#Okinawamerican

[kataibusaibiin]

#RiseForHenoko "Our Island's Treasure" Documentary | ドキュメンタリー映画「 私たちの島の宝」

Kaiya, a 17 year-old from Portland and fellow Okinawamerican, created this informative and heart-felt 30 minute documentary to help Americans understand the indigenous struggles in our ancestral homeland of Okinawa/Ryukyu.

This is not simply an indigenous or environmental struggle in Okinawa. And it’s bigger than Japan or even the US. I hope you will watch this film with open heart and mind to see these connections and allow us to join each other in our efforts to protect our land and water across the globe, taking steps towards a more sustainable future for us all! Some context: Uchinaanchu (the indigenous peoples of the islands of Okinawa / Ryukyu, known today as Okinawa Prefecture of Japan) have been peacefully protesting the militarization and occupation of our islands for many moons, but the US military ignores these voices, saying it's a Japanese issue to be dealt with by the Japanese government, but the Japanese central government doesn't care to listen to the voices of the people they colonized and and continue to treat as second-class citizens. The militarization of our islands has historically led to devastating loss of human, plant, and animal life which did not end with the conclusion of the Battle of Okinawa when the land and people of Okinawa became the battleground between Japan and US/Allied Forces. And yet, even as the US military and Japanese government continue to dump onto the coral reefs in Okinawa’s Oura Bay today to build yet another military base, many of us Uchinaanchu believe there is still hope for healing and peace to prevail, particularly if other voices join in a global outcry, demanding the US and Japanese governments listen to the will of the people. 

My personal connection to this story: Some of you know that I was born in Okinawa - land that both the Japanese government and US military has claimed as theirs. If you know me in-person, I may have shared with you the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom and how Okinawa became an internal colony of Japan.  What you might not know is that my dad actually met my mom while he was stationed at Camp Schwab with the US Marine Corps in the 70′s, situated at the site in Henoko where the US military and Japanese government are attempting to build a new base now, extending out into Oura Bay. In other words, my very existence originates at the epicenter of this controversy. So, it's from a place of personal responsibility / kuleana / sukubun as well as love and respect for all that I raise questions about the ongoing US military presence in Okinawa and across the globe as well as the lessons Okinawans have learned about the toll of war and militarization first-hand from the Battle of Okinawa and the ongoing occupation of our islands. So, what can you/we do? I believe that the ocean literally unites us as it connects all our respective homelands and sustains all life - from Guam, Philippines, Jeju, Djibouti, Hawai’i, Turtle Island, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, etc...  As such, our efforts to protect our land and water has the potential to unite us. From Standing Rock to occupied Chochenyo Oholone land in present day California, across the Pacific Islands, and beyond...From elders who have sustained these efforts over many moons and to young generations across the world growing up with the reality of Climate Change and an increasingly militarized world, I truly believe that our responsibility to our land/water/ancestors/all life/future generations is something that can (and will!) unite our hearts and minds toward a brighter future for us all.  Sharing this documentary and a bit of my story is one small way I hope to create spaces for us to connect and explore our shared responsibility - particularly with fellow Americans and International Uchinaanchu -  but also as global citizens. Perhaps sharing this doc with others is a starting point for you to engage with your friends, family, and community too!   Now that you know about Henoko, what will you do? How can you/we deepen the awareness and connections between each of us and our collective efforts? (I’m not asking that rhetorically. Let’s discuss, brainstorm, and become co-conspirators! Feel free to contact me here or via twitter: @kataibusaibiin)

Please consider what you can do to help amplify the voices of the indigenous peoples of Okinawa / Ryukyu and share your voice too!!!  Appreciate your taking the time to watch, share, ask questions, reflecting on what you/we might do with our relative privilege, etc. 

Thank you! / Nihee deebiru! / ありがとうございます。/ Mahalo.

Additional Resources:  ⇒ link to video: http://bit.ly/Rise4HenokoFilm ⇒ more info: https://uchinanchu.com/ ⇒ one quick way to take action: http://bit.ly/USHASCpetition