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Japan Forward
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawa History
A new book by historian Kurayoshi Takara explores the history and resilience of the Ryukyu people and region with insights into today's Okinawa. The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawa History (March 2025) is essential reading for anyone interested in East Asian history, maritime diplomacy, and indigenous identity. Available in both English and Japanese, Kurayoshi Takara's work is both a tribute to the resilience of the Ryukyuan people and a reminder of the enduring legacies of cultural encounter and adaptation. It is a vital contribution to the growing body of literature that seeks to restore Ryukyu to its rightful place in regional and global history. I first met the author, Kurayoshi Takara, in 2000. It was around the time Okinawa Prefecture was preparing to help host that year's G8 Summit, as it was then called. It was the fourth time for Japan to host the annual gathering of leaders of the major democratic industrial nations. However, it was the first time the summit was held outside the capital city of Tokyo. As a regular visitor to Okinawa and playing a minor role in some of the events, I vividly recall the excitement. Shuri Castle, Naha, Okinawa. Takara, then a professor at the University of the Ryukyus, was closely involved with the local preparations. One event was a dinner at Shuri Castle. He had played a major role in its reconstruction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after its destruction in the Battle of Okinawa. The summit was widely seen as a success, despite the passing of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who had chosen Okinawa as the main site shortly before. I next met Takara in 2013, after he had retired from the university. He was serving as vice governor of the prefecture, and I was oneral Une of sevited States Marine Corps officials briefing him on an issue of mutual concern. We sat directly across from one another, two scholars-turned-public officials seeking to bridge the gap. Whether as a scholar or an appointed official, I always found Takara, who has authored more than 20 books and countless reports, to be fair, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. His love for Okinawan history and culture is sincere and deep. And so is his ability to penetrate to the heart of the matter while respecting other opinions. A native of Izena Island, Takara has always been an independent thinker when it comes to his studies of Okinawan ー or Ryukyuan ー history. He asks questions, not knowing where the answers and documents will take him. This takes enormous courage and confidence. As a result, he has been able to develop his own theories on the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its tributary and semi-suzerainty relationship under Japan. He makes clear that Okinawa was never a part of China. "Pines and Waves at Ryudo" from the series, "Eight Views of the Ryukyu Islands" by Hokusai (Urasoe Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons) Previously, Takara was a specialist at the Okinawa Historical Materials Editorial Office. He was also director of the Urasoe City Library, chief examiner at Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, and executive director of the Okinawa History Research Society. In his new book, he examines the formation of Ryukyuan identity over the course of nearly 200 pages. The book was originally published in 1993, after the opening of Shuri Castle and the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan following 27 years of US occupation and administration. It is divided into seven chapters, including an Introduction and Conclusion, accompanied by a number of smaller essays. (Book cover) ForewordPreface to the English EditionIntroductionI Discovering the KingdomII Ancient RyukyuIII Ryukyu in AsiaIV The Kingdom of WritsV The Organization of the KingdomConclusion Postscript Takara also includes a helpful 10-page historical timeline, which compares events in Okinawa to those of mainland Japan and the rest of the region, including China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In the meantime, he has been busy at work on the restoration of Shuri Castle after a tragic fire destroyed most of it in 2019. The book offers a sweeping yet accessible chronicle of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived from the 15th to the 19th century before its annexation by Japan in 1879. Takara traces the kingdom's development from its early formation under King Shō Hashi to its role as a tributary state to both Ming/Qing China and Tokugawa Japan. One of the central themes is the kingdom's unique position as a maritime hub. It is a small island polity that skillfully navigated the regional power dynamics of East Asia. This history is particularly accessible because Takara and his colleagues carefully gathered documents throughout Okinawa and other parts of the world over the years. Takara personally visited homes in remote locations to uncover writs of appointment to analyze how the Ryukyuan Kingdom was administered. He also traveled to Southeast Asia starting in 1974, and China beginning in 1981, to see how overseas trade developed. As a fellow "boots on the ground" type of writer, I also understand the time, work, and money involved in that kind of research. As such, it would not be an exaggeration to say that without Takara's efforts, much of what we know about Okinawan history would be unknown or long since forgotten. Or worse, it would be misrepresented and misappropriated by China. At the same time, Takara also does not shy away from the more painful aspects of Ryukyuan history. He critically examines the annexation by Meiji Japan and the subsequent erasure of Ryukyuan identity, language, and autonomy. This adds a further poignant layer to the book, inviting readers to reflect on the legacy of colonization and cultural survival in modern Okinawa. US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma reclamation work also continues in Oura Bay off the coast of Henoko, Nago City, in Okinawa. August, 2024. The writing is clear and elegant, with an outstanding translation by Lina J Terrell that retains the nuance of the original Japanese. The inclusion of historical documents, maps, and artwork enriches the text and also offers a more immersive reading experience. Readers will certainly enjoy and benefit from this book, which came out in 2025 on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa. Title: The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawa History Author: Kurayoshi Takara Translator: Lina J Terrell Publisher: Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture (JPIC International) Versions: Hardcover and E-book, English and Japanese ISBN: 9784866582580 For additional information: Visit the publisher's website or any online bookseller. Reviewed by: Robert D Eldridge, PhD Dr Eldridge is a former political advisor to the US Marine Corps in Japan and author of numerous books on Japanese political and diplomatic history. Previously, he was a 2024 Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fellow at Tamkang University and is a consultant on a broad spectrum of Japan-related matters.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
On Japan's Ryukyu Islands, ancient tradition meets tropical paradise
As the legend goes, Japan's Ryukyu Islands were created by the goddess Amamikyo, who is believed to have descended from the heavens and into the sea, just off the southern coast of what is now known as the main island of Okinawa. The Ryukyu Islands, located in the East China Sea, flourished for some 450-years as the semi-independent Ryukyu Kingdom. The islands served as a center of trade between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia until being officially designated a Japanese territory and renamed Okinawa Prefecture in 1879. While the islands have become better known for their beautiful beaches and balmy subtropical weather, the soul and spirit of the former Ryukyu Kingdom can still be found in everything from the islanders intrinsic and spiritual connection to nature to its unique cultural and culinary identity. The Ryukyu Islands are believed to be the birthplace of karate—a martial art that fuses the martial arts of China and Japan. Join a karate sensei at an Okinawan dojo or at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan. Spend some time to exploring the Shikinaen Royal Gardens, which was once the private residence of the Ryukyuan royal family and a beautiful place to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. Sacred spaces, known as utakis, are tucked within the forests and nestled beneath banyan trees and sugar palms peppered across the archipelago, and while many of the island's utakis are not open to tourists, Sefa Utaki is an easy walk along stone path through the forest and is considered the most spiritual places to visit in the Ryukyu Islands. Shuri Kinjo-cho stone road is a historical cobblestone pathway that winds its way through residential neighborhoods and onto Shuri Castle. The castle is under renovation, but it's still worthwhile to explore the grounds. Ceramics and Ryukyu glass are two traditional crafts that you can find all across the islands. In downtown Naha, Tsuboya pottery district is a great place to shop, or head to Yachimun no Sato, an entire village dedicated to pottery. Of course scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular pastimes in Okinawa. For hikers and adventure lovers, Yambaru National Park is not to be missed. Located on the northern end of Okinawa, this national park is designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, and offers lush mangrove forests, and an incredible variety of rare, endemic flora and fauna that can't be found anywhere else in the world. (Unlock the secrets of the Blue Zones—how to master the art of living longer) Spring: Late March, April, and May brings warm days and breezy nights, making this one of the best times of year to visit. Late spring is ideal for both aquatic activities and on-land adventures; visitors will find an abundance of activities from dragon boat races in May to jungle river-trekking. Summer: June through August are the hottest and busiest months to visit the islands. June is the rainiest month of the year, and is also the start of typhoon season, which stretches into September, so be prepared for inclement weather. Fall: With the humidity at bay and typhoon season a thing of the past, October and November are an ideal time to visit. Every October in Naha, the annual Tug-of-War Festival features two competing teams dressed in traditional Ryukyuan attire. Also in October, the Paantu Festival on Miyako-jima is a spiritual cleaning event; a supernatural spirit smears mud onto willing participants in an effort to bless them and bring them good luck in the year ahead. Winter: The low season falls between December and February when the temperatures drop and the northernly winds blow their way across the islands. December through February can be chilly, especially at night. There are 160 islands across the Okinawan Prefuncture, 49 of which are inhabited. The Ryukyu Islands are divided into three major island groups: Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands. Okinawa Islands: The largest island in the archipelago is Okinawa Island, also known as Okinawa Honto. The prefectural capital, Naha, is located on Okinawa's main island. Smaller islands surrounding Okinawa include the Kerama Islands, which are beloved for their pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and abundance of marine life. This island is also home to Yanbaru National Park. Miyako Islands: The main island of Miyako is covered in sugarcane fields, and the islands here are surrounded by some of Okinawa's most expansive coral reefs. The consistency of the sand is akin to powder, and the water is such a distinct shade, it even has its own name: Miyako blue. These islands are particularly attractive for water sports like diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom kayaking. Yaeyama Islands: Practically hugging the Tropic of Cancer, the Yaeyama Islands are geographically closer to Taiwan than mainland Japan. The southernmost inhabited islands in the Okinawa archipelago are the Ishigaki, Taketomi, Hateruma, and Iriomote islands. Rosewood Miyakojima: Surrounded by sugarcane fields, Rosewood Miyakojima opened on Miyako Island in March 2025. This boutique hotel has taken great care to incorporate the local traditions and Ryukyuan culture into everything from the bar program and the architecture to the healing rituals at its Asaya Spa. Halekulani Okinawa: A sprawling resort along one of Okinawa's best beaches, Halekulani Okinawa offers a wide range of excellent on-site eateries, bars, and a spa. Guests can participate in a variety of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to trips to Yambaru National Park that are guided by local naturalists. Treeful Treehouse: On the northern reaches of Nago on the main island of Okinawa, Treeful Treehouse is a small and sustainable treehouse resort. This nature-centric stay offers a waterfall sauna and forest bathing river trekking experiences with one of the hotel guides. Traditional Okinawan cuisine, like agu pork and homemade Okinawan purple yam bread, are served by a bonfire and often accompanied by the hotel's resident goat, Donna. (10 of the best new hotels in Japan, from traditional ryokans to tropical treehouses) Hoshinoya Okinawa: Japanese luxury hotel chain Hoshinoya Okinawa is a seaside Ryukyu-style retreat that offers 100 oceanfront villas spread out among lush landscapes. Ryukyu Karate classes, sanshin guitar by the beach, and meditation sessions are offered daily in the beachfront activity studio. From soba stalls to shikuwasa (a lime-like citrus), Okinawa boasts a wide range of regional dishes, roadside farmers markets, and restaurants bursting with local produce and dishes. Get your bearings at Makishi Public Market in Naha, where you'll find everything from fresh seafood to local delicacies like smoked irabu (snake) and a delicious drinkable peanut-based tofu called jimaji. Within walking distance is Naha Kokusai Dori shopping street, a great place to experience 'senbero,' which is the Japanese equivalent of snacking and bar-hopping. For traditional Ryukyuan cuisine, Touyadokoro Fuan offers authentic dishes like bitter melon (goya champuru) stir-fry and peanut tofu, served on locally made pottery. Sui Dunchi is a traditional Okinawan restaurant and great place to try Agu pork shabu shabu and Okinawan soba. Surrounded by waterfalls, Ufuya is set in a traditional villa and serves authentic hot pot and soba. All across the islands, roadside markets are great places to try locally grown produce and Okinawan delicacies like deep-fried donuts (sata andagi), and shop for local souvenirs, too. It's worth it to also try awamori, known as the "spirit of Okinawa." It dates back to the 15th century, and today there are about 48 distilleries you can visit across the islands. (Why the traditional Okinawa diet is the recipe for a long life) Unlike mainland Japan, you'll find the tourism infrastructure in Okinawa is still developing, and outside a few select hotels, you might not find English spoken widely. It's best to make reservations for hotels, restaurants, and tours in advance of your visit. While tipping is not expected on the islands, come prepared with plenty of Japanese yen, as some places do not accept credit cards. Michelle Gross is a Beaufort, South Carolina-based travel journalist and photographer covering the cross-section of sustainable and ethical travel. Passionate about telling stories about interesting people and places around the world, follow her adventures on Instagram or check out her newsletter on Substack.
Tokyo Weekender
29-05-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa: A Revitalizing Resort Surrounded by the Sea
Imagine waking up to wafts of the gentle sea breeze, then looking out the window to find yourself completely surrounded by azure waters. This is what it is to stay at Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa, a one-of-a-kind destination where traditional Okinawan culture and stunning nature meet wellness, culinary excellence and deep relaxation — all surrounded by the endless blues of the East China Sea. An Island Unto Itself Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa stands apart — quite literally — as an entire island resort within the boundaries of Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Since it's situated in an area that's protected under Japan's Natural Parks Law, this exclusive destination offers a rare privilege: experiencing pristine natural scenery while enjoying world-class hospitality. Connected to the mainland by a short bridge, the resort creates a distinct sense of escape while remaining accessible. What makes this hotel truly exceptional is its 360-degree ocean views, providing guests with an immersive maritime experience rarely found even among seaside resorts. A Different Kind of Wellness Destination Okinawa holds the distinction of being Japan's only Blue Zone — one of just five regions worldwide where people routinely live beyond 100 years in remarkable health. At Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa, this legacy of longevity is also integrated into every aspect of the guest experience. Here, wellness is not limited to stillness or spa treatments — although the hotel offers both, allowing for moments of serenity and bliss. But wellness isn't just about relaxing; it's also about movement, connection and revitalization. It's about being mentally and physically healthy and filled with energy. Recognizing this, the resort offers a comprehensive range of hotel-operated marine activities that take full advantage of the surrounding sea. Whether it's snorkeling from a boat, kayaking through crystal-clear waters or simply relaxing by the signature outdoor Gusuku Pool or tranquil lagoon, guests can experience the healing power of the ocean and nature that has sustained Okinawan culture for centuries. Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine Shirakachi Robatayaki Shirakachi Teppanyaki Shirakachi Sushi Dining at Hyatt Regency Seragaki, Okinawa: Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine One of the resort's most distinctive offerings is Shirakachi, a signature culinary destination that brings the essence of Okinawan vitality to the table. Named after the Ryukyuan word for 'Seragaki,' it's more than just a restaurant — it's a curated journey through the history and ingredients of Okinawa. Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine Situated on the second floor, Shirakachi is a collection of four unique dining experiences, specializing in robata grill, sushi, teppanyaki and Japanese cuisine. Without obvious partitions between its various sections, the space evokes the feeling of wandering through vibrant alleyways during travel. Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine is led by Jun Kakazu, a certified Ryukyu cuisine preservation specialist whose carefully crafted menu reimagines the lavish royal court traditions of the former Ryukyu Dynasty — a proud and independent kingdom whose legacy still shapes Okinawan identity today, from its distinct language and customs to its rich culinary heritage. The dining experience here transcends mere gastronomy to become an educational exploration. Guests who opt for the kaiseki course meal will be personally guided through each course, with the chef explaining rare indigenous ingredients and their historical significance in the region's renowned longevity. Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, cultural enrichment or invigorating time in nature, Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa offers a revitalizing escape with all the warmth of a second home. Thoughtfully designed to feel like a seaside living room — comfortable, welcoming and connected to its surroundings — the resort blends Okinawan hospitality with world-class amenities. Guests are invited to experience the magic of being embraced by the pristine ocean, from immersive marine adventures and kayaking through crystal-clear waters to peaceful moments at the hotel's signature Gusuku Pool and lagoon. This deep connection to the sea flows through every part of the stay — from the ocean's healing energy and the soothing effects of traditional Okinawan therapies, to meals that celebrate the island's rich heritage and the natural rhythms that invite you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Plan Your Visit To book a trip to Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa, visit their website . For more information about Shirakachi Japanese cuisine, click here . Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island,Okinawa Address: 1108 Seragaki Onnason, Okinawa, 904-0404, Japan Phone: 098 960 4321
Japan Forward
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Reclaiming Okinawa: The Forgotten Front in Japan's National Identity Crisis
In a recent lecture hosted by the Historical Awareness Research Committee, Satoru Nakamura of the Japan Okinawa Policy Research Forum laid out a compelling case. Okinawa, he claimed, is not merely a local political issue. Rather, it is a lens through which we can understand Japan's national crisis in identity, sovereignty, and historical continuity. At the heart of Nakamura's argument is the claim that Okinawa has been deliberately severed from Japanese national history through educational policy and political activism. Japanese history textbooks isolate Okinawa's past under the rubric of "Ryukyuan history," often without explaining how and when Okinawa became part of Japan. "Ask the average Japanese person when Okinawa became Japanese," Nakamura said. "Most can't answer. That's not just ignorance — it's vulnerability." Nakamura contests this narrative by situating Okinawa's incorporation into Japan within the broader context of national unification following the Meiji Restoration. The so-called "Ryukyu Disposition" was not an act of colonial aggression, he argues. Rather, it was part of the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of a centralized state. Just as the Tokugawa-era han system was dismantled throughout Japan, Okinawa too was integrated as a prefecture. A major portion of the lecture was devoted to exposing the weaknesses in the claim that Ryukyu was ever a sovereign state. Nakamura pointed to the 1854 Treaty of Amity between the Ryukyu Kingdom and the United States. Many often cite this as evidence of Ryukyu's international recognition. However, recent scholarship shows that the treaty was never ratified by the US Senate and was labeled a "compact," not a formal treaty between sovereign states. France and the Netherlands also signed agreements with Ryukyu, but likewise declined to ratify them. Western powers, Nakamura concluded, never treated Ryukyu as an independent nation. "They were never equals. That's the whole point. It was diplomacy for form's sake, not for sovereignty," he said. Nakamura further dismantled the narrative of Okinawan victimhood by highlighting the geopolitical threats posed by foreign intervention. In 1844, nearly a decade before Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Japan, a French warship arrived in Okinawa and demanded concessions, including permission to station missionaries. Ryukyuan officials, operating under Satsuma's suzerainty, refused. This event prompted the Tokugawa Shogunate to order Satsuma to send troops to reinforce Okinawa, illustrating that the central government regarded Okinawa as part of its national defense perimeter. "The notion that Ryukyu was a free actor is fantasy," Nakamura remarked. "Satsuma and Edo responded as any sovereign power would — by protecting its periphery." Bingata-dyed cotton garment with peony motif from the 1800s. Bingata was part of the Ryukyuan culture born under Satsuma rule. Tokyo National Museum (Wikimedia Commons). He also detailed Satsuma's use of Ryukyu as a backchannel for acquiring Western military technology during Japan's period of official isolation. Shimazu Nariakira's secret negotiations with France led to the construction of a modern warship — the Shouheimaru — built using Ryukyuan cover. The ship flew the Hinomaru, which later became Japan's national flag. This episode shows that Ryukyu's ambiguous status was a tool of realpolitik, not evidence of sovereignty. Nakamura criticized the postwar Japanese government for failing to commemorate Okinawa's 1972 reversion to Japan as a national holiday. Unlike Germany's Reunification Day, Japan has made no effort to mark the end of its postwar division. This negligence, he warned, has created space for separatist ideologies and allowed China to support independence movements under the guise of international law. "If Germany can celebrate its reunification, why can't Japan?" He cited the 2008 UN Human Rights Committee's classification of Okinawans as an indigenous people, which the Japanese government failed to contest. In 2014, then-Governor Takeshi Onaga launched a campaign declaring the 1879 annexation of Ryukyu a violation of international law. When asked to respond, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed it could not issue a definitive statement. According to Nakamura, this diplomatic ambiguity only emboldens foreign propaganda. "What kind of country can't even say when its own territory became its own? That's not diplomacy — it's dereliction." Additionally, Nakamura called attention to linguistic and genetic studies used to support claims of Okinawan distinctiveness. While some activists argue that the Okinawan language is not Japanese, Nakamura referenced the work of 19th-century British scholar Basil Hall Chamberlain, who concluded that Okinawan dialects were ancient forms of Japanese. Chamberlain, who taught at Tokyo Imperial University and published extensively on Japanese and Ryukyuan philology, observed that although Ryukyuan speech differed phonetically and lexically from standard Japanese, it retained deep grammatical and structural similarities. He classified Okinawan as a divergent but fundamentally Japanese dialect, not an independent language. Nakamura also referred to a recent university presentation he attended at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, where a professor explained the latest findings in DNA research. These showed that during the time of the Ryukyu Country (1429-1879), the Okinawan population was composed of roughly 60% indigenous Ryukyuan and 40% mainland Yamato genetic material. Today, the Yamato component has increased to about 80%, reflecting centuries of integration. Interestingly, the study also indicated that a significant portion of Okinawan genetic material, particularly from Miyako Island, has flowed back to the Japanese mainland over time, further reinforcing the genetic continuity between Okinawans and other Japanese. "Even our DNA tells the story of unity, not separation," Nakamura said. A Japan Coast Guard patrol boat searches the waters around Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture, after a GSDF helicopter went missing. April 7, 2023 (© Kyodo) Nakamura also noted that the term "Ryukyu Kingdom" is itself an anachronism. Historical documents refer only to "Ryukyu Country" ( Ryukyu-koku ), and the term "kingdom" appears to have originated in modern English-language translations. He argued that this semantic shift is part of a broader ideological campaign to frame Okinawa as a postcolonial victim rather than a participant in the national project. "It's a psychological operation, not a historical debate," he warned. In closing, Nakamura warned that historical distortion is not merely academic — it has strategic consequences. Misrepresenting Okinawa's past weakens Japan's internal cohesion and invites external manipulation. To counter this, he urged a national effort to reclaim and teach the true history of Okinawa's integration into Japan, not as an act of conquest, but as part of the country's modernization and unification. "Okinawa's crisis is Japan's crisis," Nakamura concluded. "We cannot defend our nation if we don't even understand how it came to be." Author: Daniel Manning
