The Postcolonial Complex in Okinawa

Abstract

This chapter explores a number of elements of the postcolonial complex in Okinawa. It also explores the government's strategies for governing postcolonial society. The chapter examines the layers of Okinawan history and human insecurity caused by US presence. Human insecurity in Okinawa is largely the result of the national security policy of Japan, the US–Japan Security Treaty, which is supported by the majority of Japanese mainlanders. Okinawa, the islands located at the southernmost part of Japan, is a postcolonial complex. The legacies of colonialism can be found at both the center and the periphery. The moves in the international arena do not necessarily advocate the exit option for Okinawa, but at least support Okinawans fighting for a proper representation and for their voices to be heard. Since Okinawa is under attack in the postcolonial complex, its expression and connotation of 'No' varies in at least these three ways: exit, voice, and representation.