Japan overthrew Okinawa. It does NOT mean we are Japanese. When someone asks what my ethnic background is I say Okinawan. YES, there are many differences. Thank you for taking your stance. 🙏🏼
What are the differences between okinawans and japanese? I am also okinawan i just found out that i am culturally and look much different than japanese people.
@@Iloveyoumotherearth According to a research about DNA between Okinawan and Japanese, we have exactly same DNA. So we can say Okinawan are Japanese. 沖縄県民やけど、自分たちを日本人じゃないって言う人見たことない。そう言ってる人がいたら、活動家の人か、中国系の人なんだねって思うんよね。
There are a lot of parallels between Okinawa and Hawaii ironically. Both were occupied by a closer mainland or Island, that imposed its language, customs, culture, and government on the people. Both have US military bases that trouble the locals. Both have a sub tropical climate with palm trees, rain, and such. Both are popular vacation destinations for Japanese tourists. Ironically many Okinawan's immigrated to Hawaii. But the parallels remain. To answer both your questions are Okinawan's Japanese? yes they are Japanese citizens, however they are not ethnically Yamato Japanese, are (Ethnic) Hawaiian's, Americans? yes but they are US citizen Americans and a state of the US, but they were their own nation and people of Polynesia, and then later the Hawaiian kingdom which was established, and other people came to the islands Japanese, Okinawans, Chinese, Filipinos, Portuguese, Samoans, etc. and identified with the Hawaiian nationality. When the US took over people still came, but the locals before many of the White mainlanders, Newer Japanese immigrants, Newer Chinese immigrants, Newer Filipino immigrants, Newer Samoan immigrants, they identified as Hawaiian, and then after a while locals in general called themselves Hawaiian, but there is a distinction between ethnic Hawaiian and Hawaiian national. Both Okinawa and Hawaii, are used as military bases and both were annexed, and both were independent countries.
Not really. Okinawan and Japanese people were were people of the same group. A group settled in the small islands and lived in solitude from the other group who lived in the bigger islands. Okinawan and Japanese are both Japonic languages.
I appreciate your comment pointing out our similarities, however FYI, Hawaiian Islands, H. I. as a country was NEVER legally annexed to the USA. USA presented a DOMESTIC RESOLUTION as an international agreement.... Straight up arrogant legal AND political BS, Fake News worldwide manipulation. Ko Hawaii Pae Aina aka the kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands is a country in continuity and its nationals exist and so does the goal of bringing our government out of recess...just a matter of time and certain resources. I appreciate the mention in the video of the UN discussions keeping Okinawa domestic to Japan, its definitely the reason the UN has not been able to "hear" the Kanaka Maoli people of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The UN is a part of the problem of solidifying the Hawaii status as annexed. That there's discussions about questioning the addition of Hawaii to the USA in 1959 at the UN should be a good sign, yet I see the damage and rape of our aina and culture and I cannot be happy til I see relief for those living on our beaches and streets while foreigners lie warm fed entertained and at peace down the road. The USA military occupation has Genocided our Culture from our people and Denationalized us to the point individuals can confidently say "I am the evidence." ....of the USA invasion of 1893 because I was born in my own country with a foreign language on my tongue and foreign (unhelpful, most times stupid for surviving on an island literally in the Pacific ocean, thousands of miles away from other countries) ideologies. I am Kanaka Maoli, the Hawaiian Kingdom political word for those like myself with ancestors in Ko Hawaii Pae Aina aka these Hawaiian Islands, since time immemorial. We are people with a genealogy from the Stars.💫✨
I thought Okinawa is advance under the governance Japan. Why would seek independence if Okinawans already thriving? Even if independence really give a chance to express more characteristics of Okinawa, the threat of giant neighbors are immense. Think about CCP (China communist party)!😊
I'm Okinawan American, not Japanese I have always been told I'm Okinawan... Yes there is a difference it comes from a brutal history from Japan on Okinawan and if you were Okinawan and had a chance to live in Japan for school or jobs in the past you were looked down on as not true Japanese. Okinawan's are proud people and it is taught at an early age who we are... We are part of Japan but not Japanese it was a way to help keep our traditions going...
You are absolutely right! I too am NOT a Japanese! I am proud Uchinanchu who speaks Uchinaaguchi better than the standard Jspanese! Keep up the good work and nifee-dee-biru! 👍
Hi Rob, I am half-uchinanchu and half-haole. I was born in Koza and my mom is from Yakena. All my siblings were born in Okinawa. I attended OCS-OKINAWA Christian School (can't remember the name of the city).My sister always said, "you're not Japanese, YOU ARE UCHINANCHU!" and very adamant about it. When I lived in Hawai'i I was made fun of being of lower class. I never believed that bcus I know otherwise. My sister always told me the Japanese are jealous and have always tried to suppress our culture. I still speak Okinawa hogen with my family and broken Japanese. We mix it up with English and Hawaiian pidgin. I have the best of my primary culture (Okinawa) and all the rest. Thank you for your hard work. I will look into this cause and be a supporter. Niheedebiru (yikes, I hope I spelled it right).
Thank you for sharing! Your sister is right. The Japanese have always been very jealous of Ryukyuans, which is why they are so prejudiced against us. But you shouldn't call Uchinaaguchi "hogen." Okinawan is not a dialect of Japanese - it is a full-fledged stand alone language, recognized by the UN and by linguists. Japan only calls Okinawan a dialect in an attempt to destroy the Okinawan language and "turn Okinawans into Japanese." This is actually a major human rights violations, and we are working with the international community to hold Japan accountable. Calling Okinawan language "hogen" is the same as calling Okinawans "Japanese." More info: ua-cam.com/video/-LNBLr3eS1k/v-deo.html
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial Hi Rob, identity should be separated into 3 identity. Nationality, Ethnicity and Residency. as for you, your Ethnically Ryukyu or Okinawan but your Nationality is Japanese. Because Ryukyu/ Okinawa not exist as country. But I Hoped Ryukyu can gain independent have its own identity. Owh ya, what is your take on the dispute between Japan and China regarding Senkaku / Diaoyu Island?
My aunty has always told me that I should identify as an uchinanchu, instead of Japanese, even though I'm half Japanese. My dad's side of the family are very proud uchinanchu and don't like to be called Japanese. Bruh forreal, like I was legit offended when my Hawaiian classmates claimed that I was "just a Japanese person tryna be Okinawan." 😤 it was a joke what! But I didn't find it funny whatsoever...what I find sad is when someone from the mainland knows the difference between Okinawans and Japanese, having never set foot in Okinawa or meeting an Okinawan person.
My great-grandmother actually didn't like my father not because he was American, but because he was half Japanese. When my mom introduced him to her, she tried to reason with her, but from the angle of him being American. Great-grandmother literally told her "I don't care about that! He's Japanese!" And almost like it was foreshadowing, my mother did not get along well with my dad's Japanese mother at all and I believe it was racial animosity.
Very interesting topic. I'm 50/50 Okinawan/Japanese that live in Hawai'i. I've always knew there was a difference. I didn't realize how divided they are here in Hawai'i.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial : Rob, you should live in Okinawa for 1 year and you need to realize what ordinary people think themselves. I think your thought is not as much as native people living in Okinawa .
You also notice a difference from Japanese nationals when you tell them that you're part Okinawan. I haven't had much chance to approach many folks from Japan on why that is so, but there is a difference.
I grew up in Hawaii. In Hawaii local Japanese and Okinawans seems to be different. Typical difference I noticed was that in comparison to Yamato Japanese; Okinawans seems to have more facial and bodily hair than typical Japanese and slightly more darker. Also this guy say that it is offensive to Okinawans to be called Japanese but I noticed that the local Japanese also seem to take offense at being called Japanese. Many Japanese locals when asked if they are Japanese; they would reply; “no, I am local brah”. I think this kind of wanting to distance themselves from being identified as Japanese is due to them being discriminated against after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
Look into Ainu and Okinawan genetic similarities. Turns out, they're more closely related to each other than Yamato Japanese. Very interesting and caught me by surprise... Then I sprouted facial hair and the resemblance was obvious. (I'm Okinawan.)
@@ryubelmont2259 Ainus are descendants of the natives of the Japanese islands. The same for native Okinawan people. They are descendants of the Jomon people. Modern day Japanese however are descended from later immigrants called the Yayoi which displaced the Jomons. The Yayoi quickly expanded from their base in Kyushu and took over all the main islands, pushing the Ainus North into Hokkaido island. That is why it seems like they are so separated from each other but genetically, are very closely related. So it's completely true.
Okinawans are 81% Yayoi, have heavily the same common ancestry as the ethnic Yamato majority of Japan, and only 19% of their DNA is Jomon(same ancestry with Ainus). Ainus, and Okinawans both share the same ancestry with Yamato-Japanese.
Yes, you are correct. Karate is 100% Okinawan. The Native Okinawan name for Karate is actually Tii. Japanese people have appropriated Tii for their own purposes, marketing it worldwide as "Japanese Karate." We are planning a massive class-action lawsuit against Japan for this.
Yes, Karate is Okinawan. Also the kyokushin karate’s founder Oyama is not Japanese but Korean. He developed kyokushin after learning Karate from a okinawan master and also incorporating Korean ancient martial arts called Tae kyun which is Tae Kwon do’s ancient form.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial I always thought kyokushin was Ryukyu while aikido and the other jutsus originated in Japan. Thank you for clearing that up. I blame 80's action movies for messing this all up lol
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial And kenpo and kickboxing are based out of Chinese wuxia/kung fu. Sumo, judo, jiujitsu, and ninjutsu would be these true Japanese martial arts/combat sports
I found your channel through your interview with Li Jingjing. We understand the pain of Luchu people. UN shows that Jpn doesn't have sovereignty right on Okinawa.
This is so cool! Up until the last year, there was nothing out there I could find to learn more about my Okinawan heritage since my half-Okinawan father was adopted by white Americans. Living in Wisconsin there isn't a lot of diversity so I'm so glad you put this out there. There have actually been times where I've told people I'm Japanese to avoid the long explanation about how Okinawa is an island...separate from Japan...etc. even though my Dad is adamant he is NOT Japanese. Seems backwards but hearing another Okinawan person confirm what he said, I will never say I'm 1/4 Japanese again!
Would Weaboos ( foreigners obsessed with Japanese culture , sometimes cause of Anime/Manga) defend Japan's claim over Okinawa or would they side with Japan against Ryukuyans??
Hard to say. We are periodically attacked by foreigners obsessed with Japanese culture. But we have also been supported by many foreigners who recognize that Japan has long mistreated Ryukyuans.
I have a question and please answer me.I am a karate practisioner and I love Ryukyu people and culture.I agree that the RyuKyuan people aren't Japanese .Why the culture is so similar with the Japanese...?Check the traditional outfitting....kimono, tabi kyahan,hachimaki.......also the old ryukyuan swords are based in Japanese models,if you watch kumi odori is also very similar with the Japanese theater...thank you Greetings from Greece.
Because of the physical proximity. Also because both nations are members of the Chinese cultural sphere, of cuz they are both heavily influenced by Chinese customs. Last but not least, due to the Japanese colonization since 1879, the Japanese elements might eventually enter Ryukyuan society. Hope it helped.
Right on, Rob! Correct the press publications. Too many have stopped spelling Hawaiian correctly. I've seen some hints of racism (or simple ignorance, under-education, or miseducation of some publications' staff). Make sure the birth certificates of our children show "Okinawan" (or even "Shimanchu," what indigenous people in Loochoo/Okinawa call themselves) on their birth certificates. Indigenous people should be recognized. My kids' birth certificates show all their ethnicities and honor all their ancestors, including our indigenous Okinawan as well as Native Hawaiian (kanaka maoli) `ohana. And we are also part Japanese as well as Chinese. I don't lump everyone under "Asian" and declare them all "the same." Same for their European / "Caucasian" ancestry and Black / "African American" ancestry-we're specific and celebrate each part of our multicultural background, which makes life glorious so we can celebrate all of creation! So yes, it's important to recognize the indigenous people. I don't think it's insultingly offensive to people to erase my Okinawan heritage by calling me Japanese or Asian; as an educator, I figure they just don't know better, so it's time to educate, as you are doing here. (Even if they're deliberately and outright racist in their comments and mindsets, they don't know any better. Educate.) And as we can see, peace can reign as people befriend and aloha/love and connect--and make the truly multicultural society we have in Hawai`i nei today. An aunt who grew up in Loochoo/Okinawa, whose young teen brother was killed by U.S. WW2 soldiers as he hid in fear, still ended up marrying a Hawai`i-born Okinawan U.S. soldier when she came to Hawai`i. True aloha in all its deeper manifestations is important to peace, inclusion, diversity, and bridge and community-building. And for those of us who are of the settler peoples in Hawai`i Nei, we need to respect and honor the indigenous Hawaiians / kAnaka maoli and recognize them and their language too, as it is the language of Hawai`i.
Thank you for taking up this topic! I truly appreciate these words, as I recently lost my mother @ 84 yrs - she was born in Naha! It's refreshing to see someone that also believes that the Luuchuu Peoples, and Not Japanese! Ganbatte!!
As Kurds, we sadly know very well when several powerful states try for over a century to slowly kill off our language, culture and identity (not to mention outright genocidal campaigns). I really hope that Ryukyuan people and other minorities will get official recognitions in Japan one day soon, with full rights of education etc. Even have the democratic choice to determine whether they'll want to stay as part of Japan or not.
For the many years that I lived on Okinawa (total of 16) and my current bi=yearly trips back home I have found many Uchinanchu who feel non-Japanese. Since reversion in 72 the Japanese have pushed very hard to fully absorb the island population into mainstream Japanese membership, albeit a second class citizen to a mainland Japanese. I for one never refer to a Ryukyuan as a Japanese and like you I get push back by many gaijin , Japanese and even some younger Ryukyuan people.
Is Liuchiu spelled as, following Chinese pronunciation before world war 2? Another thing is that many US world war 2 experts argued that ethnographic and linguistic similarities between Japanese and Liuchiuan, how true is that? Otherwise, there is no transfer of sovereignty to local people by the US state department because the US has a military interest in this chain of islands.
Henoko will go through unfortunately the Japanese government will never cave to the Okinawas Prefectural government especially with the current governor in place and his often anti-Japanese and American rhetoric. I believe it is not needed personally and I am retired military. There is no need for the base other than the Marines wanting to remain the big dogs of the DoD on island and the senior service. They are equally fighting the move of the IIIMEF HQ to Guam as that would mean the Air Force becomes the senior service on the island something they do not want at any costs. The Japanese will not take on more US Military on the mainland... you are on point there. They are pushing to close even more base on Honshu and will continue to do so. Okinawa and the islands are also in debate between the PRC and Japan both who claim them today for strategic and economic reasons. China 's claimed is based on prior Okinawas payment of tribute to the Chinese court centuries ago.
Same as colonizing Chinese Taiwan, ，Japanese soldiers massacred hundreds of thousands of Ryukyu (Okinawa) people during World War II.We support the change of the name Okinawa back to Ryukyu and support the independence of Ryukyu as a state
It's tragic that after defeating the Imperial Japanese in WWII, that the Allied Forces "refused to liberate Okinawa from Japanese rule". Interestingly, the same U.S. government that prohibited the Japanese from having a military -- felt no moral obligation to force the Japanese government out of Okinawa-proper. Even without a military, mainland Japan has been able to maintain an iron grip on every island in Okinawa.
As an Okinawan, I support the government cuz Okinawa is really unstable place in terms of Japan’s defense. People in Okinawa mostly agree with the government. あなた左翼の人か中国共産党の工作員でしょ？沖縄県民は台湾有事のことも考えると、やっぱり基地はあったほうがいいよねって考えてるよ。まぁ中国が台湾侵攻絶対しません、独立okですって言えばわんちゃんあるかもね。(中国のお国柄から信用は全くないんだけどね)
Hi Rob,I got the courage on your video.Thank you. I am Okinawan,and my mother is from Tomari ,Nakagusuku. So, I am interested in your T-shirt. Maybe this 泊 T-shirt is special for you, isnt it?
This is because of the imperial Japan education system which forces Okinawans to learn Japanese language, history, and identity. This is illegal according to international law, and is considered an act of genocide. We are working with international lawyers, human rights experts, and others to hold Japan accountable and restore Ryukyu's rightful independence.
Or they probably say that because it’s too much to explain what Ryuukyuu means to foreigners so they just say they’re Japanese. Just like sometimes I say I’m Chinese if people don’t know what Taiwan is… but other Taiwanese friends of mine would spend one hour explaining the history and the differences… jokes aside It’s sad that people from Ryukyu would have to call themselves Japanese because they don’t remember their history and it means Japanese gov has succeeded.
@@deqinwu Your example is wrong. Taiwan people are indeed Chinese, but Ryukyu people are not Japanese. They have a different culture, language and name from Japan. The Taiwanese are Chinese people who moved to Taiwan from places like Fujian and Guangdong, so you are just as Chinese as any other Chinese.
Because Japan wanted to colonize and assimilate Ryukyu, they sent many Japanese immigrants to Ryukyu. Now 80% of Ryukyu's population is Japanese from Japan
Hi Nightowl, This is an excellent question. Luchuans / Ryukyuans in general did not have much of a warrior culture like Japan, so I would say it is incorrect to refer to them as a "warrior class." However, there was the Yukatchu class of scholar-bureaucrats, modeled in part after the Chinese shì dàfū, who held many positions in the Luchu Kingdom government. Luchu banned the public carrying of weapons around the 15th century in order to promote peace. The Yukatchu are today sometimes referred to as the "samuree" class, though this is not a native Luchuan term and is simply a Luchuan pronunciation of the Japanese term "samurai." There were many major differences between Yukatchu and Samurai so I do not think it is accurate to place them in the same class. It is more accurate to compare them to Chinese scholar-bureaucrats. Thank you for this question.
I feel really bad to hear Okinawa history. At the same time, it gives me an idea how it would look if Korea had not been independent. I hope more people know what is going on.
A 2011 poll found only 4.7% of Okinawans were pro-independence, although more than 15% wanted more devolution. Just over 60% preferred the political status quo. Tomochi says support for independence has risen over the past two years.
I'm not sure that poll was really accurate; other polls from a similar time indicate around 20-25% independence. A more recent poll in 2017 indicates the majority of the Okinawan population is "dissatisfied with the status quo of being part of Japan."
Under Japan, there will be no international recognition for Okinawan. Okinawa becoming independent state and not aid Japan would be satisfactory for S Korean government. Japan destroyed Okinawan culture and language and suffered under Japan. Now S Korean government can aid Okinawan with weapons and training if Okinawan wants independent because Japanese government will not just give freedom by votes.
S Korea or any country would not supply Ryukyu with weapons as it’s an aggressive act and it will only do more damage than good.. maybe only China since it’s a strategic point for trade.
ARE OKINAWANS, JAPANESE? Is Okinawa, Japan? ANSWER: I read that Japanese Emperor has never set foot on Okinawa and I was shocked! 😲 How can a ruler never visited a part of his own country? If you need a proof, the proof that Okinawa is not part of Japan, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE JAPANESE EMPEROR!!! Perhaps, I'm wrong. The Japanese Emperor has an imperial Royal Palace in Naha, Okinawa? Just my opinion 🤷.
I understand that Okinawans aren't Japanese. I heard from a different youtube channel that when they first stepped on your land, your people's language was closer to there's than to China's. Is this true that it was easier to communicate with them :?
The US has been planning on relocating to Australia for a long time now so you may get your wish. With the advancement of weapons Okinawa is now to close to threats in the area and we want more standoff distance. If we do ever leave thousands of jobs will be lost that are filled by the Okinawa people. What I was always amazed with when I lived in Okinawa was how two completely different cultures could live together in peace.
This is what many videos conveniently leave out. Some Okinawans are actually a bit pro-American because Okinawa is literally the poorest prefecture in Japan with, I think, the highest unemployment as well. US military bases actually provide some great opportunities for the native people. My uncle works as a gate guard for the bases. He's Okinawan. My grandfather used to do the same too. If the US military leaves, it will be nice to have the land back, but trust me: it's be taken up by *_Japanese_* landlords and business owners more than Okinawans.
You gotta chill for a second brother. I know for sure that most Japanese people want nothing more than friendship with Okinawan people. A year in Tokyo in 1993, no one I ever met had a bad thing to say about Okinawans, if anything, Kansai people love Okinawans completely. The entire world loves Okinawan people. There is literally nothing bad or evil about Okinawan people. Okinawans are basically the kindest, most honest, down to earth people on this planet Earth. I will die for Okinawan people. You have to believe me, 99% of people in mainland Japan do not wish anything bad upon Okinawans.
Oh I’m sure Kansai people love Ryuukyuu people. They probably love to drink that Ebisu beer and surfing in “Okinawa” for vacation. Back to Ryuukyuu (btw is a word Japanese gov avoids to use so not to conjure up their own identity) The point is Do people from Kansai care about the fact that Ryuukyuu kingdom was destroyed, languages extinct, and new generation forgetting their identity?
I am personally 1/8th Okinawan, but up until now I was under the impression I was Japanese because I was told Japanese is Okinawan.. but now im just so.. confused.. Ive been trying to look into my heritage and im just so lost now haha
Japan invaded and occupied your country and tried to wipe out your culture and replace it with Japanese, generations of brainwashing made Loochoouans forgot about their identity. I am Chinese and I never regard Loochoouans as Japanese. Please learn your history
@@dentistdownunder I've been trying hard to figure out okinawan heritage, even began learning the language, but I'm not sure where to get sources for okinawan culture :(
Okinawans are not Japanese. Do a quick Google search about the Ainu and Ryukyu genetic similarities. They're actually more closely related to each other than they are Yamato Japanese. I can even see it in my own appearance. My father is more white than me, yet can't grow a beard. I can do it easily. I also have way more body hair.
Uchinaa chin is a semi-offensive and inappropriate term. It literally means "Okinawa Prefecture" which is the equivalent to saying "state of hawaii" to Hawaiian nationals. It promotes Japanese / U.S. imperialism and colonization. Additionally, Luchuans / Okinawans don't actually say Uchinaa chin.
Meh.... I think it's the difference in the Lifestyle You had one point abt Okinawans being matriarchal and laid back while Yamato people are Patriarchal and ambitious Ainu..... probably even MORE laid back than Yamato or Ryukuyans... What is Yamato? Basically the literal name for Japanese people to distinguish them from Ainu, Ryukuyans plus all Gaijins of Japan
Yamato is an ethnic group with a little mix of Korea, some China, Mongolia, and Jomon It's almost like an immigrant that's not in the Japanese archipelago I've been from Okinawa for generations and I'm an aunt.
It's strange. The science found out that Okinawan people share the identical DNA with mainland Japanese. Then why do we look different? Perhaps the environment? I'm Okinawan, and 20% of time people guess that I can speak Japanese.
No, you are very incorrect. Scientists have demonstrated that Ryukyuan DNA is notably different from Japanese DNA. Ryukyuans genetically share a lot in common with the Jomon peoples (the Ainu), whereas modern Japanese are from the Yayoi people who migrated to Japan from China / Korea around 2,000 years ago.
Yes, pretty much all Okinawans have been to mainland Japan since it doesn't require a passport and airfare is cheap. Okinawa Prefecture & Kagoshima Prefecture are next door neighbors...technically the Amami Islands are "part of" Kagoshima by force, although they are still part of the Ryukyu Islands. Although I also have to point out that Taiwan, mainland China, and even Korea's Jeju Island are geographically closer to Naha than the largest city in mainland Japan. This page has a map with distances of major cities / places from Naha: www.peaceforokinawa.org/aboutokinawa.html
Bad analogy abt comparing Ethnic groups. Try using Minority Races Man.... Okinawans are not Japanese as much as Bretons of France are not French Scots of UK are not English Welsh of UK are not English Catalonians of Spain are not Castillian Basque of Spain are not Castillian Rusyns are not Russian. Ionno I'm having a headache....
#StandWithOkinawa well very sad todays peace action are not enough to ensure Ryukyus' independence. at the most orally support it's independent but not able to spk at loudly to the world those so-called sovereignty are too afraid US influence.
It's always interesting that Korea and Okinawa don't band together to expose the continued imperialistic tendency instilled by programmatic nationalism. Don't the Japanese citizens understand that elites of government use nationalism to subjugate their populous for their benefit? Human beings are resources to these elites and that's it. Resources for labor, taxation, etc. Abe is horrible and his media arm can't be more conspicuous but yet.... nobody sees anything wrong with what his administration is doing. The revisionism of the Japanese government needs to come to an end. Suicide crash bombing a plane is not honorable. It's stupid. Rewriting history is criminal. Illegal occupation of a sovereign land is a crime. I understand that nationalism is an easier route for the Japanese people and being critical of your government is stressful. But it's time to wake up. I'm not picking on Japan except for the context of this video. But all governments should be subject to the same criticism for the elites that hide behind the veil.
Does it really matter if Okinawans are Japanese? We all know that Japanese people are for the most part polite, civilized, and will go out of their way to help someone. Same thing goes for people in Okinawa. I've lived in Okinawa before and have visited Japan numerous times, and I've made some friends who are Okinawans. To me, I respect the Okinawan and Japanese culture, as they are (again, for the most part) the friendliest people I know. Be proud that you are Okinawan. Be proud that you are Japanese. Japan and Okinawa are truly like no other places on earth.
It matters because they killed 2/3 of our people and are attempting to force us to become Japanese while making racist comments about us. If we were treated normally it would be one thing. Also nope. They took us over after WW2 so of course we don't see ourselves as Japanese. We even spoke a different language. That's like calling Indians British because Britain colonized them :/
No, DNA tests show that Ryukyuans are Ryukyuan or Okinawan. Ryukyuan DNA is very different from Japanese DNA, and is more similar to the Indigenous Jomon people or Ainu people. There is a lot of information about this online.
Rob Kajiwara I see. There is a Japanese UA-camr who decided to take a DNA test and she mentioned that she is always asked about her ethnicity. She showed her results from Ancestry and 23 and Me and both results came out to be Japanese. Her 23 and Me results mentioned that within the last 200 years that someone in her lineage came from Okinawa. She was pleasantly surprised because she was often asked if she was Okinawan. Her results didn’t give percentages of Japanese and Ryukyuan though.
It's all abt Freedom. Please argue that Okinawans (Ryukuyans) are more free than Yamato people Ainu , way more free because they basically living in the Wilderness fishing for fish when most Yamato people are Corporate slaves risking death by Karoshi ( working too much) Yamatos are Jelous of the Ainu because Ainu men can grow thick bushy beards while most Yamatos can only sport a goatee It's all abt Free Time on your hands and you're right abt Ryukuyans being Matriarchal and laid back and also many centenarians and super centenarian coming from Okinawa. Sure Japan's colonial rat race mindset basically will shorten the Okinawan lifespan.
Yes, Okinawans are Japanese and they are Japanese citizen ! ! Japanese people consist of Yamatos, Ryukyuans ( modern name is Okinawans) and Ainus. If you think you are Ryukyuan, that fine but that is a just your personal opinion. My brother in law is an Okinawan and he thinks himself Japanese. Please respect other Okinawans feeling. Thank you.
@@Ahang_Pikapika : I would like to suggest you to go to Okinawa and ask people if they think themselves citizens of the Ryukyu Kingdom. 琉球王国市民 Please let me know their response. I think you have never lived in Okinawa. I’m sure that you are not native Okinawan.
@@Ahang_Pikapika : You said that “ Ryukyu was a kingdom. Ryukyuan are not Japanese.” Generally, from the historical point of view, Ryukyu ream sometimes includes Amami islands. You need to understand the difference between Ryukyuans and Okinawans.👍😇
Basically aren't Hawaiians Americans? They were once an independent Kingdom too; just like Ryukyu or Luchoo, as you want to put it. Alaskans, Texans and Californians? Not Americans? Sorry, Okinawa is the Japanese name for the former Ryukyu Kingdom which was abolished and annexed in 1879. HOWEVER, Ryukyu has lost it's "independence" to Japan since 1609 with the Satsuma invasion. This is history that you as a proud Ryukyuan must and should know. Unless you are deliberately omitting such facts from the unsuspecting public. Lastly, the whole of the UN recognised Okinawa as a Japanese prefecture. And still do today, in 2020. You may have your identity (just like many regions around the world) which are now integrated into sovereign countries, jut like the Basques, the Corsican, the Sicilian, the Quebecois, Sardinians and many more ethnic groups out there. The Ainu have their identity too. They are still Japanese (even if some may not like it). Can't disagree with your pride though, but cannot agree with your historical analysis. Ulysses Grant, who was the arbitrator for China v Japan, re: Ryukyu said that Ryukyu had to belong to Japan and had an interesting perspective on this issue. Regardless of pride, Okinawans bear a Japanese passport. There isn't an Okinawan passport. If you have a Japanese passport, you're a Japanese citizen. Whether you like it or not. Pride notwithstanding.
Citizenship is different from ethnicity, he’s talking about ethnicity here. He can be a Japanese citizen but he is still a Loochoouan. People think that Loochoouans are ethnically Japanese, he’s just clarifying that they are not
dentistdownunder do you think it’s possible that if Okinawans take a DNA test that they will have their own unique DNA just like the way can determine if a person is Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese and distinguish themselves from Japanese?
@@akikiya6409 well, Ryukyuans and Yamato are not related to Chinese people for what I know, but mainland japanese people have on average 12% Jomon and 88% Yayoi mixture, while Okinawans have around 27% Jomon and 73% Yayoi mixture. The only ties Okinawans have genetically are tied to Ainu and Mainland Japanese. Together we form Hondo, Ryukyu and Ainu, the japonic people, and the only ones in east asia to share the hablogroup D.
Yes, we are, politically. The Emperor's Army asked us to pay for Japan in WW2 and we did. In blood and suffering. Japan is our country as much as any other Japanese....we PAID for it. We should be accepted for our sacrifice. Blacks are not from the US but were accepted as Americans. Okinawans are accepted as a second-class Japanese, better than total gaijin, but lesser than Yamatunchuu. So, politically, yes. We are Japanese. Ethnically and linguistically? NO. We are Uchinaananchuu.
Some people are both Okinawan and Hawaiian (and other ethnicities). Use some common sense and stop saying stupid things or we'll ban you from the channel.
Yes, Okinawans are Japanese ! ! Japanese people consist of Yamatos, Ryukyuans ( modern name : Okinawans ) and Ainus. If you think you are Ryukyuan, that's fine. But that's a just your personal opinion. My brother in law is an Okinawan but he thinks himself Japanese. Please respect other Okinawans feeling. Thank you.
If the Ryukyu kingdom had invaded Japan, then there would be no Japanese and you would be a Ryukyu, okay? So you invaded Ryukyu! You have committed a crime! You must acknowledge and give the Ryukyu people their freedom and their country! You have no right to invade other countries!
WoW. Just get to know about your channel thru jing jing - Most people in ASIA doesn't know this history . Search for "Luuchuu" in most American search engine. your history is all distorted and hardly can be found. You need to AMPLIFY your message to the whole world- PEACE
Japan overthrew Okinawa. It does NOT mean we are Japanese. When someone asks what my ethnic background is I say Okinawan. YES, there are many differences. Thank you for taking your stance. 🙏🏼
What are the differences between okinawans and japanese? I am also okinawan i just found out that i am culturally and look much different than japanese people.
LiuQiu琉球
琉球
@@Iloveyoumotherearth According to a research about DNA between Okinawan and Japanese, we have exactly same DNA. So we can say Okinawan are Japanese. 沖縄県民やけど、自分たちを日本人じゃないって言う人見たことない。そう言ってる人がいたら、活動家の人か、中国系の人なんだねって思うんよね。
???????????DNA confirmed by u idiot never a DNA testing said so ,u idiot@@happygymrat
There are a lot of parallels between Okinawa and Hawaii ironically. Both were occupied by a closer mainland or Island, that imposed its language, customs, culture, and government on the people. Both have US military bases that trouble the locals. Both have a sub tropical climate with palm trees, rain, and such. Both are popular vacation destinations for Japanese tourists. Ironically many Okinawan's immigrated to Hawaii. But the parallels remain. To answer both your questions are Okinawan's Japanese? yes they are Japanese citizens, however they are not ethnically Yamato Japanese, are (Ethnic) Hawaiian's, Americans? yes but they are US citizen Americans and a state of the US, but they were their own nation and people of Polynesia, and then later the Hawaiian kingdom which was established, and other people came to the islands Japanese, Okinawans, Chinese, Filipinos, Portuguese, Samoans, etc. and identified with the Hawaiian nationality. When the US took over people still came, but the locals before many of the White mainlanders, Newer Japanese immigrants, Newer Chinese immigrants, Newer Filipino immigrants, Newer Samoan immigrants, they identified as Hawaiian, and then after a while locals in general called themselves Hawaiian, but there is a distinction between ethnic Hawaiian and Hawaiian national. Both Okinawa and Hawaii, are used as military bases and both were annexed, and both were independent countries.
Not really. Okinawan and Japanese people were were people of the same group. A group settled in the small islands and lived in solitude from the other group who lived in the bigger islands. Okinawan and Japanese are both Japonic languages.
I heard oginawa is kinda underdeveloped in comparison to other prefectures of japan. Is it true ?
I appreciate your comment pointing out our similarities, however FYI, Hawaiian Islands, H. I. as a country was NEVER legally annexed to the USA. USA presented a DOMESTIC RESOLUTION as an international agreement.... Straight up arrogant legal AND political BS, Fake News worldwide manipulation. Ko Hawaii Pae Aina aka the kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands is a country in continuity and its nationals exist and so does the goal of bringing our government out of recess...just a matter of time and certain resources.
I appreciate the mention in the video of the UN discussions keeping Okinawa domestic to Japan, its definitely the reason the UN has not been able to "hear" the Kanaka Maoli people of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The UN is a part of the problem of solidifying the Hawaii status as annexed. That there's discussions about questioning the addition of Hawaii to the USA in 1959 at the UN should be a good sign, yet I see the damage and rape of our aina and culture and I cannot be happy til I see relief for those living on our beaches and streets while foreigners lie warm fed entertained and at peace down the road.
The USA military occupation has Genocided our Culture from our people and Denationalized us to the point individuals can confidently say "I am the evidence." ....of the USA invasion of 1893 because I was born in my own country with a foreign language on my tongue and foreign (unhelpful, most times stupid for surviving on an island literally in the Pacific ocean, thousands of miles away from other countries) ideologies. I am Kanaka Maoli, the Hawaiian Kingdom political word for those like myself with ancestors in Ko Hawaii Pae Aina aka these Hawaiian Islands, since time immemorial. We are people with a genealogy from the Stars.💫✨
Okinawa independence!!
I thought Okinawa is advance under the governance Japan. Why would seek independence if Okinawans already thriving? Even if independence really give a chance to express more characteristics of Okinawa, the threat of giant neighbors are immense. Think about CCP (China communist party)!😊
I'm Okinawan American, not Japanese I have always been told I'm Okinawan... Yes there is a difference it comes from a brutal history from Japan on Okinawan and if you were Okinawan and had a chance to live in Japan for school or jobs in the past you were looked down on as not true Japanese. Okinawan's are proud people and it is taught at an early age who we are... We are part of Japan but not Japanese it was a way to help keep our traditions going...
how okinawa family name? i mean the surname
You are absolutely right! I too am NOT a Japanese! I am proud Uchinanchu who speaks Uchinaaguchi better than the standard Jspanese! Keep up the good work and nifee-dee-biru! 👍
Hi Rob, I am half-uchinanchu and half-haole. I was born in Koza and my mom is from Yakena. All my siblings were born in Okinawa. I attended OCS-OKINAWA Christian School (can't remember the name of the city).My sister always said, "you're not Japanese, YOU ARE UCHINANCHU!" and very adamant about it. When I lived in Hawai'i I was made fun of being of lower class. I never believed that bcus I know otherwise. My sister always told me the Japanese are jealous and have always tried to suppress our culture. I still speak Okinawa hogen with my family and broken Japanese. We mix it up with English and Hawaiian pidgin. I have the best of my primary culture (Okinawa) and all the rest. Thank you for your hard work. I will look into this cause and be a supporter. Niheedebiru (yikes, I hope I spelled it right).
Thank you for sharing! Your sister is right. The Japanese have always been very jealous of Ryukyuans, which is why they are so prejudiced against us.
But you shouldn't call Uchinaaguchi "hogen." Okinawan is not a dialect of Japanese - it is a full-fledged stand alone language, recognized by the UN and by linguists. Japan only calls Okinawan a dialect in an attempt to destroy the Okinawan language and "turn Okinawans into Japanese." This is actually a major human rights violations, and we are working with the international community to hold Japan accountable. Calling Okinawan language "hogen" is the same as calling Okinawans "Japanese."
More info:
ua-cam.com/video/-LNBLr3eS1k/v-deo.html
Gomen! Soodesuyoo Uchinaaguchi desu. I stand corrected. Thank you so much and for responding so quickly. Also, thank you for the additional info.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial 你的血缘没有日本基因么？纯种琉球人？琉球人不是被灭族了么？
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial Hi Rob, identity should be separated into 3 identity.
Nationality, Ethnicity and Residency.
as for you, your Ethnically Ryukyu or Okinawan but your Nationality is Japanese.
Because Ryukyu/ Okinawa not exist as country.
But I Hoped Ryukyu can gain independent have its own identity.
Owh ya, what is your take on the dispute between Japan and China regarding Senkaku / Diaoyu Island?
My aunty has always told me that I should identify as an uchinanchu, instead of Japanese, even though I'm half Japanese. My dad's side of the family are very proud uchinanchu and don't like to be called Japanese. Bruh forreal, like I was legit offended when my Hawaiian classmates claimed that I was "just a Japanese person tryna be Okinawan." 😤 it was a joke what! But I didn't find it funny whatsoever...what I find sad is when someone from the mainland knows the difference between Okinawans and Japanese, having never set foot in Okinawa or meeting an Okinawan person.
My great-grandmother actually didn't like my father not because he was American, but because he was half Japanese. When my mom introduced him to her, she tried to reason with her, but from the angle of him being American. Great-grandmother literally told her "I don't care about that! He's Japanese!"
And almost like it was foreshadowing, my mother did not get along well with my dad's Japanese mother at all and I believe it was racial animosity.
Very interesting topic. I'm 50/50 Okinawan/Japanese that live in Hawai'i. I've always knew there was a difference. I didn't realize how divided they are here in Hawai'i.
Also divided in Okinawa.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial : Rob, you should live in Okinawa for 1 year and you need to realize what ordinary people think themselves.
I think your thought is not as much as native people living in Okinawa .
You also notice a difference from Japanese nationals when you tell them that you're part Okinawan. I haven't had much chance to approach many folks from Japan on why that is so, but there is a difference.
I grew up in Hawaii. In Hawaii local Japanese and Okinawans seems to be different. Typical difference I noticed was that in comparison to Yamato Japanese; Okinawans seems to have more facial and bodily hair than typical Japanese and slightly more darker. Also this guy say that it is offensive to Okinawans to be called Japanese but I noticed that the local Japanese also seem to take offense at being called Japanese. Many Japanese locals when asked if they are Japanese; they would reply; “no, I am local brah”. I think this kind of wanting to distance themselves from being identified as Japanese is due to them being discriminated against after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
Free Okinawa from Japan. Okinawa independence.
I salute your people. I can sensed your pain. Keep going
The Irish of east Asia. Hopefully you can be free one day like them.
Look into Ainu and Okinawan genetic similarities. Turns out, they're more closely related to each other than Yamato Japanese.
Very interesting and caught me by surprise... Then I sprouted facial hair and the resemblance was obvious. (I'm Okinawan.)
You’re talking nonsense, look how far is Hokkaido from Okinawa and get a your response
@@ryubelmont2259 Ainus are descendants of the natives of the Japanese islands. The same for native Okinawan people. They are descendants of the Jomon people. Modern day Japanese however are descended from later immigrants called the Yayoi which displaced the Jomons. The Yayoi quickly expanded from their base in Kyushu and took over all the main islands, pushing the Ainus North into Hokkaido island. That is why it seems like they are so separated from each other but genetically, are very closely related. So it's completely true.
Okinawans are 81% Yayoi, have heavily the same common ancestry as the ethnic Yamato majority of Japan, and only 19% of their DNA is Jomon(same ancestry with Ainus).
Ainus, and Okinawans both share the same ancestry with Yamato-Japanese.
Japanese is nationality and it’s main ethnic group is Yamato people. Ryukyuwans are not Yamato but Japanese.
So Karate is Okinawan?
Well what a massive blow to Japans popular cultural identity
Yes, you are correct. Karate is 100% Okinawan. The Native Okinawan name for Karate is actually Tii. Japanese people have appropriated Tii for their own purposes, marketing it worldwide as "Japanese Karate." We are planning a massive class-action lawsuit against Japan for this.
Yes, Karate is Okinawan. Also the kyokushin karate’s founder Oyama is not Japanese but Korean. He developed kyokushin after learning Karate from a okinawan master and also incorporating Korean ancient martial arts called Tae kyun which is Tae Kwon do’s ancient form.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial I always thought kyokushin was Ryukyu while aikido and the other jutsus originated in Japan. Thank you for clearing that up. I blame 80's action movies for messing this all up lol
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial Good luck with that, lol
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial And kenpo and kickboxing are based out of Chinese wuxia/kung fu.
Sumo, judo, jiujitsu, and ninjutsu would be these true Japanese martial arts/combat sports
I found your channel through your interview with Li Jingjing. We understand the pain of Luchu people. UN shows that Jpn doesn't have sovereignty right on Okinawa.
This is so cool! Up until the last year, there was nothing out there I could find to learn more about my Okinawan heritage since my half-Okinawan father was adopted by white Americans. Living in Wisconsin there isn't a lot of diversity so I'm so glad you put this out there. There have actually been times where I've told people I'm Japanese to avoid the long explanation about how Okinawa is an island...separate from Japan...etc. even though my Dad is adamant he is NOT Japanese. Seems backwards but hearing another Okinawan person confirm what he said, I will never say I'm 1/4 Japanese again!
Would Weaboos ( foreigners obsessed with Japanese culture , sometimes cause of Anime/Manga) defend Japan's claim over Okinawa or would they side with Japan against Ryukuyans??
Hard to say. We are periodically attacked by foreigners obsessed with Japanese culture. But we have also been supported by many foreigners who recognize that Japan has long mistreated Ryukyuans.
It was a visceral and nasty reaction from other Japanese and white weebs
unfortunately i have seen a large amount of weeaboos attacking ryukyuan ppl for even identifying as ryukyuan rather than japanese 😐 it’s awful
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial Idk that Ryukyuan independence movement is a thing haha. but i hope you will get your independence soon. We support your fight!
Some do 😂 and it’s embarrassing to even see it
I have a question and please answer me.I am a karate practisioner and I love Ryukyu people and culture.I agree that the RyuKyuan people aren't Japanese .Why the culture is so similar with the Japanese...?Check the traditional outfitting....kimono, tabi kyahan,hachimaki.......also the old ryukyuan swords are based in Japanese models,if you watch kumi odori is also very similar with the Japanese theater...thank you Greetings from Greece.
Because of the physical proximity. Also because both nations are members of the Chinese cultural sphere, of cuz they are both heavily influenced by Chinese customs. Last but not least, due to the Japanese colonization since 1879, the Japanese elements might eventually enter Ryukyuan society. Hope it helped.
Right on, Rob! Correct the press publications. Too many have stopped spelling Hawaiian correctly. I've seen some hints of racism (or simple ignorance, under-education, or miseducation of some publications' staff). Make sure the birth certificates of our children show "Okinawan" (or even "Shimanchu," what indigenous people in Loochoo/Okinawa call themselves) on their birth certificates. Indigenous people should be recognized. My kids' birth certificates show all their ethnicities and honor all their ancestors, including our indigenous Okinawan as well as Native Hawaiian (kanaka maoli) `ohana. And we are also part Japanese as well as Chinese. I don't lump everyone under "Asian" and declare them all "the same." Same for their European / "Caucasian" ancestry and Black / "African American" ancestry-we're specific and celebrate each part of our multicultural background, which makes life glorious so we can celebrate all of creation! So yes, it's important to recognize the indigenous people. I don't think it's insultingly offensive to people to erase my Okinawan heritage by calling me Japanese or Asian; as an educator, I figure they just don't know better, so it's time to educate, as you are doing here. (Even if they're deliberately and outright racist in their comments and mindsets, they don't know any better. Educate.) And as we can see, peace can reign as people befriend and aloha/love and connect--and make the truly multicultural society we have in Hawai`i nei today. An aunt who grew up in Loochoo/Okinawa, whose young teen brother was killed by U.S. WW2 soldiers as he hid in fear, still ended up marrying a Hawai`i-born Okinawan U.S. soldier when she came to Hawai`i. True aloha in all its deeper manifestations is important to peace, inclusion, diversity, and bridge and community-building. And for those of us who are of the settler peoples in Hawai`i Nei, we need to respect and honor the indigenous Hawaiians / kAnaka maoli and recognize them and their language too, as it is the language of Hawai`i.
Thank you for taking up this topic! I truly appreciate these words, as I recently lost my mother @ 84 yrs - she was born in Naha! It's refreshing to see someone that also believes that the Luuchuu Peoples, and Not Japanese! Ganbatte!!
As Kurds, we sadly know very well when several powerful states try for over a century to slowly kill off our language, culture and identity (not to mention outright genocidal campaigns).
I really hope that Ryukyuan people and other minorities will get official recognitions in Japan one day soon, with full rights of education etc. Even have the democratic choice to determine whether they'll want to stay as part of Japan or not.
Most Okinawans do not want independence and the right to education for Okinawans is no different from that of the Japanese.
@@张动 That might very well be the case. Buts they have a democratic right to have referendum and decide for themselves.
@@张动 Most of the Okinawans you say are actually more than 80% Japanese from Japan. Ryukyu people call themselves Ryukyu people.
Nice, onw question. Do the okinawans hace japanese Friends and viceversa? Do they go together to take a drink and thinks like that?
For the many years that I lived on Okinawa (total of 16) and my current bi=yearly trips back home I have found many Uchinanchu who feel non-Japanese. Since reversion in 72 the Japanese have pushed very hard to fully absorb the island population into mainstream Japanese membership, albeit a second class citizen to a mainland Japanese. I for one never refer to a Ryukyuan as a Japanese and like you I get push back by many gaijin , Japanese and even some younger Ryukyuan people.
Is Liuchiu spelled as, following Chinese pronunciation before world war 2? Another thing is that many US world war 2 experts argued that ethnographic and linguistic similarities between Japanese and Liuchiuan, how true is that? Otherwise, there is no transfer of sovereignty to local people by the US state department because the US has a military interest in this chain of islands.
Henoko will go through unfortunately the Japanese government will never cave to the Okinawas Prefectural government especially with the current governor in place and his often anti-Japanese and American rhetoric. I believe it is not needed personally and I am retired military. There is no need for the base other than the Marines wanting to remain the big dogs of the DoD on island and the senior service. They are equally fighting the move of the IIIMEF HQ to Guam as that would mean the Air Force becomes the senior service on the island something they do not want at any costs. The Japanese will not take on more US Military on the mainland... you are on point there. They are pushing to close even more base on Honshu and will continue to do so. Okinawa and the islands are also in debate between the PRC and Japan both who claim them today for strategic and economic reasons. China 's claimed is based on prior Okinawas payment of tribute to the Chinese court centuries ago.
GOOD work ! ONE day you OKINAWANS will be free when USA & JAPAN EXIT & leave you in PEACE
Same as colonizing Chinese Taiwan, ，Japanese soldiers massacred hundreds of thousands of Ryukyu (Okinawa) people during World War II.We support the change of the name Okinawa back to Ryukyu and support the independence of Ryukyu as a state
I guess it's like calling a Scottish person 'British'.
It's tragic that after defeating the Imperial Japanese in WWII, that the Allied Forces "refused to liberate Okinawa from Japanese rule". Interestingly, the same U.S. government that prohibited the Japanese from having a military -- felt no moral obligation to force the Japanese government out of Okinawa-proper. Even without a military, mainland Japan has been able to maintain an iron grip on every island in Okinawa.
「うちなーんちゅは日本人なのか？という問いについて答えています」
also, coming from a young ojibwe girl, you are very handsome =)
thank you!
To everyone in the whole world. Please do not destroy Henoko. Please protect Henoko from the Japanese government.I appreciate all you do,Rob.
I was stationed in by Henoko, Camp Schwab and studied karate under Eizo Shimabuku in Henoko.
As an Okinawan, I support the government cuz Okinawa is really unstable place in terms of Japan’s defense. People in Okinawa mostly agree with the government. あなた左翼の人か中国共産党の工作員でしょ？沖縄県民は台湾有事のことも考えると、やっぱり基地はあったほうがいいよねって考えてるよ。まぁ中国が台湾侵攻絶対しません、独立okですって言えばわんちゃんあるかもね。(中国のお国柄から信用は全くないんだけどね)
So interesting! Ty for you points of view. Mahalo Nui n yeah keep an eye on the Media n what they say about you, they're INSIDIOUSLY used.✌
Hi Rob,I got the courage on your video.Thank you.
I am Okinawan,and my mother is from Tomari ,Nakagusuku.
So, I am interested in your T-shirt.
Maybe this 泊 T-shirt is special for you, isnt it?
Sorry I had no idea sound like it’s like ppl of color similar story
someday, Ryukyu will regain independence with help from our Chinese brothers and sisters. 琉球にまた光が差す日を永遠に待ってます。
Why would China risk their face to help rebellion? If China ever helped ryukyu it would be selfish reasons.
I didn't know about that identity and okinawan feel offensive.. but sometimes Okinawa people call themself Japanese now days..
This is because of the imperial Japan education system which forces Okinawans to learn Japanese language, history, and identity. This is illegal according to international law, and is considered an act of genocide. We are working with international lawyers, human rights experts, and others to hold Japan accountable and restore Ryukyu's rightful independence.
Or they probably say that because it’s too much to explain what Ryuukyuu means to foreigners so they just say they’re Japanese. Just like sometimes I say I’m Chinese if people don’t know what Taiwan is… but other Taiwanese friends of mine would spend one hour explaining the history and the differences… jokes aside
It’s sad that people from Ryukyu would have to call themselves Japanese because they don’t remember their history and it means Japanese gov has succeeded.
@@deqinwu Your example is wrong. Taiwan people are indeed Chinese, but Ryukyu people are not Japanese. They have a different culture, language and name from Japan. The Taiwanese are Chinese people who moved to Taiwan from places like Fujian and Guangdong, so you are just as Chinese as any other Chinese.
Because Japan wanted to colonize and assimilate Ryukyu, they sent many Japanese immigrants to Ryukyu. Now 80% of Ryukyu's population is Japanese from Japan
Does Okinawan have their own warrior class like samurai's?
Hi Nightowl,
This is an excellent question.
Luchuans / Ryukyuans in general did not have much of a warrior culture like Japan, so I would say it is incorrect to refer to them as a "warrior class." However, there was the Yukatchu class of scholar-bureaucrats, modeled in part after the Chinese shì dàfū, who held many positions in the Luchu Kingdom government. Luchu banned the public carrying of weapons around the 15th century in order to promote peace. The Yukatchu are today sometimes referred to as the "samuree" class, though this is not a native Luchuan term and is simply a Luchuan pronunciation of the Japanese term "samurai." There were many major differences between Yukatchu and Samurai so I do not think it is accurate to place them in the same class. It is more accurate to compare them to Chinese scholar-bureaucrats.
Thank you for this question.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial
Thanks for the answering.
Are Irish English? Are Texans American?
Peace for Oginawa
I feel really bad to hear Okinawa history. At the same time, it gives me an idea how it would look if Korea had not been independent. I hope more people know what is going on.
A 2011 poll found only 4.7% of Okinawans were pro-independence, although more than 15% wanted more devolution. Just over 60% preferred the political status quo. Tomochi says support for independence has risen over the past two years.
I'm not sure that poll was really accurate; other polls from a similar time indicate around 20-25% independence. A more recent poll in 2017 indicates the majority of the Okinawan population is "dissatisfied with the status quo of being part of Japan."
Most of the Okinawans you say are actually more than 80% Japanese from Japan. Ryukyu people call themselves Ryukyu people.
Rob-san! I am also so interested in "泊" T-shirts. Very nice! :)
#StandWithOkinawa
"Oil" T-shirts? Why? Does the kanji mean something else?
@@martiuscastle I am from Okinawa. Probably, but I think that it is a place name in Okinawa called "Tomari".
@@sizuku4560 Thanks.
@@sizuku4560那覇市 の 泊まり､泊
Under Japan, there will be no international recognition for Okinawan. Okinawa becoming independent state and not aid Japan would be satisfactory for S Korean government. Japan destroyed Okinawan culture and language and suffered under Japan. Now S Korean government can aid Okinawan with weapons and training if Okinawan wants independent because Japanese government will not just give freedom by votes.
Nonsense
S Korea or any country would not supply Ryukyu with weapons as it’s an aggressive act and it will only do more damage than good.. maybe only China since it’s a strategic point for trade.
Not Japanese. Different peoples. 💪Lew Chewians
ARE OKINAWANS, JAPANESE?
Is Okinawa, Japan?
ANSWER: I read that Japanese Emperor has never set foot on Okinawa and I was shocked! 😲 How can a ruler never visited a part of his own country? If you need a proof, the proof that Okinawa is not part of Japan, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE JAPANESE EMPEROR!!!
Perhaps, I'm wrong. The Japanese Emperor has an imperial Royal Palace in Naha, Okinawa?
Just my opinion 🤷.
I understand that Okinawans aren't Japanese. I heard from a different youtube channel that when they first stepped on your land, your people's language was closer to there's than to China's. Is this true that it was easier to communicate with them :?
In Fujian, or Min Nan language, yep.
Just declare independent and close all US base, I am sure China and Russia are very happy to help.
You’re look like the more southeast Asian people
How many generations has your family lived in Hawaii?
The US has been planning on relocating to Australia for a long time now so you may get your wish. With the advancement of weapons Okinawa is now to close to threats in the area and we want more standoff distance. If we do ever leave thousands of jobs will be lost that are filled by the Okinawa people. What I was always amazed with when I lived in Okinawa was how two completely different cultures could live together in peace.
This is what many videos conveniently leave out. Some Okinawans are actually a bit pro-American because Okinawa is literally the poorest prefecture in Japan with, I think, the highest unemployment as well.
US military bases actually provide some great opportunities for the native people. My uncle works as a gate guard for the bases. He's Okinawan. My grandfather used to do the same too.
If the US military leaves, it will be nice to have the land back, but trust me: it's be taken up by *_Japanese_* landlords and business owners more than Okinawans.
@@w0y4k15 love Okinawa always will.
So, do you speak the Ryukyuan language by yourself?
Yes he did
Japanese old DNA are okinawan DNA
because they all came from Southern Fujian, China
Is there a common beetwen Sunda and ryukyu
Yes, Ryukyu had trade relations with the peoples of Sunda, as well as most of the rest of Southeast Asia.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial i just want make sure i thoght is hoax
@@titayuningsih4833😂
You gotta chill for a second brother. I know for sure that most Japanese people want nothing more than friendship with Okinawan people. A year in Tokyo in 1993, no one I ever met had a bad thing to say about Okinawans, if anything, Kansai people love Okinawans completely. The entire world loves Okinawan people. There is literally nothing bad or evil about Okinawan people. Okinawans are basically the kindest, most honest, down to earth people on this planet Earth. I will die for Okinawan people. You have to believe me, 99% of people in mainland Japan do not wish anything bad upon Okinawans.
Yes, but Okinawans hate Japanese because Japanese took everything from Okinawans
Yes, they love ryukyu peoples as long as they're not try to rise up for independence.
Oh I’m sure Kansai people love Ryuukyuu people.
They probably love to drink that Ebisu beer and surfing in “Okinawa” for vacation.
Back to Ryuukyuu (btw is a word Japanese gov avoids to use so not to conjure up their own identity)
The point is
Do people from Kansai care about the fact that Ryuukyuu kingdom was destroyed, languages extinct, and new generation forgetting their identity?
I am personally 1/8th Okinawan, but up until now I was under the impression I was Japanese because I was told Japanese is Okinawan.. but now im just so.. confused..
Ive been trying to look into my heritage and im just so lost now haha
Okinawans are not Japanese.
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial Okay thanks!
Japan invaded and occupied your country and tried to wipe out your culture and replace it with Japanese, generations of brainwashing made Loochoouans forgot about their identity. I am Chinese and I never regard Loochoouans as Japanese. Please learn your history
@@dentistdownunder I've been trying hard to figure out okinawan heritage, even began learning the language, but I'm not sure where to get sources for okinawan culture :(
Okinawans are not Japanese. Do a quick Google search about the Ainu and Ryukyu genetic similarities. They're actually more closely related to each other than they are Yamato Japanese.
I can even see it in my own appearance. My father is more white than me, yet can't grow a beard. I can do it easily. I also have way more body hair.
if okinawa is domestic issue why USA interfer taiwan issue??🤔😒
Okinawans are not Japanese, I agree!!
I am Uchinanchu shimagwa.
So is Okinawa or ucina chin?
Uchinaa chin is a semi-offensive and inappropriate term. It literally means "Okinawa Prefecture" which is the equivalent to saying "state of hawaii" to Hawaiian nationals. It promotes Japanese / U.S. imperialism and colonization. Additionally, Luchuans / Okinawans don't actually say Uchinaa chin.
Noticed you have a Chinese name,are you of Chinese ancestry too?
Real Ryukyu people have had Chinese names since ancient times
why USA not help okinawa indepence if japan invaded okinawa? 🤔
Did Okinawans intern with Japanese people during WWII?
In the U.S., yes.
jpaneesse goveerment never beg apologize from ryukyuan, they will give a hard gift to okinaawann if declaree indepedencce
Thank you.
なぜアメリカ人のお前が日本について語っているんだ？？？
@@日本人-j1s ほんと滑稽だし、コメ欄で独立賛成とか言ってる奴らのコメ見てても頭痛くなってくる
Meh....
I think it's the difference in the Lifestyle
You had one point abt Okinawans being matriarchal and laid back while Yamato people are Patriarchal and ambitious
Ainu..... probably even MORE laid back than Yamato or Ryukuyans...
What is Yamato? Basically the literal name for Japanese people to distinguish them from Ainu, Ryukuyans plus all Gaijins of Japan
Yamato is an ethnic group with a little mix of Korea, some China, Mongolia, and Jomon
It's almost like an immigrant that's not in the Japanese archipelago
I've been from Okinawa for generations and I'm an aunt.
There is no Korean, Chinese, or Mongolian blood in Okinawans.
No. They are not Japanese. They are their own people.
It's strange. The science found out that Okinawan people share the identical DNA with mainland Japanese. Then why do we look different? Perhaps the environment? I'm Okinawan, and 20% of time people guess that I can speak Japanese.
No, you are very incorrect. Scientists have demonstrated that Ryukyuan DNA is notably different from Japanese DNA. Ryukyuans genetically share a lot in common with the Jomon peoples (the Ainu), whereas modern Japanese are from the Yayoi people who migrated to Japan from China / Korea around 2,000 years ago.
Okinawan look like Native American
Are okimawans partly korean
No ,i am okinawan
Haisai, Rob-san! Have you ever been to Japan? How close is Okinawa (the prefecture) to Kagoshima (the prefecture)?
Yes, pretty much all Okinawans have been to mainland Japan since it doesn't require a passport and airfare is cheap. Okinawa Prefecture & Kagoshima Prefecture are next door neighbors...technically the Amami Islands are "part of" Kagoshima by force, although they are still part of the Ryukyu Islands. Although I also have to point out that Taiwan, mainland China, and even Korea's Jeju Island are geographically closer to Naha than the largest city in mainland Japan.
This page has a map with distances of major cities / places from Naha: www.peaceforokinawa.org/aboutokinawa.html
@@RobKajiwaraOfficial Which one of your family members come from Okinawa Prefecture?
If ur from hawaii… how are you not American..
Bad analogy abt comparing Ethnic groups. Try using Minority Races Man....
Okinawans are not Japanese as much as
Bretons of France are not French
Scots of UK are not English
Welsh of UK are not English
Catalonians of Spain are not Castillian
Basque of Spain are not Castillian
Rusyns are not Russian. Ionno I'm having a headache....
I'll simplify it for you and save you time. Okinawans in the macro sense are Japanese. However, in the micro sense , they're not.
#StandWithOkinawa well very sad todays peace action are not enough to ensure Ryukyus' independence. at the most orally support it's independent but not able to spk at loudly to the world those so-called sovereignty are too afraid US influence.
It's always interesting that Korea and Okinawa don't band together to expose the continued imperialistic tendency instilled by programmatic nationalism. Don't the Japanese citizens understand that elites of government use nationalism to subjugate their populous for their benefit? Human beings are resources to these elites and that's it. Resources for labor, taxation, etc. Abe is horrible and his media arm can't be more conspicuous but yet.... nobody sees anything wrong with what his administration is doing. The revisionism of the Japanese government needs to come to an end. Suicide crash bombing a plane is not honorable. It's stupid. Rewriting history is criminal. Illegal occupation of a sovereign land is a crime. I understand that nationalism is an easier route for the Japanese people and being critical of your government is stressful. But it's time to wake up. I'm not picking on Japan except for the context of this video. But all governments should be subject to the same criticism for the elites that hide behind the veil.
nonsense
Does it really matter if Okinawans are Japanese? We all know that Japanese people are for the most part polite, civilized, and will go out of their way to help someone. Same thing goes for people in Okinawa. I've lived in Okinawa before and have visited Japan numerous times, and I've made some friends who are Okinawans. To me, I respect the Okinawan and Japanese culture, as they are (again, for the most part) the friendliest people I know.
Be proud that you are Okinawan. Be proud that you are Japanese. Japan and Okinawa are truly like no other places on earth.
It matters because they killed 2/3 of our people and are attempting to force us to become Japanese while making racist comments about us. If we were treated normally it would be one thing. Also nope. They took us over after WW2 so of course we don't see ourselves as Japanese. We even spoke a different language. That's like calling Indians British because Britain colonized them :/
Weaboo invasion, quick to the reality check Chamber!
Umm sounds like a while American saying all Native American should be proud to be a part of USA. Wtf
Won’t a DNA test show that Okinawan people as Japanese?
No, DNA tests show that Ryukyuans are Ryukyuan or Okinawan. Ryukyuan DNA is very different from Japanese DNA, and is more similar to the Indigenous Jomon people or Ainu people. There is a lot of information about this online.
Rob Kajiwara I see. There is a Japanese UA-camr who decided to take a DNA test and she mentioned that she is always asked about her ethnicity. She showed her results from Ancestry and 23 and Me and both results came out to be Japanese. Her 23 and Me results mentioned that within the last 200 years that someone in her lineage came from Okinawa. She was pleasantly surprised because she was often asked if she was Okinawan. Her results didn’t give percentages of Japanese and Ryukyuan though.
It's all abt Freedom. Please argue that Okinawans (Ryukuyans) are more free than Yamato people
Ainu , way more free because they basically living in the Wilderness fishing for fish when most Yamato people are Corporate slaves risking death by Karoshi ( working too much)
Yamatos are Jelous of the Ainu because Ainu men can grow thick bushy beards while most Yamatos can only sport a goatee
It's all abt Free Time on your hands and you're right abt Ryukuyans being Matriarchal and laid back and also many centenarians and super centenarian coming from Okinawa. Sure Japan's colonial rat race mindset basically will shorten the Okinawan lifespan.
当たっている。凄い。沖縄の人ですが。笑わせてもらいました。
沖縄は日本の中で最も虐げられている地域の一つです。
✊🏿👌🏿👍🏿🤙🏿
Yes, Okinawans are Japanese and they are Japanese citizen ! ! Japanese people consist of Yamatos, Ryukyuans ( modern name is Okinawans) and Ainus.
If you think you are Ryukyuan, that fine but that is a just your personal opinion.
My brother in law is an Okinawan and he thinks himself Japanese.
Please respect other Okinawans feeling. Thank you.
no, imperial japan invade ryukyu! they are not japanese, ryukyu should be independent!
Ryukyu was a kingdom, Ryukyuan are not Japanese. They have their own culture and language.
@@Ahang_Pikapika : I would like to suggest you to go to Okinawa and ask people if they think themselves citizens of the Ryukyu Kingdom. 琉球王国市民
Please let me know their response.
I think you have never lived in Okinawa.
I’m sure that you are not native Okinawan.
@@kaiushijima7060 there is no more such a kingdom.
@@Ahang_Pikapika : You said that “ Ryukyu was a kingdom. Ryukyuan are not Japanese.”
Generally, from the historical point of view, Ryukyu ream sometimes includes Amami islands.
You need to understand the difference between Ryukyuans and Okinawans.👍😇
支持琉球独立！
沖縄人は日本人か？
Basically aren't Hawaiians Americans?
They were once an independent Kingdom too; just like Ryukyu or Luchoo, as you want to put it.
Alaskans, Texans and Californians? Not Americans?
Sorry, Okinawa is the Japanese name for the former Ryukyu Kingdom which was abolished and annexed in 1879. HOWEVER, Ryukyu has lost it's "independence" to Japan since 1609 with the Satsuma invasion. This is history that you as a proud Ryukyuan must and should know.
Unless you are deliberately omitting such facts from the unsuspecting public.
Lastly, the whole of the UN recognised Okinawa as a Japanese prefecture. And still do today, in 2020.
You may have your identity (just like many regions around the world) which are now integrated into sovereign countries, jut like the Basques, the Corsican, the Sicilian, the Quebecois, Sardinians and many more ethnic groups out there.
The Ainu have their identity too. They are still Japanese (even if some may not like it).
Can't disagree with your pride though, but cannot agree with your historical analysis.
Ulysses Grant, who was the arbitrator for China v Japan, re: Ryukyu said that Ryukyu had to belong to Japan and had an interesting perspective on this issue.
Regardless of pride, Okinawans bear a Japanese passport. There isn't an Okinawan passport.
If you have a Japanese passport, you're a Japanese citizen.
Whether you like it or not.
Pride notwithstanding.
He is right we are not Japanese ! I am Hawaiian too and you need to your research about Hawaii it's horrible what was done to the people of Hawaii.
Citizenship is different from ethnicity, he’s talking about ethnicity here. He can be a Japanese citizen but he is still a Loochoouan. People think that Loochoouans are ethnically Japanese, he’s just clarifying that they are not
dentistdownunder do you think it’s possible that if Okinawans take a DNA test that they will have their own unique DNA just like the way can determine if a person is Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese and distinguish themselves from Japanese?
@@akikiya6409 well, Ryukyuans and Yamato are not related to Chinese people for what I know, but mainland japanese people have on average 12% Jomon and 88% Yayoi mixture, while Okinawans have around 27% Jomon and 73% Yayoi mixture. The only ties Okinawans have genetically are tied to Ainu and Mainland Japanese. Together we form Hondo, Ryukyu and Ainu, the japonic people, and the only ones in east asia to share the hablogroup D.
the war is end why not get black your own country Ryukyu is not part of Japan
Yes, we are, politically. The Emperor's Army asked us to pay for Japan in WW2 and we did. In blood and suffering. Japan is our country as much as any other Japanese....we PAID for it. We should be accepted for our sacrifice. Blacks are not from the US but were accepted as Americans. Okinawans are accepted as a second-class Japanese, better than total gaijin, but lesser than Yamatunchuu.
So, politically, yes. We are Japanese. Ethnically and linguistically? NO. We are Uchinaananchuu.
I’m a Japanese American and I took a dna test and found that I was 100% Japanese with most of my dna is concentrated in the Okinawa prefecture. :D
is there a thing call japanese dna or korean dna or chinese dna?
Okinawan also not hawaiian...mark that..!!!!!!
Some people are both Okinawan and Hawaiian (and other ethnicities). Use some common sense and stop saying stupid things or we'll ban you from the channel.
i'm just saying that the original people of okinawa is not hawaiian, so stop claiming...!!!
No one has ever said.
Yes, Okinawans are Japanese ! ! Japanese people consist of Yamatos, Ryukyuans ( modern name : Okinawans ) and Ainus.
If you think you are Ryukyuan, that's fine. But that's a just your personal opinion.
My brother in law is an Okinawan but he thinks himself Japanese.
Please respect other Okinawans feeling. Thank you.
S.K. _ : I ‘m sad about your h - te comment . Maybe, you are the victim of h - te education in your country. 😂Peace & love to your mind.
If the Ryukyu kingdom had invaded Japan, then there would be no Japanese and you would be a Ryukyu, okay? So you invaded Ryukyu! You have committed a crime! You must acknowledge and give the Ryukyu people their freedom and their country! You have no right to invade other countries!
WoW. Just get to know about your channel thru jing jing - Most people in ASIA doesn't know this history . Search for "Luuchuu" in most American search engine. your history is all distorted and hardly can be found. You need to AMPLIFY your message to the whole world- PEACE
Maybe Japanese Hawaian is about the nationality, not about the ethnicity
All people in Japan is Japanese, but not all of them are Yamato people, there are Okinawa people, Ainu, and etc
Yes,and the ryuokyans
I suppose the same way Lakota are Americans? Native Americans are a conquered people who lost their land to invaders. Ryukyu was taken over by Japan.
@@d20jeff America is a stolen land.