Remembering History and Bonds of Friendship, Okinawa and Yoron Meet at Sea 70 Years After the Day of Insult (Video Included)
During the meeting at sea, people wave to each other from a Kunigami boat (back) and a Yoron boat (front) (11:53 a.m. on April 28, near the 27th parallel north, photograph by Masahiro Ogawa)
April 29, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
Kunigami and Yoron – April 28 marked 70 years since the Treaty of San Francisco came into effect in 1952, separating Okinawa and the Amami Islands from Japan and placing Okinawa under the governance of the United States until reversion in 1972. On April 28, residents of Kunigami and Yoron, Kagoshima met at sea near the 27th parallel north, which has come to symbolize the separation of Japan and Okinawa, to reenact the meetings at sea that were held to demand Okinawa’s reversion.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the reversion. Participants held a commemorative procession and a ceremony, confirming that the history of the division is being passed down to future generations. Approximately 140 people participated in the meeting at sea on a total of 21 boats. These participants read aloud a declaration promising to “maintain the bond and strengthen the ties between the towns.” The meetings being commemorated were held from 1963-1969 between representatives from Okinawa and Yoron, which had already reverted to Japan. The meetings were reenacted once in 2012. It has been ten years since the meeting was last held. (compiled by Kotaro Nagamine)
(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)
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Webcam(Kokusai Street)
