A CHAPTER ON OKINAWA HISTORICAL RELATIONS WITH BRITISH EMPIRE AND THE U. S. A.

Abstract

In the days of Tokugawa seclusion we had some relation with the English and Americans but I managed to left greater part of pre-Restoration days to my predecessor's works. After the Restoration in the Meiji days Dr. Chamberlain opened the way of philological study of Loochoo language and Japanese. I am going to relate on the World War II throngh Irnie Pyle and especially after the War under the reign of American officials. How Okinawa people in those days wanted to be reunited with their fatherland Japan! It is true that the road and buildings became splendid after the War by Americans at the sacrifice of Loochoo and the people. They were robbed of their hereditary land and houses and the sea became contaminated always being annoyed by the noises of B29 flying from Kadena air base with atom bomb, sometimes killed on the street by American solders. In 1971 Okinawa returned to Japan mainland but American-Japan Treaty then concluded very ambiguous items allowing America to carry atom bomb into the Japanese air base and naval ports as Dr. Reishower diselosed last summer. Japanese government got the right of administration of Okinawa and also the right of being attacked by atom bomb from other countries. Okinawa people were eager for the days come when they return to their fatherland, peace will reign over them again but in vain. When the peace of Okinawa, Japan and the world will be realized? I wonder.