7th August
After arriving in Okinawa I have some exciting news. Because through a friend of mine I
was able to get a Part-time Job in the Sunabe Skate Shop where I hope to gain an Insight
into the work culture of Japan. This does not mean that the blog will stop but through
this Opportunity there will be a few decreases according to my post schedule as I will be
working and won’t have as much time anymore. Nevertheless I will share my insights on
the blog and the same goes for the Interviews which I will continue to do a few of the
ones I have planned.
The first one will be with a representative of the American Military, but firstly I have to
give a historical background about Okinawa and it’s relationship with America.
Okinawa’s recent history comes from its relationship with both Japan and America.
Originally Okinawa used to be a independent kingdom called the Ryukyu Kingdom. Okinawa was a trading hub, interacting with China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
In the late 19th century Japan formally claimed the islands, dissolving the kingdom.
This was also one of the reasons Okinawa’s suffered during World War II. The Battle of Okinawa in 1945 was one of the bloodiest which left the island devastated. After
Japan’s surrender, the U.S. occupied Okinawa. They maintained control of the region for
nearly three decades, until 1972, when it was returned to Japan. Despite the handover,
America still has a strong military presence, with many U.S. bases located on the
islands, which has created ongoing tensions with locals.
Okinawa’s complex history with America is a mix of cooperation and conflict. The U.S.
military bases have brought economic benefits but also social friction, as many
residents feel the burden of hosting such a significant military presence, with land use
and environmental issues being key points of contention.
This presence of the americans is heavily noticeable in Okinawa of course also
depending on the region but around 70% of the land which is exclusive for US Military in
Japan is located in Okinawa which makes up around 15% of land mass of the Okinawa
Main Island where 90% of Okinawas population lives.6
So I think that this gives me a very special opportunity to shine light on the cultural clash
which has been more of forcefully created. In the following days I will have the
opportunity to visit the Air Base of Kadena as one of my friends is a half Japanese and
half American and he can get a permit for me to Access the base. Which gives me the
opportunity to listen to both sides.
As I look forward to the opportunity I will also make a blog post soon covering the
mobility oIerings of Japan compared to Okinawa as there is a huge difference there too
which I have instantly noticed upon arrival.