This migration book was created for the Globalization and Art Education class at the University of Florida. The artwork I created represents my identity and the journey that has brought me to where I am today. The design on the underwater tree is inspired by traditional Ryukyu textiles, and this piece is a digital drawing.
I currently live in Gainesville, Florida, but I am originally from Okinawa, Japan. Although Okinawa is now a part of Japan, it was once an independent kingdom known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, which followed a very different historical path than mainland Japan. In this narrative, I will first share my personal migration story, followed by a brief history of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Kingdom. (In the e-book, the history of Okinawa is presented first.)
My Migration History
As a child, I lived with my family, grandparents, and great-grandparents. I was particularly close to my great-grandfather. As I reflect on Okinawan history, it’s clear that the path of the Okinawan people has been difficult. The Ryukyu Kingdom flourished for many years, with a culture enriched by trade with neighboring countries, but its prosperity diminished after being unified with Japan. My great-grandparents and grandparents lived through the hardships of World War II. As a descendant of survivors of the Battle of Okinawa, I grew up listening to their firsthand accounts of the horrors of the battle. They spoke of seeking refuge in caves, fleeing from fires and gunfire, walking over dead bodies, and surviving on dirt, bugs, and grass to stave off hunger. The Japanese military even suggested that civilians commit suicide instead of seeking help.
While Japan was the aggressor in the war, Okinawan civilians had no control over the decisions that led to the conflict, and they were misinformed about the situation. Despite everything they endured, my grandparents and great-grandparents remained kind and caring. The Okinawan spirit of helping one another allowed them to overcome the pain of their past. My great-grandparents never blamed anyone for their suffering; instead, they were always grateful for what life had to offer. They taught me to focus on the positive and to appreciate life, rather than harboring hate or resentment for things beyond my control. They believed that life itself is a treasure, and that each person is worthy simply by being alive.
The values of love and gratitude I inherited from my great-grandparents helped shape the way I view the world. They encouraged me to pursue my passions without fear of judgment. Because of their support, I found a deep love for drawing. My middle school teacher suggested that I take the entrance exam for a specialized art high school, and this became a turning point in my life. During high school, I had a teacher who not only helped me develop my artistic skills but also encouraged me to become more independent and to push forward even when faced with obstacles. By the end of high school, I decided to study abroad to explore the world beyond Okinawa.
At the time, people around me were concerned about my decision to go to the U.S. due to the gun laws and my lack of English proficiency. However, I trusted myself and believed I could handle the challenges. This self-confidence came from the unconditional love and trust I received from my great-grandparents, as well as the support of my family. Though it was difficult at first, I enjoyed every minute of life in the U.S. Each day was an adventure, a new opportunity to learn and grow. I hadn’t studied English in high school because I didn’t see the need, but once I was in the U.S., I threw myself into learning the language. I loved communicating with people in English and learning about different cultures, ideas, and perspectives.
After my time abroad, I returned to Okinawa and had the opportunity to work on an American military base. I enjoyed meeting children from a variety of backgrounds and working alongside them. While working on the base, I met my husband, a Marine stationed in Okinawa. After we married, he decided to finish his college education before leaving the military, so we moved to the U.S. He graduated from the University of Florida, and upon his graduation, he was offered a job in Gainesville. At the time, we had three children, and the world was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the circumstances, we decided to stay in Gainesville. It was difficult for me to return to work with three small children, especially with their schools closed due to the pandemic, so I chose to pursue a Master’s degree at UF in a field I am passionate about, while also raising my children.
Although we plan to return to Okinawa eventually, we are enjoying our time in Gainesville, learning a lot, and embracing whatever the future may hold.
Okinawa, now a part of Japan, was once an independent kingdom called the Ryukyu Kingdom. Okinawa’s history differs from that of mainland Japan, which is why people from Okinawa are often referred to as “Okinawan” rather than “Japanese.” The Ryukyu Kingdom developed a unique culture through trade with neighboring countries, particularly China. From the 12th century, Okinawa was divided into three principalities, a period known as Sanzan (the Three Kingdoms). These kingdoms fought for control over the island until the early 15th century, when King Sho Hashi of the southern principality unified them and established the Ryukyu Kingdom. Sho Hashi made Shuri the capital, and under his rule, Okinawa became a center of trade, with strong economic ties to China.
The era during the Sho Dynasty (15th to 17th centuries) is known as the Golden Age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. During this time, Okinawa flourished as a cultural and economic hub, with trade routes connecting Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. This period was marked by a rich exchange of goods, culture, and ideas, which shaped the unique identity of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
However, in 1609, the Shimazu clan from Satsuma, in southern Japan, invaded Okinawa. For the next 270 years, Okinawa was effectively controlled by Satsuma, which demanded taxes and controlled trade in exchange for providing protection. During this time, Okinawa was considered a colony of Satsuma.
In 1879, the Meiji Restoration abolished the feudal Han system in Japan, and Okinawa was officially integrated as a prefecture of Japan, marking the end of the 450-year existence of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This integration led to the suppression of many of Okinawa’s unique cultural traditions, including the Ryukyu language, which was banned in schools. Children who spoke the language were punished by being forced to wear dialect cards.
Okinawa’s suffering continued during World War II, when it became the site of the Battle of Okinawa—the only major ground battle fought on Japanese soil. This battle was devastating, with one-third of the Okinawan population losing their lives. After the war, Okinawa was placed under U.S. administration, further shaping its unique cultural identity through the influence of American culture. In 1972, Okinawa was returned to Japanese sovereignty, where it remains today.
Despite its complex and often painful history, Okinawa’s rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit continue to define its people.
History Timetable of Japan and Okinawa
References
Okinawa Prefecture. (2021, April 15). Rekishi Gaiyo [Introduction of Okinawa ]https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/land/koryu/gaiyo.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (n.d.). Ryukyu Dynasty. https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2000/outline/eng/okinawa/oki0301.html
Suntory Museum of Art. (2018, July 18). The Ryukyu Kingdom: A Treasure Chest of Beauty. https://www.suntory.com/sma/exhibition/2018_3/display.html#:~:text=Ryukyu%20weaving%20and%20dyeing%20established,royal%20family%20and%20the%20aristocracy
The Japan Times. (2009, May 12). Between a rock and a hard place. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2009/05/12/reference/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/
UNESCO. (n.d.). Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/972/
U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet OKINAWA HISTORY. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.kadena.af.mil/Portals/40/documents/About_Us/AFD-120507-057.pdf