment drew the attention
of not only Okinawa's but also national-level media for being unusually "harsh" (Yomiuri
Shimhun) and "surprising" (Asahi Shimhun).:'8 59 60 Naha Mayor Takeshi Onaga told
center-left Asahi: "If US bases are needed for the sake of deterrence, the whole nation
should think about the issue. I think imposing bases only on Okinawa is discrimination"
(13 May 2010).61
� Professors and other academics on Okinawa publicly claim that Tokyo's policy on US
bases discriminates against Okinawa. Notably, Masahide Ota, former Okinawa governor
and former Ryukyu University president, told a Tokyo daily newspaper, "Okinawa's
citizens regard the fact that Tokyo ignores their will [on base issues] as 'Okinawa
discrimination' (Tokyo Shimhun, 14 May 2010). 62
FORMER GOVERNOR OTA KEY FIGURE IN SHAPING NARRATIVE
Born in 1925, Masahide Ota is a former member of the House of
Councillors where he represented the Social Democratic Party, was
governor of Okinawa from 1990 to 1998, and was a professor and
then Dean of Law and Literature at the University of the Ryukyus.
During the Battle of Okinawa, Ota was drafted into the Japanese
Imperial Army and served as a member of the Blood and Iron Student
corps.
Masahide Ota, 2010
� Ota strongly opposed the presence of US forces in Okinawa, and as governor in 1995 he
refused to sign a document granting the Japanese Government the right to continue
leasing land for US military bases.
� In a 2003 essay, Ota detailed what he called Tokyo's "structural discrimination" against
minorities, including Okinawans. Ota said that the myth of uniformity is "still
maintained in Japan by excluding or ignoring differences as if they did not actual
l'
The over-concentration of military bases in Okinawa is a case in point." 6
He has written many articles and more than 70 books about Okinawa, including The Battle of
Okinawa, Essays on Okinawa Problems, The Okinawan Mind (Okinawa no Kokoro), Who Are
the Okinawans? (Okinawajin to wa Nanika), The Political Structure of Modern Okinawa
(Okinawa no Seiji Kozo), and The Consciousness of the Okinawan People (Okinawa no Minshu
Ishiki), among others. 64
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17 Okinawa's Master Narratives / " 1 )1,111:INN a"
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� Futenma Noise Litigation Group Vice Chair and former head of the Okinawa Teacher's
Association, Genpei Ishikawa, called the 21 June 2011 joint statement of the US-Japan
Security Consultative Committee "another example of Okinawa being a sacrificed pawn
(suteishi)" for the benefit of mainland Japan (2011).65 Ishikawa's interview appeared in
Mainichi Shimbun on 23 June, which is Irei no Hi, or the day to console the spirits --
Okinawa's memorial day for those who died during the Battle of Okinawa.
Okinawa's news media -- led by the island's two main newspapers -- draw heavily on the
narrative of discrimination in making their case against the US military presence in Okinawa.
� In 2010 and 2011, Okinawa's two main newspapers have increasingly argued that
Tokyo's handling of basing issues amounts to "discrimination." A deputy editor for
national daily Mainichi Shimbun and others have attributed the increase to former Prime
Minister Hatoyama's acceptance in May 2010 of the Henoko plan for MCAS Futenma
(29 November 2010). 66
9
Okinawan Editorials Linking Base Issues to Tokyo's "Discrimination"
8
7
6
5
4
3
1
2
1 i I
1
l' i
0
1
--II---- Ell ,,
1hIIHRI
A
4\
,- N
A
A
e9
c.,
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.:F�
0 e 0 c?) 0 0 ,,,,9
,�' it' 4\ e .s% ,,- ,� i?, s) e .6? ,k- rk i;\ e
c., N- 4- N47 N'�I� Ncl
� Number of editorials linking base issues to Tokyo's discrimination
The OSC-produced chart above shows the total number of editorials that link base issues to Tokyo's
"discrimination" from May 2008 through September 2011. The spike in May of 2010 coincides with Hatoyama's
endorsement of the US-Japan accord to relocate Futenma to Henoko.
There were few editorials in 2008 that discussed "discrimination" in relation to US basing issues, but OSC has noted
such editorials as early as 1997. OSC has not researched editorials before 1997 for this paper because they are not
readily available in electronic format.
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� In an editorial critical of Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba's 19 September meeting in
New York with Secretary of State Clinton, Okinawa Times argued that "the excessive
base-hosting burden borne indefinitely by Okinawa is nothing less than structural
discrimination." The same editorial accused the Democratic Party of Japan of "using the
national media to make deplorable threats that Futenma would remain unless the Henoko
plan is realized" (22 September 2011).
� The evening news programs on Naha TV stations also routinely frame their coverage of
US military basing issues in terms of Tokyo's neglect of Okinawa's so-called burden,
according to an OSC survey of programming.67 "These news programs account for a
major portion of Okinawa's limited local programming.
2011 INCIDENT OVER OFFICIAL'S REMARK ILLUSTRATES DIVIDE BETWEEN TOKYO, OKINAWA
In late 2011, a broad swath of Okinawan society reacted with visceral anger to remarks made by
the director of the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB) Satoshi Tanaka. Tanaka likened Tokyo's
legal options for forcing the Futenma relocation to a rape of the island, comments that evoked
memories of the 1995 rape incident on Okinawa that led to Futenma relocation plans. On top of
that, the defense minister stated that he knew little about the 1995 incident. The episode
illustrates the extent to which Tokyo can be tone-deaf to the narratives and historical events that
have shaped Okinawan attitudes.
� Tanaka was reported to have said, "Do you declare that you are going to commit an act
before you do so?" According to reports, he used the word "okasu," which can mean
"rape." Tanaka made the comment during a drinking session with members of the media
in Naha on the evening of 28 November 2011. Ryukyu Shimpo broke the story on 29
November.68 The defense minister sacked Tanaka shortly thereafter (Jiji, 29 November
2011). 69
� DPJ policy chief Seiji Maehara criticized Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa on 3
December for saying that he had no knowledge of the details of the 1995 rape in
Okinawa involving US service members. Maehara told reporters: "[Ichikawa] seems to
be a bit too unprepared.... He should at least know about the history [of US base issues
in Okinawa]; otherwise, he won't be able to address security issues and the relationship
with the US military" (Asahi Shimbun, 5 December 2011).1�
� Okinawan leaders, media, residents, and civic groups reacted harshly to the remarks, as
observed in Okinawan and national media. Many said that the incident revealed a
"discriminatory" mindset on the part of the central government toward Okinawans. 71 72 73
74 75 76 77
See the 12 May 2011, OSC Analysis, "Okinawa Dailies Highlight Tokyo's Pattern of Neglect, Discrimination"
(JPF20110512324001) and the 30 October 2009, OSC Media Aid, "Japan-- Local Media Play Important Role in
Okinawa" (JPF20091030455001001).
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19 Okinawa's Master Narratives! "Tokyo Discriminates Against Okinawa"
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AUDIENCE RESONANCE The narrative appears to resonate widely with the Okinawan people.
Although many Okinawans closely link the narrative with base issues, others link it to disparities
in wealth with mainland Japanese.
� Center-left Asahi Shimbun published a poll that found 85% of respondents in Okinawa
agreed there was "a gap (kakusa) between the Japanese mainland and Okinawa."
Respondents selected the following reasons for the gap: "base issues" (43%), "income"
(24%), "jobs" (10%), "education" (4%), "transportation" (2%), and "other/cannot say"
(2%) (20 September 2010). 78
� Japan's largest circulation newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun assessed that Okinawa Governor
Nakaima's address at a 25 April 2010 mass rally against the Henoko relocation plan for
MCAS Futenma would resonate with "the people of Okinawa, who harbor bitter
memories." Nakaima said that Okinawa's "excessive base-hosting burden" was "clearly
unfair and close to being discriminatory" (26 April 2010).79
� Users of Okinawa Uwasa Banashi,g a popular Okinawa-focused online discussion forum,
expressed dissatisfaction with then-Prime Minister Hatoyama for accepting the May 2010
US-Japan accord to relocate MCAS Futenma within Okinawa Prefecture despite his
statements a year earlier to "at least move Futenma outside of the prefecture."89 Few
forum respondents explicitly mentioned "discrimination," but those that did also claimed
Okinawa was being treated "unfairly" and differently than other parts of Japan. 81
IMPLICATIONS Okinawa's political leaders and media have shaped the discrimination narrative to
implicate the United States by making their central grievance with Tokyo the "disproportionate
burden" of hosting US Forces. Fundamentally, however, the discrimination narrative is about
Okinawa's complex relationship with Tokyo and, therefore, is not likely to be countered by any
direct action on the part of the United States.
� Governor Nakaima, in a speech given in Washington on 19 September 2011, stated that
the "first problem" with the US military bases in Okinawa is that "74% of the total land
area used by the US military bases in Japan is concentrated in Okinawa Prefecture." He
went on to criticize Tokyo for "not offering any convincing explanation to Okinawan
citizens" about why Futenma must be relocated to Henoko (Ryukyu Shimpo, 20
September).82 For Okinawans, MCAS Futenma is symbolic of this perceived
disproportionate share.
� Former Okinawa governors Keiichi Inamine and Masahide Ota have long argued that the
so-called "burden" of the US-Japan Security Treaty should be equally shared by the
whole nation of Japan (Ryukyu Shimpo, 1 January 2011).83
g For more, see the 31 March 2011, OSC Media Aid, "Japan -- Online Discussion Board Provides Window to
Okinawan Audience" (JPF20110331324001)
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20 Okinawa's Master Narratives! "Tokyo Discriminates Against Okinawa"
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The discrimination narrative does not deny the security benefit of the alliance to the whole of
Japan. However, messaging that explains the deterrence value of the US presence could have the
unintended consequence of heightening Okinawans' frustrations with Tokyo. Moreover, skeptics
of the deterrence argument will almost certainly continue to look for ways to undermine it, as the
Okinawan media did after former Prime Minister Hatoyama publicly questioned its validity.
� Okinawa media reacted with indignation when former
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told Ryukyu Shimpo
that deterrence was an "expedient" justification for US
Marines' presence in Okinawa. Hatoyama's remarks
were the focus of several articles, editorials, and two
special three-day serial columns in Okinawa's dailies
during February 2011. The widespread coverage of his
remarks probably increased the Okinawan public's
doubts over this justification for the military's presence.
84 85
Ryukyu Shimpo headline reads,
"Deterrence was Expedient" (13
February 2011).
� In his weekly column "Uchina Comment" for Ryukyu Shimpo, Masaru Sato, a former
analyst for Japan's Foreign Ministry and political author, warned readers that Tokyo
might use China's military buildup to "strengthen its structural discrimination against
Okinawa based on the theory of deterrence" and, for example, "push for the relocation of
Futenma to Henoko" (Ryukyu Shimpo, 9 July 2011).86
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21 Okinawa's Master Narratives / We Are a Peaceful People Who Cherish Life"
"We Are a Peaceft opDe Who Cherilsh Ufa"
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The peaceful people narrative has been advanced by Okinawan political leaders and civic groups.
It draws upon the lessons of Okinawans' experiences during World War II and the island's
cultural tradition of cherishing life. The narrative retains its currency through the peace
curriculum taught in Okinawa's schools and appears to resonate widely. The Okinawan
perception that militaries are antithetical to peace seems to place the US military at odds with the
narrative. However, some US messages would be consistent with this narrative, such as
accounts of the role of Okinawa-based forces in regional humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
Okinawan media would most likely look for ways to criticize such a message, but the public
might be less cynical.
rVICTIMIZATION
DISCRIMINATION
PEACEFUL PEOPLE
BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
ASIA CROSSROADS
"We embrace nonviolence and be ieve we have a moral obligation to be ambassadors for
peace. Our culture has long valued the principles of peace and cherishing life, and our
experience during WWII has further cemented these values. We abhor war and have long
yearned to create a peaceful island."
DESCRIPTION The narrative draws heavily upon lessons of Okinawans' experiences during WWII
and, to a lesser extent, the peaceful legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom (see also, Asia Crossroads).
It is grounded in long-held beliefs, such as a reverence for ancestors and a belief that self-
discipline and respect for life can create a peaceful and ordered society.
� "SEEK PEACE" The Okinawa Prefecture Peace Prize Committee says on its website for
children that "We citizens of Okinawa seek peace more than anything else." The
committee explains that the prefecture's pacifism is rooted in three experiences: the
Ryukyu Kingdom's legacy as a "bridge to all nations" when "Okinawa fostered peaceful
trade throughout Asia"; the "sad history" of the Battle of Okinawa when "200,000 lives
were lost"; and the "present-day effects on everyday citizens' lives related to the large
presence of US military bases." 87
� "CHERISH LIFE" The belief that life should be cherished is prevalent in many Okinawan
cultural practices, including the reverence for ancestors. Okinawans gather at their
family tombs in the spring to "make merry and strengthen their ties" as part of the
ancestor worship festival "Seimei" (pronounced "Shiimi" in the Okinawan dialect).
Families also gather "to renew their kinship" for the three-day "Bon" festival in the
seventh lunar month when it is believed that ancestral spirits "return to this world and
commingle with the living," according to official prefecture publications. 88 89
� "CREATE HARMONY THROUGH SELF-DISCIPLINE" Okinawan karate, one of the prefecture's
successful cultural exports, is founded on a philosophy that says individuals, by
practicing mental and physical self-discipline and by showing respect for life, can create
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a peaceful and ordered society. In The Essence of Karate-Do, Okinawan karate master
Shoshin Nagamine says that "peace-loving" Okinawans developed karate as "a
weaponless system of self-defense" that enables practitioners to protect themselves
against "physical danger from without" and "passions from within." 90 Similar to many
other Japanese martial arts, Okinawan karate seeks to be a way of life that teaches self-
development, respect, and spirituality.
� "HAVE A CULTURE OF KINDNESS" History textbooks published in the prefecture note that
Okinawa's "culture of kindness" or "culture without weapons" was documented by
European explorers visiting the islands in the 19th century.9I 92 The Okinawan scholar
Zenchu Nakahara inferred that the absence of words connoting ruthless killing in
Okinawa's folk and religious songs from the 12th through 17th centuries indicated that
the people did not have killing in their consciousness. 93
OKINAWA AS A 'LAND OF COURTESY'
This archway at Okinawa's famous Shun i Castle is called Japan featured the archway on its 2000 yen note for the
Shurei-mon, which is an abbreviation of "Land of Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit in 2000 to showcase
Courtesy." " Okinawa as a welcoming island. 95
Educators and contemporary entertainment in Okinawa help keep the narrative current and, in
some cases, reinforce its linkage to US bases. h
� A supplemental textbook published in Okinawa
says that "Okinawans have learned that
international conflicts are not solved by war but by
treasuring life (nuchi du takara)." The book is
authored by Toshiaki Arashiro, former high school
teacher and current visiting professor at Okinawa
University, and published by the Okinawa History
Education Research Association (2010). 97
NHK's special on Okinawa's tradition of
comedy explained in its opening,
"Okinawa's gods hate war but love to
laugh" (18 June 2011). 96
� A 1997 guidebook for visiting Japanese school children says that "Okinawans' insistence
on the removal of bases is a heart-felt cry that comes from historical experience.
h See also the 18 April 2011, OSC Analysis, "Okinawa Artists Raise Awareness of Military Basing Issues, Reinforce
Pacifism" (JPF20110414324001), for more on how popular entertainment keeps the peaceful people narrative
current.
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Okinawans' hopes sing of the right to live in times of peace and are fused with the spirit
of the Japanese constitution that renounces war." 98 The guidebook is authored by
Okinawa International University Emeritus Professor Masaaki Aniya.
� An online comic published by the Naha-based Interface Corporation on 7 January 2011,
explained that "the Okinawan spirit cherishes and protects people; it is full of strength
and kindness." Interface President Takehiko Yamazato said that by making the comics
available online, the firm seeks to "make learning about Okinawan history, culture, and
industry more accessible" to people in Japan and throughout the world. 99
� The Okinawa-produced television series "Ryujin
Mabuyer" imparts cultural values to young
audiences in the prefecture. According to the
official website for the first nationwide movie
version of the story, the heroes "embody care for
others, forgiveness" and "the essence of Ryukyu
Karate, which holds that 'one's fist should not
strike first' and that one should not take an
enemy's life" (2011). 100 The masked hero
fantasy series has spawned a movie, multiple
DVDs, tour packages, and other consumer goods
(Tokyo Shimbun, 22 November 2011). 101
The Okinawa-produced masked hero fantasy
series "Ryujin Mabuyer" has been
commercially successful and invokes
cultural values, such as care for others.
NARRATIVE IN ACTION Okinawa's political leaders and civic groups frequently tie their peace
rhetoric to reducing the burden of US bases in Okinawa. Various civic groups take this further
and demand the removal of US bases, saying that they are antithetical to peace.
� In his 2011 declaration of peace, Okinawa
Governor Nakaima said: "We have learned that
nothing can replace peace. With this as a
foundation, the people in Okinawa have been
steadily following the path of reconstruction and
progress." He continued, "We will strongly call on
the Japanese and US governments to significantly
alleviate our burden, relocate the dangerous
Futenma Air Station out of Okinawa as early as
possible, and fundamentally review the US-Japan
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)."103
Okinawa's governors have issued declarations of
peace every year since 1977 to mark the prefecture's 23 June Memorial Day for the
Battle of Okinawa (Irei no Hi).
Okinawa unveiled "The Cornerstone of
Peace" on 23 June 1995. The memorial
bears the names of 240,000 war dead,
including some 14,000 US military
personnel. 102
� Ginowan Mayor Takeshi Asato, in his 2010 policy speech to the city assembly, said, "1
cherish our value of treasuring life (nuchi du takara) and respect the peace constitution.
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I will put an end to the major problem posed by the Futenma base and build Ginowan
into a city full of nature and peace." 104
� The Naha-based Okinawa Peace Activity Center organized a march on 15 May 2011
around MCAS Futenma with the stated purpose of "demonstrating that all Okinawan
citizens are united in calling for the complete removal of any new military facility at
Henoko and for removing Futenma from Okinawa and Japan." The center was
established on 1 February 1993, and has a history of organizing peace marches that
call for the removal of US bases. 105
� The Okinawa Citizens Liaison Committee for Peace in Okinawa has the stated
objective of "removing the bases from Okinawa and [working toward] world peace."
According to its website, "We believe in Okinawa's declaration of peace, which
respects different cultures, values, and systems; and we are opposed to using
violence and military force." 106 The committee encompasses 33 smaller Okinawa-
based groups, and, according to Okinawa Times, plans to send representatives to
Washington in January 2012 in order to convey its opposition to the Futenma
relocation plan (19 October 2011). 107
Mainland Japanese groups also exploit Okinawa's peace activism, making it difficult to
differentiate Okinawan and mainland activism.
� The Tokyo-based Okinawa Protest
Advertising Action ran a full-page
advertisement in Okinawa's two major
newspapers and a national daily in May
2011. The ad called for removing US
Marines from Okinawa and argued that
Tokyo should use Okinawa's sympathy
budget for reconstruction. It also
prominently featured the Okinawan
expression "life itself is a treasure" (nuchi
du takara). 108
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Obarna Praises
� The same Tokyo-based group purchased a 111,Fres Post-
Qaddaft Leaders at
full-banner English-language advertisement ..eass.fw �
on The New York Times website on 21
September 2011, which was probably � on e � 4.1* timed to to coincide with two other September This OSC-annotated screen capture of The
events: Governor Nakaima's visit to New York Times shows the banners purchased
Washington, and a Noda-Obama meeting by the Tokyo-based group.
in New York. It linked to a full-page PDF file titled, "A Message from the People of
Okinawa and Japan to the People of The United States: Call For Peace Without
Dependence On Military Power!" 109
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Okinawa's two main newspapers present themselves as leading advocates for Okinawa's pacifist
ideals and use this assumed authority to oppose the US military presence on Okinawa.'
� Ryukyu Shimpo says on its website that one of its corporate values is "to contribute to the
establishment of lasting world peace based on international good faith." Similarly, its
editor's mission statement includes the goal of "contributing to the construction of a
democratic society and establishment of world peace." In its opposition to the US
military presence, the daily has called the presence of US facilities in Okinawa "an
outrage" and "contrary to humanity" (18 September 2011). 11�
� Okinawa Times, in an article commemorating its 60th anniversary in 2008, closely
associated the company's policy with pacifist ideals, such as "contributing to the
establishment of world peace." 1 I I In the past, the daily has warned against any pretense
of military build-up in Japan. A 2010 editorial warned that Tokyo risked "turning all of
Okinawa into a military island replete with US and Self-Defense Forces," which would
prompt "an endless arms race" in Asia and "increase military tension rather than stability"
(19 December 2010). 112
WHAT'S IN A WORD? "NUCH1 DU TAKARA" The expression nuchi du takara (life itself is a treasure)
from the Okinawan dialect emphasizes the preciousness of life. It is probably regarded by
Okinawans as an important strength of their character.
� The last Ryukyu king, Sho Tai, used the phrase in a poem in 1879 when Japan's Meiji
Government eliminated the kingdom's diplomatic rights and removed the king's title,
according to history texts published in Okinawa. 113 114 Sho Tai's poem reads, "The time
for wars is ending, and the time for peace is not far. Do not despair. Life itself is a
treasure."
President Bill Clinton quoted Sho Tai's poem in his speech on 21 July 2000 at the Peace
Memorial Park in Okinawa Prefecture ahead of the 2000 G8 summit. The speech got positive
reviews from Okinawan leaders and media.
� Then-governor Keiichi Inamine commented that the President showed an "understanding
of the Okinawan spirit and also referenced our history. It was meaningful" (Okinawa
Times, 21 July 2000)."5 An article in Ryukyu Shimpo said that by using the expression
nuchi du takara, President Clinton gave consideration to Okinawan people and showed
that he was "well-versed" in Okinawa's history and culture (21 July 2000). 116
'See also the 12 May 2011, OSC Analysis, "Okinawa Dailies Highlight Tokyo's 'Pattern of Neglect,
Discrimination' (JPF20110512324001).
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AUDIENCE RESONANCE The peaceful people narrative probably resonates widely among Okinawans.
In polls Okinawans say that they value empathy and cooperation, which are themes reflected by
the narrative. Moreover, peace slogans and rhetoric are prevalent throughout Okinawan society.
� Okinawa Prefecture's most recent prefecture-wide polls in 2009 and 2005 showed that the
public rates "human empathy" and "a stron& spirit of cooperation" as two of the
prefecture's most important strengths. 117 II
�
� The 15 May Peace March Committee and Okinawa Peace Activity Center organize an
annual march, which commemorates Okinawa's return to Japan and seeks "a peaceful
Okinawa without bases." Marchers have numbered in the low thousands, but Okinawa
newspapers and television routinely focus on the event, perhaps giving it wider relevance
with the population.'19 120 121 122 123
Many Okinawan municipalities, including those that host US facilities, have peace declarations,
sometimes in the form of ordinances.
� Ginowan, the location of US Marine Corps Air
Station Futenma, says on its website, "We Ginowan
residents, drawing on the painful lessons of World
War II, declare that we are an anti-nuclear peaceful
city seeking disarmament." 125
� Nago City's peace declaration reads, "We, as the
world's first nation to experience an atomic
bombing, and also as Okinawan residents who
experienced disastrous fighting, hereby repudiate all
war and seek the abolition of nuclear weapons that
threaten the survival of the human race." 126
Many municipalities also incorporate
peace into their official symbols.
Kadena Town, host to Kadena Air Base,
explains on its website, "[Our symbol] is
a simple design expressing the desire for
peace and union of the people..... 124
� Yomitan Village, the location of the US Army's Toni Station, says on its website,
"Yomitan's residents have expressed their desire for 'nuclear-free' world peace." 127
Themes of peace and nonviolence are common in popular Okinawan entertainment, suggesting
that they appeal to Okinawan audiences in particular.
� Okinawan pop group HY celebrates life and alludes to family members' experiences
during the Battle of Okinawa in the song "Over the Times" (Toki wo koe). The central
theme of the song draws on the Okinawan proverb "life itself is a treasure" (nuchi du
takara), which is used to indirectly negate war and promote the value of life. 128
According to You Tube analytics, the official version of "Over the Times" has received
400,000 hits and 86 comments. 129
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� Rock group Mongol 800 invokes empathy towards others to prevent conflicts and
emphasizes the importance of the "Ryukyu spirit," which embodies nonviolence and a
love of nature, in their song "Ryukyu Love Song" (Ryukyu Ai Ka). b� YouTube analytics
found that "Ryukyu Love Song," posted by record label Highwave, received over
660,000 hits and 112 comments. 11
YOUNG PEOPLE MAY BE LESS LIKELY TO IDENTIFY WITH PACIFIST IDEALS
It is possible that fewer young people nowadays identify with pacifist ideals. Peace education
advocates, for example, worry that young people increasingly lack awareness of Okinawa's
history.
Okinawa History Education Research Association president Toshiaki Arashiro, in a
Ryukyu Shimpo article, expressed concern that "fewer young people harbor a spirit of
resistance or are aware of their dependence on bases." Arashiro's association, in
conjunction with the Okinawa Teacher's Union, has conducted a survey of high school
students every five years since 1995 to assess their "knowledge related to peace
education and Okinawan issues" (19 June 2010). 132
IMPLICATIONS The peaceful people narrative embodies values that affect the way Okinawans
perceive the US base presence and interpret messages regarding the US-Japan alliance. The
narrative manifests itself as a general anti-military attitude that is not directed specifically at the
United States. US messaging that addressed the role of Okinawa-based forces in regional
humanitarian and disaster relief efforts would be consistent with the general themes of the
narrative. Such messaging, however, would probably be viewed skeptically by Okinawa's media,
although the public might be more open-minded.
� The Japanese Cabinet Office's 2011 survey of nation-wide public sentiment towards other
countries found that 82 percent of Japanese report having friendly feelings toward the
United States. This was the highest rating since the annual survey began in 1978 and the
first such survey since the US Military's Operation Tomodachi humanitarian support to
Japan following the 11 March 2011 triple disaster (5 December 2011).133 134
� Okinawa media, however, were extremely skeptical of US motivations in publicizing the
military's support during Operation Tomodachi. The Ryukyu Shimpo said in an 18 March
2011 editorial that it "respects" people who put themselves at risk of radiation exposure
but criticized the US military for "advertising" its contribution to relief efforts following
the 11 March 2011 disasters. 135
� Okinawa media have also portrayed some US comments on humanitarian missions as
appearing to be at odds with the argument that US forces in Okinawa are necessary for
deterrence. When reporting on a 9 October 2011 humanitarian assistance drill at Camp
Hansen by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, for instance, the Ryukyu Shimpo pointed
out that the commanding officer said humanitarian support operations is the 31st MEU's
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most important mission but that the US Government and the Government of Japan have
insisted that US Marines in Okinawa are necessary for deterrence (Ryukyu Shimpo, 11
October 2011). 136
Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) uses themes such as peace, family, and community to help
explain its mission to a national audience. The fact that the SDF takes this approach suggests
that the Okinawan public might be receptive to such messaging.
� The SDF's official website banner explains the organization's mission using phrases such
as "further contributing to world peace" and "peace is our job" (2011). 137
� In 2011, the SDF produced six nationally aired commercials and 11 web-exclusive
commercials, according to its website. These recruiting videos focus on humanitarian
support efforts. They emphasize family and community by showing images of SDF
personnel helping the elderly and children. The commercials end with the tagline: "We
need your strength to protect as many people as we can."
JAPAN'S SDF EMPHASIZE FAMILY, COMMUNITY IN COMMERCIALS
�
The SDF web-exclusive commercial titled
"Good Father" says, "There are children as
young as my son affected, so I wanted to
help. I'm not just in the SDF; I'm also a
father" (2011). 138
In the nationally aired SDF commercial titled
"Smiling Day," the narrator says, "The more
smiles we encounter, the stronger we become"
(2011). 139
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29 Okinawa's Master Narratives / "Okinawa Is a Beautiful Island"
"CD1Mnawa
S a Beautn
us
and"
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
The beautiful island narrative is relatively new, but it is widely shared. Okinawans see their
natural environment as a source of pride. Okinawans probably expect that new base construction
projects will be undertaken with high regard for the environment, and that returned US base land
will undergo thorough environmental remediation measures. In this respect, Okinawan support
for environmental preservation presents challenges to alliance managers.
r;ICTIMIZATION
DISCRIMINATION
PEACEFUL PEOPLE
BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
[IA CROSSROADS
"Okinawa is 'Chura Shima' (a beautiful island) surrounded by emerald green seas, blue
sky, and white sands. We are responsible for preserving our natural environment and have
an obligation to hand it down to future generations."
DESCRIPTION This narrative was largely shaped by societal and economic pressures following
Okinawa's 1972 reversion to Japan. After the reversion, local and national leaders engaged in a
concerted effort to redefine Okinawa as a resort paradise rather than a place of war and tragedy.
Tokyo-funded projects to develop resorts, however, caused environmental harm and spurred
affected communities to varying degrees of environmental activism. In its current form, the
narrative emphasizes preserving the prefecture's natural assets
for ecotourism and sustainable use.
� "OKINAWA IS A PARADISE WITH BLUE OCEANS AND SKY" The
Okinawa International Ocean Expo in 1975 was the
"virtual starting point" for the prefecture's rebranding
as Japan's "tropical sea resort," according to Osamu
Tada in a 2004 book. Tada is a sociology professor
who has authored several studies on Okinawa's culture
and identity.142 A report at that time by the Japanese
Geotechnical Society said that the expo was integral to
the "reborn Okinawa Prefecture." 143
� "OUR SURROUNDINGS ARE UNDER THREAT" One of
Okinawa's outer islands, lshigaki, provides the starkest
example of outspoken public protest against the
environmental harm caused by rampant development.
As an editorial in the Ishigaki-based Yaeyama
Mainichi Shimpo put it in 2007, it is "well known in
Ishigaki" that "environmentally damaging
development was prevalent during the height of the
economic bubble around the time of Okinawa's
reversion" (4 August 2007).144 Ishigaki's case is
particularly noteworthy because the island was the
center of national attention during local residents'
decade-long opposition to an airport planned near the
Tokyo-led development projects in
the 70s helped redefine Okinawa as a
tropical resort. Expo 75's Aquapolis
(above) was characteristic of this
effort (Mainichi, 18 January 1976).
140
EXP075
Expo 75 75 popularized the phrase "blue
ocean and sky" (Image credit:
Kazumasa Nagai, 1975). 141
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island's environmentally sensitive Shiraho district. That plan was scrapped in 1989, and
the airport is now slated to open in 2012 at another location on the island. Illustrating the
bond Shiraho residents have with the ocean, a 93-year-old resident said, "The first wealth
is the sea. We cannot thank the sea enough, as our ancestors well knew" (Kyodo, 30 July
2007).1"
� "OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS PRECIOUS" The Okinawa Prefecture Government's "Outline
of Okinawa" explains prized aspects of Okinawa's natural environment that distinguish
the prefecture from other parts of Japan. Okinawa is "Japan's only prefecture in the
subtropical latitudes. It enjoys a mild climate all year round. With schools of brightly
colored tropical fish, the coral reef seas support a rich profusion of life. And in the
forests of northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island live rare animals such as the
Yambaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail) and the Iriomote Wildcat, known worldwide as rare and
important creatures" (2008). 146
Contemporary songs by popular Okinawan musicians praise Okinawa's beauty for being
something precious that should be protected.
� Okinawa folk-pop band BEGIN
composed the song titled "Shimanchu
nu Takara (Islander's Treasure),"
which explains that the islands'
unique nature and history are a
different kind of affluence from
material wealth. In 2002, NH K's
Naha branch used it as the
broadcaster's "image song," which
commemorated the 30th anniversary
of Okinawa's reversion. 149 BEGIN
performed the song on national
television as recently as 18 April 2011
on a Fuji TV variety show. 15
POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT REINFORCES NARRATIVE
"I might not know what to
do about the polluted coral
or the disappearing fish,
but I do know better than
anyone the gradual
changes of the ocean.
That's an islander's
treasure." --BEGIN 147
Okinawa broadcaster RBC uses the song for the opening
theme of a weekly TV program by the same name. 148
� Okinawan singer Cocco highlights the fragile beauty of Okinawa's environment in her
2007 hit song "The Hill of Dugongs" (Dugong no mieru oka). 151 152 The dugong is a sea
mammal whose image is commonly used by anti-base activists and conservationists to
represent the potential environmental impact of the relocation of MCAS Futenma to the
northern part of Okinawa. Cocco has performed the song on national television as
recently as 25 March 2011 on TV Asahi's "Music Station." 153
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31 Okinawa's Master Narratives / "Okinawa Is a Beautiful Island"
WHAT'S IN A WORD? "CHURAI" In the Okinawan dialect,
"chura" is an adjective meaning "beautiful." It is often
used to describe the island, ocean, and people. Its
prevalence in Okinawa indicates widespread familiarity
with a theme of the narrative.
� OSC's survey of the comprehensive news archive
Nikkei Telecom 21 found a strong upward trend in
Okinawa's major dailies' usage of the phrase
"Chura Shima" (beautiful island). Use of the term
went from 67 instances in 1997, to 298 in 2002, to
2,045 in 2010. 154
� Professor Osamu Tada, in a 2011 essay, said that
the 2001 NHK television drama "Churasan"
imbued the word "chura" with an imaginative
power. 155 "Churasan" propagated images of
Okinawa all over Japan every morning for half a
year. Its average viewership was 22.2% in the
Kanto region, according to Japan's leading
provider of TV viewing metrics. 156
UNCLASSIFIED // FOUO
NHK's TV drama "Churasan" spread
images of a warm, nostalgic Okinawa
throughout Japan (image: NHK). 157
Okinawa's "Chura Umi Aquarium"
opened in 2002. It celebrates the beauty
of the sea (image: Chura Umi website).
158
NARRATIVE IN ACTION Okinawa's political leaders use the beautiful island narrative in a variety of
policy contexts that range from environmental initiatives to the relocation of Marine Corps Air
Station Futenma to Nago City's Henoko area.
o Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima established the "Okinawa All Island Greening
Project" in June of 2008. The charter, signed by Nakaima as the project's chairman,
says that "green space is disappearing... This project takes a 100-year outlook on
greening activities. We will prepare for natural disasters by creating windbreaks and
tide barriers as well as green our roads, city parks, public buildings, and houses. We
will create a lush, verdant, beautiful island." 159
� Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine, during his 2010 election bid for the position, campaigned
on a platform opposed to the relocation of Futenma to Nago City's Henoko area.
According to a video clip uploaded to YouTube by the Asahi News Network on 22
January 2010, Inamine, when announcing his candidacy, said, "I will not allow the
construction of a new base on Henoko's beautiful Oura Bay." 160
Okinawan activists opposed to development projects or US basing facilities frequently link their
cause to larger environmental concerns -- as opposed to more localized ones such as noise
pollution. In so doing, the activists have broadened their cause by appealing to national
environmentalist organizations.
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32 Okinawa's Master Narratives! "Okinawa Is a Beautiful Island"
� A Nago citizen's group used the slogan, "Protect Oura
Bay!" to protest Japanese Foreign Minister Gemba's
visit to Nago City Hall on 19 October 2011, and
Defense Minister Ichikawa's visit to Camp Schwab on
17 October 2011, according to photographs posted to
the website of the Japan-based civic group
RIMPEACE.161 162 The Nago citizen's group,
composed of members from the 10 communities north
of Futami near Camp Schwab, says its mission is to
"protect the natural beauty of Yanbaru (Northern
Okinawa) and a way of life," according to its official
website. 163
� The Nago Municipal Council of Peace and Democracy
Against Offshore Helicopter Base Construction, which
operates a sit-in tent at Henoko from 0800 until 1600
daily, uses the slogan "No Base! Save the Dugong" in
a banner hung on Camp Schwab's fence (23 July 2011). 1
UNCLASSIFIED HFOU0
N,..1\10 NEW.BASIDNEASEN
The so-called "tent village" standing
protest near Camp Schwab
distributes, among other materials,
stickers with the slogan, "Protect life.
No new base in Henoko." It bears
the image of a dugong.
64
� The Japanese chapters of international environmentalist organizations appear to support
Okinawan activists' environmental concerns. For example, the World Wide Fund For
Nature Japan lists "encouraging [residents] to be actively involved in conservation" as
one of its objectives related to the preservation of Ishigaki's Shiraho coral reef. 165
Greenpeace Japan made "preservation of the dugong's habitat" its central argument
against Futenma's relocation to Henoko in a 2009 statement. 166
Okinawa media do not appear to make the beautiful island narrative central to their arguments
against the US military presence. They do, however, pay close attention to and frequently report
on specific environmental incidents related to US bases or suspected US military activities.
� OSC surveyed the editorials of Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times for one year ending
in November 2011. Of the 82 editorials that discussed "nature," 15 made claims about
the US military's perceived negative environmental impacts. For example, a Ryukyu
Shimpo editorial from 27 April 2011 -- in the form of an open letter to visiting Senators
Carl Levin and Jim Webb -- described the location of the planned Futenma Relocation
Facility as a "precious sea" inhabited by dugongs. 167
� Okinawa's two main newspapers pay close attention to and frequently report on suspected
base pollution. Ryukyu Shimpo has called for revising the US-Japan Status of Forces
Agreement to make the United States responsible for environmental cleanup. Under
Article 4 of the current SOFA, the United States is not obliged to restore returned areas to
the condition received (30 May 2011). 168 169 Okinawa Times urged US and Japanese
Governments to probe into the suspected past storage and disposal of "highly toxic
herbicides" like Agent Orange at US facilities in order to "dispel public unease" (16
August 2011).17�
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33 Okinawa's Master Narratives / "Okinass a Is a Beautiful Island"
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� Similarly, Okinawa's local television broadcasters pay attention to suspected pollution
related to US military activities. Fuji TV-affiliated Okinawa Television reported that
locals were opposed to the relocation of live-firing training to lo-Torishima Island
because of "fears over the destruction of the natural environment" (26 July 2011).171 The
TV Asahi-affiliated Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, as part of its long-running
series "Examination: Unchanging Base Situation," featured allegations that during the
Vietnam War, Agent Orange was stored at Camp Schwab, and aired clips of Nago City
residents who expressed concerns over health issues (9 November 2011).172 173
Okinawa media also present the island's natural environment as a draw for tourism and thus an
asset for economic development.
� Ryukyu Shimpo has asserted on multiple occasions that Okinawa's mainstay industry is
tourism that "makes good use of [Okinawa's] beautiful and subtropical nature" (15 May
2011, 8 January 2011).174 175 The Okinawa Times praised Governor Nakaima's
envisioned "Okinawa version of Green New Deal" for "making good use of Okinawa's
precious nature" (1 December 2010). 176
TOUR COMPANIES USE 'BEAUTIFUL ISLAND' TO SELL TOURS, PUT POSITIVE SPIN ON US BASES
Mainland Japanese airlines operate tour packages to Okinawa and borrow heavily from the
beautiful island narrative to advertise their tour packages.
� All Nippon Airways (ANA) advertised its Okinawa vacation package with the slogan,
"Blue skies and ocean! Take ANA to 'Okinawa' -- the eternal summer paradise" (ANA
website, 2011). 177
� Yuji Arakaki, professor of tourism industry at the Faculty of International Studies at
Meio University in Okinawa, said in a 2009 essay that Japan's airlines have contributed
to "Okinawa's enduring image as Japan's tropical resort island." 178
Travel guides about Okinawa that are published by Tokyo-based
publishers often portray the US presence as a draw for tourists.
� Japan Airlines' electronic guidebook to Okinawa describes the
island's central region as "an exciting area where many US
bases and foreigners can be observed." 179
� A Tokyo publisher's 2010 Walking Guide to Okinawa
describes the areas around US bases as an appealing
combination of "old Okinawa" and "American retro town."'"
Shobunsha's "Walking Guide
to Okinawa" (2010) 181
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AUDIENCE RESONANCE In surveys Okinawans say that they highly value their natural environment,
which suggests that the narrative resonates widely.
� The Okinawa Prefecture Government polled Okinawans from six age groups living in the
prefecture's five regions and found that 88% said that the "abundant natural environment
(including the blue oceans and unique creatures)" is one of the most important "merits of
Okinawa" that should be protected (2009). 182
� The Prefecture held an essay contest for high school students in 2009 in which students
were asked to describe their "image of Okinawa in 20 years." According to the
prefectural government's analysis of the responses, slightly more than 55% of students
included "natural environment," "landscape and scenery," "animals," or "environmentally
sustainable society" as important elements for Okinawa's future. 183
� Discussion on a popular Okinawa-based online message board also provides anecdotal
evidence of the resonance of this narrative. Many users of Okinawa Uwasa Banashi said
they oppose land reclamation projects because they would threaten Okinawa's natural
environment and increase flood vulnerability in a tsunami. 184 185
IMPLICATIONS Okinawan support for preserving the environment presents challenges to alliance
managers.
� Okinawans probably will want new base construction projects to be undertaken with high
regard for the environment. Likewise, they will want returned US base land to undergo
thorough environmental remediation measures -- an issue likely to grow in relevance as
the United States returns more land to Japan as part of US efforts to consolidate its forces
on Okinawa.
� US actions demonstrating a policy of good stewardship of base land, such as quick and
transparent responses to accidents that could be detrimental to the environment, could
help assuage the public's concern.
� Any messaging about a policy of good stewardship, however, would possibly be viewed
skeptically by the general Okinawan public and would almost certainly be met with
suspicion on the part of Okinawa's news media. Only a few minority groups, like the
Ornithological Society of Japan, have argued that US military land has helped preserve
wildlife habitat by preventing Japanese development. 186
Okinawa may pressure Tokyo to expand environmental guarantees for base land -- including
revision of SOFA provisions on environmental remediation.
� The 24 November 2011 bilateral agreement to amend the implementation of SOFA,
which allows Japan jurisdiction over some accidents involving civilian staff at US
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military bases, spurred Okinawa's governor and local media editorialists to reiterate their
desires for "drastic" revision of SOFA.J
� In February 2011, Governor Nakaima visited Tokyo and requested that then-Prime
Minister Naoto Kan make efforts to "improve the environment" of base land planned for
return. Asahi Shimbun called this a "vital issue" for Okinawa, which regards returned
land as "key to its economic development." The daily explained that Okinawa has been
seeking SOFA revisions (21 August 2011). 187
For more, see the 1 December 2011, OSC Report, " Japan -- After SOFA Accord, Widespread Okinawa Demand
for 'Drastic' Revisions" (IPP20111201215001).
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36 Okinawa's Master Narratives! "Okinawa Can Again Become a Crossroads 0 r Asia"
"Okrinawa Can An 3ecorne a Crossroads of Asco4"
UNCLASSIFIED //FOUO
The Asia crossroads narrative has been advanced by Okinawan political leaders to envision a
future identity for Okinawa that is not centered on the US bases and Tokyo's economic
compensation for their presence. The narrative is loosely inspired by historical accounts that
portray the Ryukyu Kingdom as a geographic crossroads for Asian trade and cultural exchange.
The narrative resonates with Okinawans to the extent that it describes the origins of their distinct
culture, but it is probably not deeply felt like the victimization or discrimination narratives. The
narrative overlaps with aspects of the US message about the alliance, which presents positive
opportunities for the United States.
�����""'
VICTIMIZATION DISCRIMINATION
PEACEFUL PEOPLE
..-����""
BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
ASIA CROSSROADS
"Long ago, our ancestors travelled the ocean and prospered though trade with China and
Southeast Asia. The memory of Okinawa as a bridge of peace and friendship still lives in
our hearts. We have a future as a crossroads of exchange and trade in Asia."
DESCRIPTION The inspiration for the narrative comes from historical
accounts of the Ryukyu Kingdom's golden age of trade. In the
narrative, Okinawa will prosper economically and culturally by acting
as a bridge to the world and by playing a stabilizing role in the region.
� "BRIDGE TO THE WORLD" In 1458, Ryukyu King Sho Taikyu
ordered the casting of the "Bell Bridging All Countries." 88
The bell's inscription, which is displayed in the present-day
Okinawa governor's reception room, describes how the
Ryukyu Kingdom took advantage of its geographic location:
"Our Ryukyu is located in a superb location in the South Sea.
We have learned advanced Korean culture and built
indispensable relations with China and amicable ties with
Japan. Our country is like Horai Island [a legendary land
where immortals live] amid the countries in East Asia.
Through trade, we played the role of a bridge between
countries." 1"
� "REGIONAL HARMONY, PROSPERITY" Okinawan historian
Kurayoshi Takara described the Ryukyu Kingdom's trade
network as the "Silk Road of the Ocean" that tied China,
Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia together in peaceful
relations. 190 Such connections between Okinawa's trade and
regional peace are a common feature of historical accounts
produced in Okinawa. 191 192
� "UNIQUE COMPOSITE OF INFLUENCES" A brochure produced by the
BELL EXEMPLIFIES IMAGE
A replica of the "Bell
Bridging All Countries"
hangs at Shun i Castle.
The folding screen in the
Okinawa governor's
reception room carries the
bell's inscription (OSC-
annotated images from
Okinawa Prefecture and
Ryukyu Shimpo).
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Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau to introduce the prefecture to non-Okinawans
says, "International influences melded with local traditions and inspiration [to produce] a
unique and brilliant culture -- a rich harvest of a long history." 193
This narrative draws on historical images that are well known
among Okinawans and the broader Japanese public. This
familiarity is due, in part, to public broadcaster NHK, which has
portrayed idealized versions of the Ryukyu Kingdom's golden
age in widely televised dramas popular in mainland Japan.
� An NHK drama that aired in 2011, "The Tempest," takes
place at a time when the Ryukyu Kingdom is attempting
to balance the regional influences of China and Japan in
the 19th Century. The program's opening explains, "The
independent Ryukyu Kingdom existed in the space
between two great powers: admitted as a kingdom
under the authority of the Chinese emperor but at the
same time subject to the control of Japan's Satsuma
domain."194
� Chief editor of the Okinawa-published art magazine
EDGE explained in an online column for Yomiuri
Shimbun that NHK's 1993 drama "The Winds of
Ryukyu" -- along with other popularizations of
Okinawan culture in Japan in the 1990s -- contributed
to a mainland image of Okinawa as "a foreign country
that speaks Japanese" and as an "Asia without the need
for a passport." 195 196
NHK's 2011 drama "The Tempest"
portrays a Ryukyu Kingdom
embroiled in political intrigue.
NHK's 1993 drama "Winds of
Ryukyu" is credited with helping to
popularize exotic aspects of
Okinawan culture with a Japanese
audience.
NARRATIVE IN ACTION Since at least the late 1990s, the Okinawa Prefecture Government has cast
its future vision for the island as a logical extension of the Ryukyu
Kingdom's legacy as an economic and cultural crossroads of Asia.
The idea of making Okinawa a regional trade hub emerged soon
after reversion in the 1970s.
� In 2010, the Nakaima administration issued its "Okinawa
21st Century Vision." It highlighted Okinawa's crossroads
history as a source of inspiration: "Okinawa, as a one-time
maritime nation known as the 'Ryukyu Kingdom,' conducted
exchanges with distant places like Japan, Korea, China, and
Southeast Asia, propagating culture and creating new value
[for the region]" (31 March 2010).197
� In the late 1990s, the Ota administration released its
"Blueprint for Creating a Cosmopolitan City." It similarly
Okinawa Prefecture's "21st
Century Vision" claims
inspiration from the past.
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recalled Okinawa's past: "In the Ryukyu Kingdom era, Okinawa was an important trading
hub of Asia, actively trading with Southeast and East Asian countries. Okinawa has a
richer and longer history of international exchange than any other part of Japan (1996)."
198
Okinawa's media, as well as left-leaning national media, use the crossroads narrative as a model
for cooperative and mutually beneficial international relations based on economic trade.
� Okinawa Times, in an editorial criticizing
the Kan administration's handling of the 7
September 2010 incident in which a Chinese
fishing vessel rammed a Japanese Coast
Guard vessel, argued that Tokyo should
"utilize Okinawa's history as a bridge
between nations to improve Sino-Japanese
relations" and use dialogue to resolve the
territorial dispute over the Senkaku islands
(26 September 2()10). 200
7.3..1rt
� The Asahi Globe, a bimonthly Internet
magazine owned by the national daily Asahi
Shimbun, ran an extensive four-part feature 77,V3
on "moving to a base-free economy" in 2010
that drew heavily from the crossroads
narrative. "Many people in Okinawa feel _
pride in drawing concentric circles around
Okinawa because it recalls, in their minds, This map from the Asahi Globe feature compares
the Ryukyu Kingdom's era of trading and Okinawa's historic trade routes with current and
helps them remember their forefathers who planned international flights from Naha airport:99
went abroad with great ambition" (20 September 2010). 201
"fat 4,1*
SOOka
n 4=11
/ 10001=
\
ISOOkas
2000kla
25001,,
AUDIENCE RESONANCE The crossroads narrative probably resonates with Okinawans to the extent
that it describes the origins of their distinct culture, but it does not appear to present a compelling
alternative vision for the future of the island.
� Okinawa Prefecture's most recent polls in 2009 and 2005 showed that the public rates
.)
"Okinawa's distinct culture" as one of the prefecture's most important strengths. 202 20
� The Prefecture conducted a survey in 2009 that asked Okinawans to describe their vision
for the future. Slightly more than 9% of respondents said that "international exchange,"
"international collaboration and contributions," "various exchanges," and "transportation"
were important issues in the future. About 44% said "safety and security" (anzen/anshin)
and "community issues -- such as, healthcare, child-rearing, disaster prevention, and US
military bases" -- would be important. 204
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Younger Okinawans seem to value a hybrid identity -- one that combines the values of the
Ryukyu legacy with current-day life. Indeed, they likely will reject the narrative's heavy
emphasis on the past as the only source of Okinawa's present-day cultural uniqueness.
� Japanese anthropologist and professor at Kyushu University Yoshinobu Ota, who has
conducted extensive research on indigenous cultural-political movements, contends that
young Okinawans reject mass media images of Okinawa that only refer to the legacy of
the Ryukyu Kingdom. Instead, they relate to a "hybrid identity" that incorporates
elements of current-day life as depicted in Japanese mass media with their experiences
gained from living around US military bases. 205
� According to a series of polls from 2005-2007 funded by the Foreign Ministry,
respondents aged 18-25 identified most strongly as "Okinawan but Japanese," whereas
the general population identified most strongly as "Okinawan" (Okinawa-j in). 206
The crossroads narrative tends to glorify a period when China was dominant in Asia. A
depiction of such a romanticized past, however, probably does not translate into a present day
cultural affinity toward China.
� Whatever affinity they have for China, Okinawans see
their own culture as distinct from Chinese influences.
Okinawa Prefecture's survey data suggest that people
strongly value a "distinct" (dokutoku) Okinawan culture
and history. 208 209
� A 2007 telephone poll found that fewer than 2% of
Okinawan respondents said they would support a
Chinese team in a hypothetical sports match, whereas
almost 94% said they would support Japan. 210
In the long term, it is possible that Okinawans could come to
have a greater affinity for China, depending on their experience
with the growing number of Chinese tourists.
� According to numbers obtained from the
Okinawa Prefecture Tourism Policy
Division, there were 23,800 tourists from
mainland China who visited Okinawa in
2010; this represents a 14% increase over
2009. Though trending upward, the
overall share of PRC tourists to Okinawa
remains a small percentage of both foreign
tourists (8%) and overall tourists (0.4%). 211
An Okinawan group re-enacts Edo-
nobori in 2011 at a festival in
Okinawa City (Okinawa Times, 24
July 2011).207. Edo-nobori were
envoys sent by the Ryukyu
Kingdom to mainland Japan; they
were elaborate displays that
exaggerated the kingdom's cultural
similarity with China.
5.45m, 95%
Japanese tourists W of Okinawa's tourists
visited Okinawa in 2010 came from Japan in 2010
23,800 0.4%
Chinese tourists
of Okinawa's tourists
visited Okinawa in 2010 came from the PRC in 2010
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IMPLICATIONS Influential figures who use the crossroads narrative often implicitly, but sometimes
explicitly, present the US bases as obstacles to a prosperous future. At the same time, most
appear to be realistic about the prospects for finding a credible alternative to the bases,
suggesting that the narrative does not present a near-term challenge to the political sustainability
of the base presence. Conversely, the narrative might provide opportunities to highlight the role
of the bases in fostering a stable environment for regional economic integration.
� The Okinawa Prefecture Government
removed language from its March 2010
version of the "21st Century Vision" that
explicitly called for a peaceful Okinawa
without bases ("kiehi no nai" Okinawa).
212 The most recent version from April
2011 called for achieving a peaceful
Okinawa by "aiming to consolidate and
reduce US military bases, solving the
various issues caused by the bases, and
smoothly promoting the appropriate use
of former sites." 21i This change suggests
that pragmatic elements within the
prefectural government seek to preserve
the economic quid pro quo with Tokyo
over US bases.
This is the site of
returned bases, of
course!
/
A pane from a comic available from the Okinawa
Prefecture Government online with OSC-translated
text (2010)
� The Okinawa Prefecture Government has been unable to articulate a concrete funding
source for a vision of Okinawa without bases -- a point highlighted by Okinawa's media.
For example, in an editorial skeptical of the prefectural government's "21st Century
Vision," Okinawa Times predicted that it would be "vital to secure the necessary budget
from Tokyo in order to realize the vision" but noted that currently that budget "comes
from the high subsidies founded on the concentration of US bases here" (30 September
2009). 214
Some of the narrative's themes overlap with the US message on the alliance, providing
opportunities for the United States.
� By emphasizing Okinawa's role in a more internationally engaged Japan, for example, the
United States would be reinforcing the notion that Okinawa acts as a bridge to the world.
In the words of the Okinawa Prefecture Government's "Outline of Okinawa," Okinawans
pride themselves on their "600-year history of international exchange" as a "crossroads of
Asia." 215
� Okinawans might be receptive to the message that US forces in Okinawa provide security
and stability if they saw a connection with Okinawa's goals of economic integration with
and outreach to the rest of Asia.
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41 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED // FOUO
[Online Publication1 Public Relations Division, Executive Office of the Governor, Okinawa Prefecture
Government 1 Outline of Okinawa Prefecturel 1 2008 1 1 http://www.prefokinawa.jp1 Accessed on 21 October 2011
1]
2 [Book1 ( Kurayoshi TAKARA ) 1 FAMT gl (Ryukyu Kingdom) 1 1 20 January 1993 1 1 1 11
3 [Book1 Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education 1 The History and Culture of Okinawal 1 31 March 2000 1 1 1 1]
4 [Book1 Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education 1 The History and Culture of Okinawa l 1 31 March 2000 1 1 1 1]
5 [Blog1 1 b` 4: )tin [Katsubotatsu Okinawa] 1 1 24 June 2007 1 1 http://katubotatu.ti-da.net/e1579031.html 1
Accessed on 2 August 201111
6 [Newspaper1 Toni U.S. Army Garrison Japan Weekly Newspaper1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Okinawa Cultural
Awareness Seminar1 1 4 February 2011 1 1 http://www.scribd.com/doc/71088570/Torii-U-S-Army-Garrison-Japan-
weekly-newspaper-Feb-4-2010-edition1 Accessed on 05 January 2012 1 Mr. Nakamoto calculated 94,000 Okinawan
civilians and 28,000 local Okinawan soldiers among the battle's 200,000 casualties.]
[Book1 )C51111Eflli [Kenzaburo OE]l Alt/ �F [Okinawa Notes] 1 121 September 1970 1 1 111
8 [OSC I OSC ID: JPP20110422147001 1 22 April 2011 1 I Kyodo: Japan Court Finalizes Judgment in Favor of
Novelist Oe in World War II Suit1 1 (U)1 (U)1 Tokyo Kyodo World Service in English -- English service of Japan's
largest domestic and international news agency, owned by nonprofit cooperative of 63 newspaper companies and
NHK]
9 [Television1NHK 1')�X 1E13Kgi ig 50 1E X 2 1=1 Mk "51/44:1"O1tta [US-Japan Security Treaty 50-Years,
Series Part 2: Okinawa, Price of "Peace"]1 1 15 December 2010 1 1 1 1]
I� [Book1 ISBN978-4-903972-015 I 5 t �EY6#21K [Uchina Sightseeing Textbook]1 1 31 March 2008 1 1
http://www.ocvb.or.jp/1 Accessed on 17 June 2011 1 The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) was
formed in April 1996. According to its official website, OCVB is the single only public-private integrated parent
organization in Okinawa for promoting tourism throughout the prefecture." Its mission is "to re-establish a strong
and efficient system of tourism promotion in Okinawa by unifying and integrating the tourism and convention
fields."]
" [Book1 Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education 1 The History and Culture of Okinawal 1 31 March 2000 1 1 1 1]
12 [Blog1 "DU'1 "D [Katsubotatsu Okinawa]1 1 24 June 2007 1 I http://katubotatu.ti-da.net/e1579031.html 1
Accessed on 2 August 20111]
13 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20070605969111 1 5 June 2007 1 I Kyodo: Sculptor Exhibits 100-Meter Relief Depicting
Battle of Okinawal 1 (U)1(U)1 Tokyo Kyodo World Service in English -- English service of Japan's largest
domestic and international news agency, owned by nonprofit cooperative of 63 newspaper companies and NHK]
14 [Internet Sitel 1 MEt.12,4:tt [Tsushima Memorial Museum]1 1 n/a1 1
http://www.tsushimamaru.or.jp/jp/kinenkan/kinenkanl.html 1 Accessed on 12 July 20111]
15 [Television 1NHK 1 ''.71.) �X El *Vig 50 * X 2 1=1 "Ii"�f [US-Japan Security Treaty 50-Years,
Series Part 2: Okinawa, Price of "Peacell 115 December 2010 1 1 1 1]
16 [Song 1 NY-11* [Rinsho KADEKARU] I FIVVD5141. [Jidai no nagare --the flow of time]1 1 1960 1 1 1 1
Folk song first recorded by Kadekaru Rinsho in the early 1960s.]
17 [Song1 PI [Takashi HIRAYASU]1 05/41 [The Flow of Time] 1 1 20 September 2000 1 1 1 1]
18 [Book1 Yoshinobu Otal Appropriating Media, Resisting Power: Representations of Hybrid Identities in
Okinawan Popular Culturel 1 1 January 1997 1111 Chapter from, "Between resistance and revolution: cultural
politics and social protest," edited by Richard Gabriel Fox and Orin Starn, published by Publisher Rutgers
University Press, 1997. ISBN 0813524164, 9780813524160.]
19 [Film 1 1 0'6 Isb v) 0)4 (1953 If 0 [Himeyuri-no Tou, 1953 version]1 1 1953 1 1 1 11
Open Source Center
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
selected media and has not been coordinated with other US
Government components.
UNCLASSIFI ED//FOU0
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
42 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
20 [Film I 08) Kb V) 0)�4 (1982 If 0 [Himeyuri-no Tou, 1982 version] I 112 June 1982IIII1
21 [Newspaper I I Mk -fuiJZ.. T-1.1 [Okinawa Times Morning Edition] I jWZNIIII 9 � 2 9 A.R
)c,A, tillytA5A/L;E3 ] / [ ttfs-46a3z71, tzt,�1- ] ( 0 ) / 1 ic13421c.R4 / **-WA-Tt ( 7 8 )
0,6Kbv).*ami w0), S ["Group Suicide" Okinawan 29 September protest rally to
withdrawal the Approval Statement! Querying tampered textbooks! Part one: survivors! Kikuko Miyagi (78)
Himeyuri survivor! School friend received grenade from Japanese military] I 2 September 2007 I 211 1 I rX11111
41-111=1 9 2 9 A.K ITITAA5A/2511 / [ Vifs=1.2271, tizA- ] ( 1 0 ) / 1 fl,3121** /
( 78 ) 5Z0�614) v)42aPg / TO*43-4, tz]
22 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20110921969067 121 September 20111 I Jiji: Okinawa's Nakaima Opposes Futenma
Relocation by "bayonets And Bulldozers"I 1 (U)1(U) I Tokyo Jiji Press in English -- English-language news service
ofJiji Press, Ltd., a private press agency]
23 [Newspaper I I iriMiWttafil [Ryukyu Shimpo Morning Edition] I < 9 � 2 9 4111118:1licz>PcNic
.A'�\0011-tcfR)( I, [Comments from Municipal Leaders on the Okinawan Protest Rally of September 29
To Reverse [Education Ministry's] Textbook Examination]1 30 September 2007 I 1 I I]
2411 -f .A7\ NT-1.1 [Okinawa Times Morning Edition] I 3:1.4019VZ(.7.34Ph / AA � 9i1:1.
jI / 1MVA 1.1.L YzAn / VII [Preoccupied with Formal Response/Many Unknowns Over How
Government Will Take It/ Prime Minister Forced by Developments] I 26 August 2004 I 3 I I I
25 [Blog I I E.�-f9aitS*1.1114 ORIA (I3M� E-Mig) [Kansai Implementation Committee for a Victory in
the Decisive Battle in Sanrizuka (Kanjitsu Sanrizuka)] I -..-0)4#01 X 4 (DlitiCaSi' ( Olt �t &WA
01 ) [Okinawa Today, Fourth Ryukyu Shobun (Speech by Shoichi CHIBANA)] 115 February 2011 I 1 I
Accessed on 7 June 2011 I Kansai Implementation Committee for a Victory in the Decisive Battle in Sanrizuka is a
group that was formed in 1977 to support anti-Narita International Airport activities and are putting up a "joint
struggle" with the Farmers' League Against Narita Airport to prevent Japan from "going on a path toward a war."]
26 [Book I I 44.fiftlktiiIMA, [Okinawa History Education Research Association] I YiliMb` 6 RA fk/151A.
[Scenes of History from Okinawa] I1 I 29 September 2010 I 1 1 I ]
27 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20110630004001 I 30 June 20111 I Japan: Okinawa Local TV Evening News 30 Jun 11 I I
1J)1(U)11
20 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20100813969035 113 August 2010 I I Kyodo: Lead: Gov. Nakaima Renews Call for
Removing U.S. Base Risk on Crash Anniv. I 1(U) (U) I Tokyo Kyodo World Service in English -- English service
of Japan's largest domestic and international news agency, owned by nonprofit cooperative of 63 newspaper
companies and NHK]
29 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20100813017002 113 August 2010 1 I Japan: Okinawa Local TV Evening News 13 Aug 10
1 I (U) I (U)1]
30 [Online Publication I 414471,1h-Efig131LIAMIMN [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division] IM
7 AR1.411-TaIMNSS [7th Report on Prefecture Citizen's preferences] I I 1 October 2009 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawaig.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 I Accessed on 15 June 2011 1
The division's 2009 poll, conducted roughly every five years, found that respondents ranked "not taking things
seriously," "having a narrow outlook," and "having too many relationships" as the top three "shortcomings."
"Feelings of victimhood" ranked ninth in 2009 and eighth in 2005.]
3' [Online Publication I 44,ATTILIW-ifil3ik.rfaiMa [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division] IM
6 1:1A.RiNALLftZ9A [6th Report on Prefecture Citizen's Preferences] I I 1 October 2005 I I
http://www3.prefokinawalg.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 I Accessed on 15 June 2011 I]
Open Source Center
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
selected media and has not been coordinated with other US
Government components.
UNCLASSIFIEDHFOU0
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
43 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
32 [Brochure l 1 444147,114A4fitMetit *1:1 0 tR" [Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum:
Conveying our hearts of peace to the world] 1 1 1 April 2000 1 1 1 1]
33 [Online Publication 1 Aniya Masaaki, The Okinawa Times, and Asahi Shimbun l The Asia Pacific Journal Japan
Focus Compulsory Mass Suicide, the Battle of Okinawa, and Japan's Textbook Controversy1 6 January 2008 1 1
http://www.japanfocus.org/-Aniya-Masaaki/2629 1 Accessed on 8 June 2011 1]
34 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20080324023001 1 24 March 2008 1 1Japan: Okinawa Editorials 24 Mar on Rally Against
Crimes Involving US Soldiers1 1 (U)1 (U)1]
35 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20100528969045 1 28 May 2010 1 1 Kyodo: Overview of Futenma Base Relocation Issuel 1
(U)1 (U)1 Tokyo Kyodo World Service in English -- English service of Japan's largest domestic and international
news agency, owned by nonprofit cooperative of 63 newspaper companies and NHK]
36 [Book1 Masamichi S. Inoue Okinawa and the US Military: Identity Making in the Age of Globalization 1 ISBN
10: 0-231-13890-3 1 2007 1 1 1 1]
37 [Book 1 Chalmers Johnson 1 Okinawa: Cold War Island 1 The 1995 rape incident and the rekindling of Okinawan
protest against the American bases1 1999 1 1 1 1ISBN: 9780967364209]
38 [OSC I I OSC ID: FT519951022000287 1 22 October 1995 1 1 Local Paper Reviews Mass Rallyl 1(U) 1(U) 1
39 [OSC I I OSC ID: FTS19951022090288 122 October 1995 1 1 Editorial on Okinawan Protest Rally1 1(U)1(U)11
40 [Newspaper1 IttilfiN [Ryukyu Shimpo]1 -�Dt VEIMPAV, / r SRLi,jt gAltilT314 **MX
Editorial: The Prime Minister's Policy Speech! We Want the Elimination of Discrimination
Rather Than [Words of] ''Gratitude" -- His Resolution To Settle the Futenma Issue Was Not Felt1 112 June 2010 1 1
I I
41 [Newspaper I lialm* [Ryukyu Shimpo]1 rSAIJ Azi31 I)) [, )31(icetil r PX,A (Wit!
a Confrontation Between the Okinawa Prefecture Government [and the US Government] Over [the Possible Use
of the Word] "Gratitude" in US President Clinton's Speech at the "Cornerstone of Peace" [in the Peace Memorial
Park]1 19 July 20101 1 1 1]
42
[Newspaper1 1 Mit -f .A [Okinawa Times]1t�V, > F>iozcla
[Editorial: President Clinton's Speech -- What Is the Spirits of the Cornerstone of Peace?]1 22 July 2000 1 1 1 1]
43 [Newspaper 1 tl H frU1HT!) [Asahi Shimbun Morning Editionfi ( > Mplii` 6
rrack 1, P.:** � )0431+4 t A. [Thinking from Okinawa, Interview with Author Tatsuhiro
Oshiro Published "Futenma Yo"]1 1 7 July 2011 1 15 1 1 1 Prime Minister Naoto Kan, at a 4 June 2010 press
conference at the DPJ's main office, said he had been reading Oshiro's novel "Ryukyu Shobun" because "It is
particularly important for me to deepen my understanding of Okinawa's history." He referenced the same novel
again when he visited Okinawa and met with Governor Nakaima December 2010.]
44
[Newspaper' t W651 fil [Mainichi Shimbun Evening Edition] 4610)-Iti: (C. Ert - - 2 0 0 0 Vt.:::�.-
V F.NAT, VA VElif /MN [Aware of Okinawa's struggle-- Prime Minister Obuchi expresses his feelings
about decision to open 2000 Summit]1 1 30 April 1999131 I I]
45 [Book1 ISBN978-4-903972-015 1 t �1306ft21 [Uchina Sightseeing Textbook]1 1 31 March 2008 1 1
http://www.ocvb.or.jp/1 Accessed on 17 June 2011 1 The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) was
formed in April 1996. According to its official website, OCVB is "the single only public-private integrated parent
organization in Okinawa for promoting tourism throughout the prefecture." Its mission is "to re-establish a strong
and efficient system of tourism promotion in Okinawa by unifying and integrating the tourism and convention
fields."]
46 [Research paper1 A [Masahide OTA]l IN* V). Allfitt.R IN rig [Changes in public
awareness after the return of Okinawa] 1 11 March 1984 1 11-13 1 1 1ln 1966, the Todai Okinawa poll found 88.4%
of Okinawans preferred a complete reversion or gradual reversion to Japan. Ota compares this with a poll conducted
by Ryukyu University with a grant from the Ministry of Education in 1982, which found 57.9% of respondents who
either said reversion was "very good" or "somewhat good."]
Open Source Center
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
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Government components.
UNCLASSIFIED//FOU0
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
44 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
47 [Online Publication 1 1 41:40)1CTE.ith '7Y tz [US Military Issues in Okinawa] 1 1 2004 1 1
www3.pref.okinawa.jp/site/contents/attach/..Jpamphlet(Japan)pdfl Accessed on 1 February 2011 1]
48 [Newspaper1 NI 19 NM MI T11 [Asahi Shimbun Morning Edition] 1 1 5 gl* r440)t1/1113J *waith
tl 41 -74 Lt -E k=1I IFfi�7>'� F [Asahi Shimbun survey of governors finds 15 support "decreasing
the burden on Okinawa" but zero accepted receiving US bases]1 1 12 February 2010 1 1 1 1]
49 [Newspaper1 1 lial;OMIJ TO [Ryukyu Shimpo Morning Edition] 1 t A. ( -443Znit ) -f /
No),1411_ a 0 1 fflreM51, / r14041107�7.t.N.011112* A.R)c.i &I- 3 if [High School Teacher
Toshiaki Arashiro's guide book / Complementing Okinawa history in school text books / Three years from the
citizen's rally to repeal the official textbook certification]1 28 September 2010 1 30 1 1 1]
5� [Book1 1 414,ff [Okinawa History Education Research Association]1 Alhtli` 6 At PAR
[Scenes of History from Okinawa]11 1 29 September 2010 1 1 1 1]
51 [Television1NHK 1 5 If OE [The Story of a Century of Laughter in Okinawa] 1 1 18 June 2011 1 1 1
1 The show interviewed Tamaki Mitsuru -- well known in Okinawa as a singer in the Okinawa pop group Rinken
Band and now as a producer for a comic theater troupe. He described his "unforgettable memory" growing up in the
60s when, like the prewar period, some schools began enforcing a strict policy against using the local dialect at
school and reinstituted the use of "dialect tags."]
52 [Book1 Davinder L. Bhowmik1 Fractious Memories in Medoruma Shun's Tales of WarlImag(in)ing the war in
Japan: representing and responding to trauma in postwar literature and film 1 2010 1 1 1 1]
53 [Book 1 1E1 FrA [Shun MEDORUMA]1 413A 6( < (7)() [Mabuigumi]1 1July 1999 1 1 1 1
54 [Museum Exhibit1 1 RIMIXAt [Kihoin Shushukan]1 In/a1 1 http://www004.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kihouin/1
Accessed on 30 June 2011 1Kihoin consists of a temple and folk art museum and is located on Taketomi Island near
lshigaki in southern Okinawa Prefecture. Photos of Kihoin's "dialect tag" exhibit appear in Okinawa published texts
and guidebooks.]
55 [Book1 ISBN978-4-903972-015 1 5 t �E1316ft* [Uchina Sightseeing Textbook]1 I 31 March 2008 1 1
http://www.ocvb.or.jp/1Accessed on 17 June 2011 1 This text, produced by the Okinawa Convention and Visitors
Bureau -- "the only public-private integrated parent organization in Okinawa for promoting tourism throughout the
prefecture" -- detailed philosopher and founder of Tokyo's Folk Craft Museum Soetsu Yanagi's visit to Okinawa in
the 1930s. Yanagi criticized "standard Japanese [language] enforcement campaign" whereby Okinawa's school
children were punished for using local expressions and made to wear a "dialect tag" (hougen fuda), saying that it
"went too far." The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau credits Yanagi's visit with helping to trigger a
national "reflection" (hansei) over "mainland Japan's contempt for Okinawa" (2008).]
56 [Television1NHK 1 MIT If 0 VE [The Story of a Century of Laughter in Okinawa]1 118 June 2011 1 1 1
I The show interviewed Tamaki Mitsuru -- well known in Okinawa as a singer in the Okinawa pop group Rinken
Band and now as a producer for a comic theater troupe. He described his "unforgettable memory" growing up in the
60s when, like the prewar period, some schools began enforcing a strict policy against using the local dialect at
school and reinstituted the use of "dialect tags."]
57 [Internet Site 1 1 tR-0)r,/-1-->3-)C. AffORA� [Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival Executive
Committee]l'ffR-ODr)t �> )c [Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival]1 n/a1
http://www.wuf5th.com/index.php/ja/introductionlAccessed on 14 October 2011 1 According to the official website
of the 5th festival's organizing committee, the last festival in 2006 saw 4,937 participants from overseas (3 regions
and 21 countries). "They celebrated and nurtured their Uchinanchu identity through their meetings, friendship, and
shared heritage." The fifth festival took place 12-16 October 2011.]
58 [Newspaper1 1 nfil [Tokyo Yomiuri Shimbun Morning Edition]1 [ �]r ORM
Altaj At Inv= .$111141.1-M VEIL&R [Scanner: All of Okinawa's Mayors, Village Heads
Participate in Mass Rally, Decisively Express Their Opposition to the Prime Minister] I 4 April 2010 1 3 1 1 1]
Open Source Center
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
selected media and has not been coordinated with other US
Government components.
UNCLASSIFIED//FOU0
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
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45 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
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59 [Newspaper I IJ [Asahi Shimbun, Morning Edition] ( 24A-24 ) Wiffi r
5AGJtj E11.51E4 t 101] [The new Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Okinawa if 'settled over his head' is the
same mistakes" by Shinji Kimura1 16 June 2010 1 17 1 1 1]
60 [OSC1 IOSC ID: JPP20100425023001 1 25 April 2010 1 1Japan: NHK Reports on Okinawa Mass Rally Against
Futenma Relocation in prefecture 1 (U)1 (U)1 Tokyo NHK General Television in Japanese -- main channel of
Japan's public broadcast network Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK)]
61
[Newspaper 1 1 /I El NM (7x 0- ih 6 6 2IK v ) IR PM-1 AZ 6 [Asahi
Shimbun: Disappointed in a mainland unable to perceive the pain: Okinawa seeking Futenma's relocation outside of
the prefecture]1 1 13 May 2010 1 1 I 1]
62 [Newspaper1 1E43h151101H-11 [Tokyo Shimbun Morning Edition]1 t 6 was tk RA 3tz,\ FAINA
113111514A.V(h) 7-t.91') LACTit a 815XX 't -33MA t tiaA [Special news
department: start of the Kan administration, "Okinawa" unlucky star won't disappear, considering redoing access,
pork-barrel spending "can no longer be used" 1 8 June 2010 1 28 1 I ]
63 [Essay I Masahide OTA1 Beyond Hondo: Devolution and Okinawa I I 2003 I 1 1 1 ]
64 [Internet site I I Xlifi711:14itgii3MW [Ota Peace Reserch Institute] 1 n/aI 1 http://www.opri.jp/ 1 Accessed on
30 June 20111 Ota Peace Research Institute was formed in January I, 1999, and its president is Masahide Ota. The
pacifist organization is strongly anti-war and critical of the US presence in Okinawa.]
65 [Internet Site1 1 1E1 iffint� [Mainichi Shimbun Online] 1 : E1') j3 r 6 6 CrOck---5L10.-ClLt ttb`
ta 4 _I [Okinawa: the words "could be the sacrificed stone as 66 years ago"] 1 23 June 2011 1 I
http://mainichi.jp/select/wadai/news/20110623k0000e040083000c.html I Accessed on 27 June 2011 1]
66
[Newspaper1 t 9 WINJIIRJ [Mainichi Shimbun Saibu Morning Edition]1 IN* : 1I11 1J1
,441.4 Man OM A, = _-.4)mx [Elections: News section deputy chief Teruhisa
Mimori explains re-elected Okinawa Gov. Nakaima's government scheme]1 1 29 November 2010 1 24 1 I I]
67 OSC assessment of local versus national programming on Okinawa's commercial broadcasters during the week of
1 May 2011. For example, local programming averaged three hours per day for OTV, two hours for RBC, and two
hours I5-minutes for QAB, according to OSC's calculation based on program schedules published in Ryukyu
Shimpo (7 May 2011).]
68
[Newspaper1Ryukyu Shimpo 1 rEVAITLX5 75%_i 1111=PRMERK 3ZIfftriTfd5Itl 6 < i) [Okinawa
defense official said, "Would you say 'I will commit a crime' beforehand?' regarding the submission of the Henoko
environmental impact report]1 1 29 November 2011 1 1 1 1]
69 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20111129969107 I 29 November 2011 1 I Jiji: (update) Okinawa Defense Chief Sacked for
Gaffe Over Base Plan1 1 (U)1 (U)1 Tokyo Jiji Press in English -- English-language news service of Jiji Press, Ltd., a
private press agency]
70 [OSC1 I OSC ID: JPP20111204011001 1 5 December 20111 I Japan: State MATT JMA -- Morning Edition 5 Dec
11 I 1 (UHFOU0) I (UHFOU0)1 All of Japan's Saturday evening papers reported that DPJ policy chief Maehara
criticized Defense Minister Ichikawa on Saturday, 3 December 2011.]
71 [Newspaper I Okinawa Times I Okinawa Times1 13AriinA4Z : 07,M-e%1* re 6 ZifitSi (The ODB
Chief's Remarks: The Governor Calls Them "Extremely Regrettable" at the Prefectural Assembly) I 2 December
2011 1 1 1 10kinawa Governor Nakaima called the remarks "insulting and hurtful to the Okinawan people and
disdainful of women."]
72 [Newspaper I Okinawa Times Okinawa Times taint ARV:4W (Public Opinion Is in a Ferment; A
Severe Blow to the Government)1 30 November 2011 I 1 1 1 The mayors of Naha and Nago called the remarks
emblematic of Tokyo's discrimination against Okinawa (Okinawa Times, 30 November 2011).]
73 [Newspaper1 Ryukyu Shimpo I Ryukyu ShimpoI 13A4iM AMA mvta 44 0 MAR iY/S1
0)13.1,-ta (Editorial: The Dismissal of the ODB Chief: Is Okinawa Subject to Sexual Assaults? / [The Remarks]
Expose the Government's Sense of Discriminating [Okinawa]"1 30 November 20111111 Ryukyu Shimpo said that
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
UNCLASSIFIED//FOU0
Open Source Center
selected media and has not been coordinated with other US
Government components.
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
46 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
bureaucrats concerned with base policies have a "discriminatory mentality" toward Okinawa, which leads them to
assuming policies that force bases on Okinawa regardless of local opinion (30 November 2011).]
'4 [Newspaper 1 Ryukyu Shimpo 1 Ryukyu Shimpo l r ttift4i A NM, )313M2A.1/1-i-L-25As
("Contempt of the Okinawan People and Women": The Naha City Assembly Becomes the First To Adopt a Protest
Resolution) 1 2 December 2011 1 1 1 The Naha City Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on 1 December,
which said that the remarks "indicate the government's and bureaucrats' true intention to continue forcing bases on
Okinawa" and said they "expose [Tokyo's] contempt and discrimination of Okinawa" (Ryukyu Shimpo, 2 December
2011).]
'5 [Newspaper 1 Okinawa Times1 Okinawa Times 1 [YAINERRIA ] rWt J 20).fta
(Editorial: "The Dismissal of the ODB Chief' -- "Inadmissible" Double Contempt)! 30 November 2011 1 1 1 1
Okinawa Times said that the remarks show that the "structural discrimination" against Okinawa is a "deeply
embedded" mindset among bureaucrats and institutionalizes Tokyo's "offering up" of Okinawa to Washington (30
November 2011).]
76 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20111130969055 1 30 November 2011 1 30 November 2011 1 Asahi: Okinawa Furious Over
� Defense Official's Rape Remark1 1 (U)1 (U)1 The co-chair of the group Okinawa Women Act Against Military
Violence said, "This is what central government officials think as opposed to what they say. It reveals the
quintessence of the relationship between Yamato (mainland Japan) and Okinawa" (Asahi, 30 November 2011).]
77 [Online Publication 1 Mainichi Shimbun1Nikkei Telecom 211 EH 1:1=1� : TirktMCITE3.
r tif 2IK J AINA 8 6 6 (ODB Chief Tanaka Is Dismissed for the Inappropriate
Remarks: "This Is How the Government Really Looks at US" -- Rage and Resignation Among Okinawan People)1
30 November 2011 1 I http://t2I.nikkei.co.jp/1 Accessed on 30 November 2011 IA member of an Okinawa folk
song group said: "When I hear a remark like the one made [by Tanaka], I feel sad, thinking that 'yamatonchu'
(people of the mainland) are different from 'uchinanchu' (people of Okinawa)" (Mainichi Shimbun, 30 November
2011).]
78 [Internet Sitel THE 1E1 GLOBE [The Asahi Shimbun Globe]1T�Tay. MI [Okinawa: looking at
the data] 1 1 20 September 2010 I http://globe.asahi.com/feature/100920/memo/03.html 1 Accessed on 10 May 2011
The Asahi Shimbun conducted the poll in May 2010 and received 746 valid responses. The polling method was
not specified.]
79 [Newspaper I *-,vaniffirm [Yomiuri Shimbun, Tokyo Morning Edition]1 [ t� raiffM41
tillJ 5AX 019 (C. � 1 HIL: aft [Scanner: "Central Government Versus Okinawa," all
municipal leaders attend mass rally, oppose prime minister]1 1 26 April 2010 1 1 1 1]
80 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20090522023001 1 22 May 2009 1 1Japan: Okinawa Local TV Evening News 22 May 09 1 1
(U)1(U)11
81 [Internet Sitel 1 [Eith] At [Bases: regrettable] l 1 28 May 2010 1 1 http://098u.com/wp/2010/05/28183 1
Accessed on 19 June 20111]
82 [Newspaper I I itiMe Olif1.1 [Ryukyu Shimpo Morning Edition]1 I7 >11:14X0WitIR
g [The summary of Governor Nakaima's speech at the Okinawa Question [symposium]]1 20 September 2011 1 1 1
1]
83 [Newspaper1 1 114Vnilhi`V% [Ryukyu Shimpo New Year Edition]1 r**rEqJ OffAN
&MX < / #ROM r Wk.] / Etsig 1115:t1REN [Searching for developments of
"Futenma" / Little grounds for "Henoko" / Governor Nakaima makes a public pledge of relocation "out of the
prefecture" / The crucial stage for realizing [the pledge] / It is important to send a nationwide message] 1 1 January
2011 1 1 1 1]
84 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20110213043001 113 February 2011 1 1Japan: Plan To Move Futenma MCAS Off
Okinawa Made Without Clear Outlook: Hatoyamal 1 (U)1 (U)1 Hatoyama called deterrence an "expedient" excuse
for justifying the presence of the US Marines in Okinawa during a 13 February 2011 interview with three media
outlets.]
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This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
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UNCLASSIFIEDNFOU0
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47 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
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85 [OSC I OSC ID: FEA20110215014487 1 14 February 2011 1 1Japan: Local Dailies Criticize Former PM
Hatoyama's Remarks on Futenma I 1 (U)1(U)1]
86 [Newspaper 1 1 it4fifitl #11T11 [Ryukyu Shimpo Morning Edition]l itaiff r, 1:11 7=�R;IA
fI1I�316W [Masaru Sato's Essay on Uchina / Impacts of placing a Chinese aircraft carrier in service]1 9 July 2011 1
1 1 1
87 [Internet Site I MITI4741:1� t 1,9-#1ANN ROM..6N [Okinawa Prefecture Peace and
Gender Equality Promotion Division, Office of Okinawa Peace Prize]I TR n�fRil& [Okinawa Peace Prize:
Kids' Edition] l 1 n/a1 1 http://www.prefokinawajp/heiwasuishin/kids/peaceprize/index.html 1 Accessed on 8
November 2011 1 According to its website, the committee is composed of various economic, educational,
administrative, media communication organizations, and companies within Okinawa Prefecture. The Okinawa
Peace Prize Committee Secretariat is located within the Okinawa Prefecture Government's Peace and Gender
Equality Promotion Division.]
88 [Book1 Okinawa Prefecture Government 1 Ryukyuan Cuisine1 Annual Events and Food 1 1997 1 p.44-46 1 1 1]
89 [Book 1 Okinawa Prefecture Government 1 Eisal 1 1998 1P.17 1 1 11
90 [Book1 Shoshin NAGAMINE1 The Essence of Karate-Do1 1 1998 1p. 13-15 1 1 1ISBN 0804821100]
91 [Book1 1 MilfitP.13MigMA. [Okinawa History Education Research Association]1 Milb' 6 At
[Scenes of History from Okinawa]1 29 September 2010 1 215 1 I 1]
92 [Book1 Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education1The History and Culture of Okinawa1 1 31 March 2000 1 36 1 1
93 [Book 1Naha: Okinawa Bunkasha I Yen.RIA V4 [Biographical Dictionary of Okinawan History]1 1 2002 1
56 1 1 1 See also, "Omoro: A New Interpretation" (6 t
94 [BookI 1 5 8 �VIAVZ2IK [Uchina Sightseeing Manual]1 1 4 April 2011 1 24 1 http://www.ocvb.or.jp/1 1 The
Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) was formed in April 1996. According to its official website,
OCVB is "the single only public-private integrated parent organization in Okinawa for promoting tourism
throughout the prefecture." Its mission is "to re-establish a strong and efficient system of tourism promotion in
Okinawa by unifying and integrating the tourism and convention fields."]
95 [Internet Site1 1[1E1 AKEFI] Bank ofJapan1 1n/a1 1 http://www.boj.or.jp1 Accessed on 15 November 2011 1 The
Bank of Japan is the central bank of Japan.]
96 [Television 1NHK 1 S 4#4..ff 0 120 [100-Year Story of Okinawa Laughter]1118 November 2011 1 1 1 1]
97 [Book1 1 ,114.P1P.IMEff [Okinawa History Education Research Association]1 ,1141,b` 6 At ff..CEO.
[Scenes of History from Okinawa]1 29 September 2010 1 1 1 I]
[Book1 3'ZiNirkii?:1 461.fir4h14-11 \ I [Okinawa Peace Activity Center] I n/a I http://www.peace-
okinawa.net/ I Accessed on 18 November 20111]
106 [Internet Site I I Allitb` aith < 1,-ff.51?-0#1�51Ztb .Rista�A,(
[Citizens Liaison Committee of Removing Bases From Okinawa and Seeking Peace -- Okinawa Citizens Liaison
Committee for Peace] I n/a http://www.jca.apc.org/heiwa-sr/jp/category 1 /index.html I Accessed on 18
November 2011 1]
107 [Newspaper I 10kinawa Times I riaffti�i 3M 1 tZ*111 ["Say No to the Henoko Plan" -- Group
To Visit the United States Will Be Formed As Soon As in January] I 19 October 2011 1 1 1 1]
108 [Internet Site I ,141t.F.R.r1;Slib [The Okinawa Protest Advertising Action] I I n/al 1
http://www.okinawaiken.org/img/protestadvertising_20111.gif1 Accessed on 18 November 2011 I ]
109 [Internet Site I I AIRSArt:Silib [The Okinawa Protest Advertising Action] I Opinion Ad Campaign on the
New York Times Website 21 September 2011 1 1 http://www.okinawaiken.org/nytimes I Accessed on 18 November
20111]
110 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20110918043008 118 September 20111 I Japan: Editorial Criticizes Cabinet Meeting on
Futenma Base Relocation I 1 (U)1 (U) I Naha Ryukyu Shimpo Online in Japanese -- Website of one of two major
Okinawa Prefecture newspapers; URL: http://ryukyushimpo.jp]
[Newspaper 1 I Mg -f MUT [Okinawa Times Extra Edition] 1 [ ilL46" rin: � MT-116 0 If
Mal.-f Lk ] [Among people and livelihoods, 60 years since Okinawa Times' first issue] I 1 July 2008 112 I I I ]
112 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20101218034003 119 December 20101 1Japan: Editorials on New National Defense
Program Guidelines 18, 19 Dec 101 (U)1 (U)11
113 [Book I Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education 1 The History and Culture of Okinawa I I 31 March 2000 I 36j 1
1]
114 [Bookl 1 Melf2P.ligOqM [Okinawa History Education Research Association]1#14.75` R, ffEP_Jitg
[Scenes of History from Okinawa] 129 September 2010 1 215 1 1 1
115 [Online Publication 10kinawa Times I Nikkei Telecom 211 [Mil � Nig 4t- 7 / 5111:1MaithLtT 1:7ZMIT
� md\ tz ix-livrsp > >tkvar r. jTAN, ([Kyukyu-Okinawa Summit] Bases on Okinawa Are
Essential / Expressed Eagerness To Reorganize and Reduce Bases/ President Clinton Delivered a Speech at the
"Cornerstone" [of Peace])1 21 July 2000 I I http://t21.nikkei.co.jp/ I Accessed on 13 December 20111]
116 [Online Publication I Ryukyu Shimpo I Nikkei Telecom 211 Matt- �E-.1 / 3100a r TR 0 TX& /
rti / S...(Okinawa Summit / The US President Delivered a Speech at the
"Cornerstone of Peace"! He Cited "Nuchi du Takara" / He Gave Consideration to Okinawan People's Sentiments)1
21 July 2000 I 1 http://t21.nikkei.co.jp/ I Accessed on 13 December 201111
117 [Online Publication I MtarrIkEECHILLEOWN [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division]1
M 7 RARilitt-MMINS6 [7th Report on Prefecture Citizen's Preferences]1 I 1 October 2009 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawa.lg.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 I Accessed on 15 June 20111
Respondents were asked to select their top three choices from a list of twelve strengths. The top three strengths, by
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UNCLASSIFIEDHFOU0
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49 Okinawa's Master Narratives! Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
weighted average, were "citizens exhibit deep empathy," "Okinawa enjoys a warm climate," "Okinawa has a unique
culture."]
118 [Online Publication 1 4INIATTIffifiliIhNIMSX [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division] I
X 6 LIARiNkift:SlI [6th Report on Prefecture Citizen's Preferences]I 1 1 October 2005 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawaig.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 I Accessed on 15 June 20111]
119 [OSC IOSC ID: JPP20110516020001 1 16 May 2011 1 1Japan: Okinawa Local TV Evening News 16 May 11 1
I (U) 1(U) I RBC: The fourth story of the day is a 3.5-minute report on annual peace march held on 15 May the
anniverary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan. Participants express opposition to the military's presence on the island.
QAB: "Station Q" carries as its second story a six-minute report on 15 May peace March including recent
developments concerning the Futenma relocation issue.]
129 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20100514176001 1 14 May 2010 1 1Japan: Okinawa Local TV Evening News 14 May 10 1
1(U)1(U)INHK: The third story of the days is an approximately four-minute report on the "Okinawa peace March"
which began on 14 May.
OTV: The main local news segment of "OTV Super News" carries as second story a two-minute report on "Okinawa
peace march."
RBC: The third story of the day is an approximately 1.5-minute report on the "Okinawa peace march."
QAB: "Station Q" carries as its top story a one-minute report on the "Okinawa peace march."]
121 [Internet Site I Okinawa Times I 5 � 1 5 T101-31 1-)KX X 4,imithi�,\J [15 May Peace March "Use
the Budget for the US Military for Disaster Relief]1 116 May 2011 1 1 http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2011-
05-16_17872/1 Accessed on 2 December 2011 1 The usual three day event was shortened to a single day out of
consideration for the victims of the 11 March 2011 Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, according to Okinawa Times.]
122 [Internet Site1Okinawa Times I < 1ff OVZ. r 3 8 *A-0440H tffitZ-Dk. _I [Continuing
pressure, angry warning 'it was raining on the day of the reversion 38 years ago']1 116 May 2010 I 1
http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2010-05-16_6519/1 Accessed on 2 December 2011 I 1
123 [Internet Site1 Press Net Japan Co.,LtdI Mafia 3 7 iFT r4414�1-igi raith0)4l,\ *6 2
Jn ['Peace March' Held for 37th Year Since Okinawa's Reversion; 2,000 People Participated Seeking "Island
Without Bases"] I 115 May 2009 I I http://www.47news.jp/CN/200905/CN2009051501000304.html I Accessed on 2
December 2011 1 Posted to Press Net Japan's 47 News website but attributed to Kyodo Press Agency.]
124
[Internet Site Official Kadena Town WebsiteI XfliA tE*7 Z [About Kadena Town]1 I rila I I
http://www.town.kadena.okinawajp/english/Concern/index.html 1 Accessed on 2 December 20111 The symbol
represents "Ka" in the Japanese Hiragana character ( as in Kadena) and symbolizes Asuka ( a flying bird) It is a
simple design expressing the desire for peace and union of the people, and also the evolution of the town's future.
( constituted May 17, 1973 ).]
125 [Internet Site1 1 _Irt1154 [GINOWAN CITY]1 1 n/a1 1
http://www.city.ginowan.okinawajp/2552/2715/1111.html I Accessed on 2 December 2011 10fficial website of
Ginowan City in Japanese.]
126 [Internet Site1 AINI.A#14fitAfall2 [Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum]10SC ID:
*I [Collection of Nuclar-Free Declarations: Nago City]1 1 n/a1 1(www.peace-museum.prefokinawa.jp/) I
Accessed on 2 December 20111]
127 [Internet SiteI 1 LIMIlif1:1ffa a*L-. rim [Ordinance on the Basis of Yomitan Village's Peace
Administration]I 1 29 March 1991 1 1
http://www.yomitan.jp/reiki/40390101001000000000/40390101001000000000/40390101001000000000.html
Accessed on 2 December 2011 1Official website of Yomitan Town in Japanese.]
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This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
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50 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
128 [Internet Site k. ( LIVE ) / HY Jt ["Over the times" (live)! HY Official] 1 13 August 2010 1 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5A0mkfBLA 1 Accessed on 6 April 2011 11
129 [Internet Site 1 114 Lk". ( LIVE ) / HY ["Over the times" (live)! HY Official] 1 113 August 2010 1 I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5A0mkfBLA 1 Accessed on 6 April 2011 11
'30 [Internet Site 1 IMONGOL 80001-74 7:-/t)1,� [MONGOL 800 Official Home
Page]1 1 n/a1 I http://www.mongo1800.jp/1 Accessed on 6 April 201111
131 [Internet Sitel I MONGOL800 / lit4ta [Mongol 800: Ryukyu Love Song]1 1 27 March 2009 1 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0FXdy6SR2o1 Accessed on 7 April 20111]
132 [Internet Site 111.4VM [Ryukyu Shimpo]1 PE1 IRA] 4 6 % %/7-- h [46%
Says "Outside of Prefecture" on Futenma on Survey of Peace Education-related Survey]1 19 June 2010 1 1
http://ryukyushimpajp/news/storyid-163788-storytopic-7.html !Accessed on 21 November 20111 The 2010 survey
received responses from 34 schools and 2,100 high school students and found that 92.3% said that learning about the
Battle of Okinawa was "very important" or "important."]
133 [Internet Sitel NIVRI)c EMMORWri-At [Public Relations Office of the Japanese Cabinet]1XL:. PM
trka [Opinion Survey Related to Foreign Diplomacy, 2011]1 1 5 December 2011 1 1
http://www8.cao.go.jp/survey/h23/h23-gaiko/2-1.html 1 Accessed on 12 December 2011 1Those who said they "do
not have friendly feelings" fell from 18.4% in 2010 to 15.5% in 2011.]
34 [Internet Site 1 NIVIAf )C I:Et-ARM:A& [Public Relations Office of the Japanese Cabinet]l R
'NMI [Opinion Survey Related to Foreign Diplomacy, 2010]1 1 5 December 2011 1 1
http://www8.cao.go.jp/survey/h22/h22-gaiko/2-1.html 1 Accessed on 12 December 20111]
135 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20110318004001 118 March 2011 1 1Japan: Media Report on US Assistance for Nuclear
Accident 'Operation Tomodachi'1 1(UHFOU0)1(U//FOU0)1]
136 [OSC I I OSC ID: JPP20111011027001 1 11 October 2011 1 1Japan: State MATT JMA -- Afternoon Edition 11
Oct 11 1 1(UHFOU0)1(UHFOU0)1]
137 [Internet Sitel 1 IkAtteil [Ministry of Defense]1 1 n/a1 1 http://www.mod.go.jp/1 Accessed on 5 December 20111]
138 [Internet Sitel 1 t_E. mon r 31* J [Maritime Self Defense Force's "Good Father" Version]1 1 20111
1
http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/jieikanbosyu/streaming/qa/cm/explain/movie_web_m01.html?keepThis=true&TB_ifram
e=true&width=680&height=490 1 Accessed on 15 December 20111]
139 [Internet Site 1 1114-E glaiM r IN [Ground Self Defense Force's "Smiling Day" Version]1 1 2011 1 1
http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/jieikanbosyu/streaming/qa/cm/explain/movie_cm_g02.html?keepThis=true&TB_iframe
=true&width=680&height=490 1 Accessed on 15 December 20111]
140 [Internet Site1Mainichi Shimbun1 1 9 7 6 ( tIEN 5 1 ) 1 A 1 8 1E1 ,tittUntM4ff141* [18 January
1976: Okinawa International Ocean Expo Closes]1 1 18 January 1976 1 1
http://mainichi.jp/select/wadai/newsbox/box/etc/2010/01/20100113org00m040039000c.html 1 Accessed on 25
October 20111]
141 [Internet Sitel 1� pink tentacle1 Posters by Kazumasa Nagai 1n/a1 1 http://pinktentacle.com/2010/11/posters-by-
kazumasa-nagai/1 Accessed on 25 October 20111]
142 [Book1 [TADA Osamu]l*OAtskt14-� [Toyo Keizai Inc.]1 ma-r --.?; 0 at * to) t)i,
5 4 �X [The Birth of Okinawa's Image: Cultural Studies of the Blue Waters]1 6 October 2004 1
p.58 1 1 11
143 [Online Publicationliti4�1111A ithiRT*4 [The Japanese Geotechnical Society]1 [Ground and
Foundation, Vol. 21, No, 4]1 MXIIIPAAMS...A' EXPO 75 ["Okinawa International Ocean Expo�Expo 75"]1 1
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51 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
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April 1973 I 87-89 I http://www.jgs-library.net/search/result.php I Accessed on 24 October 2011 I 1.P�IIIIAth
2RI4A- [The Japanese Geotechnical Society]]
144 [Internet Site I I t 1E1 fih$1 7J- >7 4 > [Yaeyama Mainichi Shimbun Online] 1 OIPA�fk-ft r_Pit
5 [Editorial: Let's Preserve the Island's Nature for Future Generations] I 4 August 2007 1 http://www.y-
mainichi.co.jp/news/8939/ I Accessed on 26 October 2011 ]
145 [OSC I OSC ID: JPP20070730969021 I 30 July 2007 I 1 Kyodo: FEATURE: Ishigaki Locals Initiate Own Rules
for Coral Reef conservation I I (U) (U) I Tokyo Kyodo World Service in English -- English service of Japan's
largest domestic and international news agency, owned by nonprofit cooperative of 63 newspaper companies and
NHK]
146
[Online Publication I Public Relations Division, Executive Office of the Governor, Okinawa Prefecture
Government I Outline of Okinawa Prefecture I I 2008 I http://www.pref.okinawa.jp I Accessed on 21 October 2011
147 [Music CD I BEGIN I A Ye [Islander's Treasure] I I 22 May 2002 1111]
148 [Television I it4A/11 [Ryukyu Broadcasting Corp.]I RBC raAYal_i [RBC
Opening Theme "Islander's Treasure] I I Ilia I I http://www.rbc.co.jp/rtvprog.php?catid=1528thlogid=85 I Accessed
on 26 October 2011 ]
149 [Internet Site I A- [Oricon Inc. ] n/a I
http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/2802/products/music/476482/1/ I Accessed on 27 October 2011 I ]
150 [Television I Fuji TV I Hey Hey Hey I I 25 March 2011 1111]
151 [Internet Site I I /./.41J-4 F Cocco [Cocco Official Site] I n/a http://www.cocco.co.jp/ I Accessed on 5
April 2011 10fficial website of Cocco, available in English and Japanese.]
152 [Internet Site I Oricon I Cocco's singles rankings I I n/a I I
http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/4841/ranking/cd_single/ I Accessed on 5 April 2011 I Oricon supplies sales
ranking for music, movies, games, television, and books in Japan. Sales rankings are published on the Oricon Style
website.]
153 [Television I TV AsahiIMUSIC STATION I I 18 April 2011 1111]
154 [Internet Site I I Nikkei Telecom 211 I n/al I http://t21.nikkei.co.jp/g3/CMN0F11.do I Accessed on 28 October
20111 For example, Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times used the phrase "chura shima" (beautiful island) 67 times
in 1997, 298 times in 2002, and 2045 times in 2010.]
155 [Online Publication I g, FEI [Osamu TADA]I tRic.212 El rlqft3T53Z1Lifigl'EN NS V.= Report of
the International Workshop "the Japan-China intangible cultural heritage project at Kanazawa University"11.
'Y 7MAL : 3 "D Kift0.14k. [Ethnic Tourism and Okinawa Image: Three Ages of Exposition]
I 20 February 2011 1 I http://hdl.handle.net/2297/28223 I Accessed on 27 October 201111
156 [Internet Site I I t*A.,,t+ ET7J- [Video Research Ltd.] I I Ilia I I http://www.videor.co.jp/ I Accessed
on 27 October 2011 !Video Research Ltd is a reputable media and marketing research firm founded in 1964 with
interests held by all five of Japan's major commercial broadcasters.]
157 [Internet Site I NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) I NHK On Demand I it,05-1,Ed,V, 6 t M
1 ID X ( 8W ) 6 .0)A [Okinawa 21st Century Vision]1 1
31 March 2010 1 1 http://www.prefokinawajp/21vision/archives2/okinawa21_201004.pdf I Accessed on 27 July
2011 1]
198 [Online Publication 1 PRA [Okinawa Prefecture] 14440Z/7> l IIIPtitM3:KOE5 3>
[Okinawa's New Grand Design and Blueprint for Creating a Cosmopolitan City] 1 1 1996 1 1
http://www.prefokinawajp/97/kokusaitoshikeisei/mokuji.htm 1 Accessed on 27 July 201111
199 [Internet Site1 Asahi Shimbun Globe1 ,:144757M0)401,0;te: t: [Okinawa Was the Hub of Asian Trade]
1 1 24 September 2010 1 1 http://globe.asahi.com/feature/100920/memo/01.html I Accessed on 15 February 201111
200 [Internet Site1 I'NA 4 .AZ. [Okinawa Times]1 [ 1E1 ] 13.1%2A,* 0 in [Japan, China,
and Okinawa: the road to improving relations is precisely dialog]1 26 September 2010 1 1
http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article/2010-09-26_10540/1 Accessed on 7 October 2011 1]
201 [Internet Site 1 1Asahi Shim bun Globe1M1A (1 ')TI jj t. t: [Okinawa Was the Hub of Asia
Trade]1 24 September 2010 1 1 http://globe.asahi.com/feature/100920/memo/01.html 1Accessed on 6 October 20111]
202 [Online Publication1 MCIRMi'kffi_i3BILIffiXISM [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division]1
M 7 El A.RiNtl-TROIVRISS [7th Report on Prefecture Citizen's Preferences]1 I 1 October 2009 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawa.1g.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 1 Accessed on 15 June 2011 1
Respondents were asked to select their top three choices from a list of twelve strengths. The top three strengths, by
weighted average, were "citizens exhibit deep empathy," "Okinawa enjoys a warm climate," "Okinawa has a unique
culture."]
203 [Online Publication 1 mamr-fi-Lffinliwalign [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division]1
M 6 RARINP-IZZII [6th Report on Prefecture Citizen's Preferences]1 1 1 October 2005 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawaig.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 1 Accessed on 15 June 20111]
204 [Online Publication1 1 A.Ki/Vti 20 ICA Ala, [The Kind of Okinawa Citizens Desire in 20 Years]1 1
30 November 2009 1 1 http://www.prefokinawajp/churahome/pdf/0911/08-09.pdf1Accessed on 18 October 2011 1
The survey returned 2,751 valid responses and was conducted over a one-year period from November 2008 to
November 2009 and used a free answer format.]
205 [Book1 Yoshinobu Ota (edited by Richard G. Fox and Orin Starn)1 Between Resistance and Revolution: Cultural
Politics and Social Protest Appropriating Media, Resisting Power: Representations of Hybrid Identities in
Okinawan Popular Culture" 1 1999 1 145, 153 1 1 1ISBN: 0813524156 9780813524153 0813524164
9780813524160]
206 [Online Publication 14*, AZ. [John Chuan-Tiong LIM]1 Matt .R 0) 7 45>5- 4 ( 2005 * � 2007
) [Identity in Okinawa: Survey 2005-2007]1 1March 2009 1p. 130 Ihttp://ir.lib.u-
ryukyu.ac.jp/handle/123456789/10367 1Accessed on 29 August 2011 1ln 2007, 45.2% of respondents aged 18-25
identified most strongly as "Okinawan but Japanese" (45.2% in 2007) followed by 28.0% claiming a strictly
"Okinawan" (Okinawa-jin) identity, and 23.7% saying "Japanese." The overall average for the 1,201 respondents
that same year was 29.7% "Okinawan but Japanese," 41.6% "Okinawan," and 25.5% as "Japanese." To assess
national affinity, the same poll asked respondents which sports team they would support in a hypothetical
competition. The overall support for a Japan team was 96.9% in 2005, 95.9% in 2006, and 93.5% in 2007; support
for a China team was 0.2%, .7%, and 1.7%; and support for an America team was 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1.8%. Given the
choice between a fictional Okinawa team or a Japan team, however, the majority said they would support Okinawa.]
207
[Newspaper1 1 Mit 4 1-x [Okinawa Times]1 2at-7 I [Lively Kijimuna
Festival Opens Today]1 24 July 2011 1 1 1 http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/article_photo/32907/1 Accessed on 25
August 2011 1]
208 [Online Publication I PttelAikg_ififilkl=k1-MIMa [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division]1
M 7 2 ARINA-TIIMAN*2 [7th Report on Prefecture Citizen's preferences]1 1 1 October 2009 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawa.1g.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 1Accessed on 15 June 201 1 I
Open Source Center
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
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Approved for Release: 2017/02/15 C06639870
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56 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
Respondents were asked to select their top three choices from a list of twelve strengths. The top three strengths, by
weighted average, were "citizens exhibit deep empathy," "Okinawa enjoys a warm climate," "Okinawa has a unique
culture."]
2" [Online Publication 1 MotafTik:13iiiii3ikr_atiSa [Okinawa Prefecture Planning and Coordination Division]1
M 6 LIARIEffallI [6th Report on Prefecture Citizen's Preferences] 1 1 1 October 2005 1 1
http://www3.prefokinawa.lg.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=29&id=22038&page=1 1 Accessed on 15 June 20111]
210 [Online Publication 1 49lc, AZ [John Chuan-Tiong LIM] I Mit�ft.K0)745->5= 4 -7- 4 DIA ( 2005 1EF � 2007
) [Identity in Okinawa: Survey 2005_2007]1 1March 2009 1p. 130 1 http://ir.lib.u-
ryukyu.ac.jp/handle/123456789/10367 1 Accessed on 29 August 2011 1]
211 [Internet Site! 1 44,A3ZiLEAM..,��`.`ift5M13160XX [Okinawa Prefecture; Department of Culture,
Tourism, and Sports; Tourism Policy Division] 1 Inial
http://www3.preflokinawa_jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=233&id=14734&page=1 1 Accessed on 21 October 2011
1]
212 [Online Publication 1 1 A:in 2 > (7* A,4TAMJAA.40X6 Ei3K0)6 44) � [Okinawa
21st Century Vision � Making Okinawa's beautiful island future together] 1 1 31 March 2010 1 1
http://www.pref.okinawajp/lAccessed on 3 October 201111
213 [Online Publication 1 1 WiL4FitiA0)&21K51/A.t(*) - Aq'tt 2 1 tIZE "5 a >a2tLA ( ) - The
basic idea of the new plan (draft) - 21st Century Vision of Okinawa Base Plan (draft)1 1 4 April 20111
http://www.prefokinawa.jp1Accessed on 3 October 2011 1]
214 [Newspaper1 1 Mal, .AX [Okinawa Times] 1 r21 tA2,E......) a r. _I [Stepping stone
to remove our dependence on 21st Century Vision] 1 30 September 2011 1 1
215 [Online Publication Public Relations Division, Executive Office of the Governor, Okinawa Prefecture
Government 1 Outline of Okinawa Prefecturel 1 2008 1 1 http://www.pref.okinawajp1 Accessed on 21 October 2011
Open Source Center
This OSC product is based exclusively on the content and behavior of
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57 Okinawa's Master Narratives / Sources & Endnotes
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213 [Newspaper I I 44E x [Okinawa Times] I r21 -NEE-F) a 24k4IlkOZift` i) J [Stepping stone
to remove our dependence on 21st Century Vision] I 30 September 2011 I I I 21 October 2011 I ]
214 [Online Publication I Public Relations Division, Executive Office of the Governor, Okinawa Prefecture
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A Master Narratives Approach to Understanding Base Politics in Okinawa UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO
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