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February 17, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Our ancestors’ bones were taken from the tombs where they slept, and have remained unreturned for more than 75 years. This is unacceptable even if they were allegedly taken for research purposes.
It has been discovered that bones of at least 26 people taken by anthropologists conducting research in the Mumujana tombs in Nakijin Village in 1928 and 1929 are being stored at Kyoto University. Remains of another 33 people are being stored at Taiwan University. There are also other cases of bones being taken. We must make it a priority to uncover all the facts as quickly as possible.
The bones from the Mumujana tombs were taken by Takeo Kanaseki, an anthropologist and assistant professor at Kyoto Imperial University. He wrote a book titled “Ethnographic Study of the Ryukyu People” detailing his research in Okinawa and collection of bones. A study by the Nakijin Board of Education confirmed that Kyoto University and Taiwan University still have the bones that were taken by Professor Kanaseki, who subsequently moved to Taiwan University.
The taking of remains from Okinawa by anthropologists must be considered in view of the trends in anthropology at the time.
Physical anthropology and comparative anatomy, which were born in 19th century Europe, used the study of the bones of prisoners and colonized peoples to reveal differences between races and the process of evolution. When anthropology first came to Japan, researchers introduced European methods and attempted, through their work, to reveal the superiority of the Japanese.
We must not overlook the fact that this research served to support modern Japan as it pursued its own colonial policy in competition with the great European powers. Japanese researchers collected remains of Ainu, Taiwanese and Korean people whose lands were forcefully taken over as part of Japan, and used the fruits of their research to justify Japan’s domination by force. Since the end of World War II, there have been critiques of the anthropology’s complicity in colonialism.
The collection of bones from Okinawa should also be thoroughly investigated. After the facts are uncovered, we must discuss whether the bones should be returned and how they should be preserved. The Ainu movement for the return of remains serves as a reference.
Since the 1980s, when the Hokkaido Former Aborigines Protection Act was abolished and the opportunity to call for self-determination increased, a movement calling for the return of Ainu remains became active. Descendants of the deceased filed a lawsuit against the Hokkaido prefectural government demanding the return of the bones.
The Ministry of Education is carrying out a survey of remains stored at universities in Japan. By 2020, the government plans to build a memorial facility in Hokkaido for bones currently held at twelve Japanese universities.
The collection of bones severely harmed the dignity and culture of Ainu and Okinawan people. The Japanese government and research institutions should express remorse by thoroughly investigating where Ryukyuan remains are being stored and making the truth known to the public.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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February 16, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Takahiro Miyagi
At least 26 sets of human skeletons, which had been removed from the Mumujana Grave in Unten of Nakijin Village by anthropological researchers during the early Showa Era, were found at Kyoto University. The skeletons had been preserved at the university for more than 75 years and were removed for research purposes, but have yet to be returned. The Nakijin Village Board of Education confirmed the existence of the skeletons at Kyoto University in its 2004 research.
Similarly, the remains of the Ainu were also removed and preserved at Hokkaido University, but have since been returned to the families of the deceased. Following this, some researchers are arguing that the Ryukyuan skeletons should also be returned to Okinawa. The right of indigenous peoples to request the remains to be returned is stipulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted in 2007.
A representative from The Ryukyu Shimpo asked a representative from Kyoto University questions, such as “Do you still have Ryukyuan bones?” and “Do you think that the excavations that were conducted at the time were appropriate?” However, the representative responded, “We will not be taking any questions regarding this matter.”
According to the research conducted by the Nakijin Village Board of Education, another 33 sets of skeletons that had been removed from the Mumujana Grave are currently preserved at the National Taiwan University located in Taipei, Taiwan. As of February 15, Taiwan University has not answered whether they have the skeletons in possession.
It was Takeo Kanaseki (1897-1983), an anthropologist and Kyoto Imperial University (now Kyoto University) assistant professor who removed the skeletons from the Mumujana Grave. He wrote in his book, “Ryukyuan Ethnography” (1978) that he had removed several sets of skeletons during excavations conducted all over Okinawa between 1928 and 1929. He also noted that Okinawan researchers were also involved. Kanaseki then donated the skeletons as specimens to the Kyoto Imperial University. He also took some skeletons with him to the Taihoku Imperial University (now National Taiwan University), where he was transferred to.
The Mumujana Grave, located on the northern side of Unten, halfway up a cliff, is a tangible cultural property designated by Nakijin Village. According to a historical document from the Ryukyu Kingdom, “Chuzan seifu” (1697), the Mumujana Grave was a gravesite for nobility. According to a representative from the Nakijin Village’s Board of Education, the Mumujana Grave, along with the Unishi Grave close by are believed to be the “gravesites for the royal family of the Hokuzan area or the Kanshu (Administrator) family.”
Kaneseki, his mentor Kenji Kiyono, and apprentice Koryo Kyo, all of whom were anthropologists, presented their papers based on the skeletons collected by Kaneseki and others. However even after that, the skeletons were not returned and had been preserved at the Kyoto University at least until 2004.
In Hokkaido, remains of the Ainu had been excavated from gravesites by anthropologists around the 1930s. More than 1600 sets of skeletons are preserved at 11 universities across the country. With the abolishment of the Protection Law of Hokkaido Aboriginals and increased efforts to regain the right of self-determination by the Ainu, the movement to have the remains returned has gathered momentum. In 2012, families of the deceased filed a suit against Hokkaido demanding the remains be returned. A compromise was reached last March, and 12 sets of skeletons were returned to the families last July.
Protection Law of Hokkaido Aboriginals
Enacted in 1899. Gave land to the Ainu and promoted farming. However, the land was confiscated if it had not been cultivated for the past 15 years. Japanization, or imperial education, was also thoroughly implemented. However, farming did not sit well for the Ainu since they made their living by hunting, causing the situation to go from bad to worse. Ainu elementary schools were established, but practicing the Ainu language and traditional culture were forbidden. The law was abolished when the Act on the Promotion of Ainu Culture was established in 1995.
(English translation by T&TC and Chelsea Ashimine)
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February 16, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
At a regular meeting of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly on February 15, Governor Takeshi Onaga announced his administration’s 2017 objectives. He addressed the plan to construct a replacement facility for Futenma Air Station in Henoko, asserting that his administration will not allow the new base to be built, and will tirelessly pursue this as a pillar of its objectives. In terms of the economy, Onaga said his administration will strive for expansion and strengthening of leading industries such as tourism and telecommunications, setting a 2021 benchmark goal for gross prefectural product to reach 5 trillion 10 billion yen, and a goal of increasing Okinawans’ income.
Onaga spoke about the U.S. military base burden, saying, “Now, 71 years after the war, there are no words to describe the abnormality of the current circumstances with 70.6 percent of U.S. military exclusive use facilities in Japan existing in Okinawa, while Okinawa only accounts for 0.6 percent of Japan’s land area.” He also asserted that his administration would put its full energy toward reducing Okinawa’s overlarge share of the base burden.
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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February 13, 2017, Ryota Kotani , Correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo.
Fujian Normal University along with three other Chinese universities competed in the 2nd annual Eisa Championship Tournament, held December 4, 2016 at Fujian Museum Plaza in Fuzhou, Fujian. The competition was hosted by Okinawa Prefecture and the Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation with help from the Fujian Foreign Affairs Institute, the Okinawa Art & Culture Council, and the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau. 41 students from Fujian Normal University, Minjiang University, Huaqiao University, and Fuzhou University participated. Fujian University built on their strong showing last year, taking the title for the second straight year. Many city residents watched the fantastic Eisa dances with great interest.
In addition to the competitors, there were also performances from elementary and middle school groups. There was also a guest performance from Chijinshu Wakatida, the Okinawan team that won last year’s World Eisa Tournament. The performance was met with enthusiastic cheering from the college students. The tournament concluded with all of the teams dancing to “Tousen Doi” together.
The head of the judge panel was Daiichi Hirata, head of the Art & Culture Council. Along with the tournament there was PR for tourism, and sample foods, drink and other Okinawan goods on display for spectators, creating a nice PR opportunity for Okinawa.
In addition, Zamami Cardboard Co. Ltd. provided material for making paranku drums, and both children and adults alike could be seen enjoying the experience.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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February 13, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Thirteen members of Opposition to Henoko Soil Hauling, a nationwide liaison council comprised of local organizations to the soil collection sites for Henoko land reclamation, including co-representative of the council Sahio Otsu (from Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture), visited the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB) on February 13. Opposition to Henoko Soil Hauling requested that the ODB not put its soil collection and hauling budget to use until measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species are formulated. Otsu said, “First of all, we strongly protest that construction in the ocean has started,” and went on to say, “Land reclamation for the new base in Henoko destroys the environment; the mountains and ocean of our beautiful homeland where we live, and consequently our way of life.” He objected that to this day the Japanese government has not provided an explanation regarding soil hauling.
ODB Deputy Director-General Kimihiko Endo sidestepped by asserting that the soil collection sites mentioned in the application for approval of land reclamation were merely considered in early-stage planning. He said that at this time the ODB does not have contracts with suppliers or set plans on where to collect soil.
However, Otsu claimed that the supplier in Yamato Village, Amami has actually finished boulder removal and collection, and the local residents were assembled and persuaded that the next quarry would be on Okinawan soil. Otsu said Endo cannot continue to ignore that soil collection is progressing.
Citizens from Nago City, Motobu Town, Amami Oshima, the Inland Sea region, and Kitakyushu came to the ODB with Opposition to Henoko Soil Hauling. They are residents of locales mentioned as soil collection sites in the application for approval of land reclamation.
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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February 12, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
At the summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump, the two confirmed that they will proceed with the construction of a new base in conjunction with the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Henoko, Nago on the grounds that it is “the only solution”. Opinion polls show that 70% to 80% of Okinawans oppose the Henoko base construction. It is unacceptable that the U.S. and Japanese heads of state go over Okinawa’s head to decide that Henoko is the “only option.”
During his campaign, Trump hinted that he might withdraw U.S. troops from Japan and called for Japan to increase its cost burden for hosting U.S. troops. The Japanese government was steeling itself for whatever demands Trump might make.
But at the recent summit, the United States made no reference to issues such as hosting costs. Rather, the United States confirmed that the Senkaku Islands, over which China claims territorial rights, and on which Japan places great emphasis, fall under application of Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, which sets forth the United States’ duty to defend Japan.
This was the first time a joint statement prepared at a summit meeting explicitly stated that building a new base in Henoko is “the only solution that avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.”
Meanwhile, Japan failed to request that operations at Futenma cease by February 2019 (within five years from when that declaration was made), despite it being a pressing issue; the topic of reducing Okinawa’s base burden also did not arise. This shows that Prime Minister Abe does not view reduction of Okinawa’s base burden as an issue that must be addressed.
The two sides also agreed to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, and the United States appears to have accepted all of Japan’s requests when it comes to defense.
The United States got significant results when it came to the economy. That the two sides confirmed that they will engage in talks toward forming a bilateral framework to replace the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is symbolic of this. The joint statement reads, “noting that the United States has withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the leaders pledged to explore how best to accomplish [their] shared objectives. This will include discussions between the United States and Japan on a bilateral framework”.
In the Diet, Prime Minister Abe repeatedly stated he would encourage the United States to rethink its abandonment of the TPP, but he did not follow through on this. Now there is no choice but to proceed with Trump’s demand for talks aimed toward a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
In terms of defense, the United States capitulated to Japan, and when it came to economics, it ensured it got its way. Perhaps this is businessman Trump’s style of “deal” diplomacy.
However, there is no way we can accept the policy of the U.S. and Japan to simply force yet another base on Okinawa, which already suffers under a disproportionate burden of U.S. bases, in connection with U.S. economic policy. Henoko’s ocean is not a form of tribute for the U.S. and Japanese governments.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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February 8, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Takae Junior High School in Higashi village held a closing ceremony to farewell the community after 68 years on February 4. Approximately 150 people including current students, alumni, and local residents gathered for the closing of the school. The Takae Junior High Shool will be merged into Higashi and Arime Junior High School to establish Higashi Junior High School in this April.
During the ceremony, two grade eight students, Ishihara and Morioka gave a speech as student representatives and shared their memories at the school.
Ishihara spoke in tears, “Our senior students have established the school’s history even though our school is located in harsh conditions. As I came to accept that the school is really ending, I couldn’t help missing the school in my heart.”
Second year students Ishihara and Morioka give a speech as student representatives.
Morioka kept her head up, “The time that I spent with you all at the school is my precious treasure. I hope our home Takae will continue to strive for a bright future.”
Many alumni also visited the ceremony. A 57-year old alumna Chieko Oshiro reflected, “There was no pool or gymnasium when I was a student, and we would play volleyball in the field while getting scratches all over our bodies. I will miss these times and the school, but I think students will still grow up well.”
The principle Hirofumi Chinen encouraged the students, saying; “Our alumni are building achievements in many different fields. Please keep your pride and enjoy your new school life.”
There was also an appreciation party held after the closing ceremony, and school children and local residents entertained gathered people with performances like Kagiyade-fu dance and eisa. Takae Jr. High was established in 1948. The number of enrolled students started to decline after Okinawa’s reversion to Japan in 1972, and there is only three students currently enrolled. 284 students have graduated from the school since its establishment.
(English translation by T&CT and Sayaka Sakuma)
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February 10, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
On February 9, the Okinawa Labor Bureau announced the number of foreign workers in Okinawa Prefecture was 5,971 people at the end of October 2016. Since the reporting of the employment of foreigners became mandatory in 2007, 1,279 businesses have reported their foreign employment figures, with 2016 the highest record yet.
The number of workers increased by 1,073 people (21.9%) compared to the same period last year, while the number of business increased by 222 companies (21.0%). Regarding the nationalities among the employees, 1,610 people were from Nepal which accounted for 27.0% of the total. 890 people (14.9%) are from China including Hong Kong and 838 people (14.0%) from the Philippines.
According to the status of residence, 2,083 people (34.9%) are students, making up the majority, 1,644 people (27.5%) has a status of residence such as a permanent residence, and 1,474 people (24.7%) are in specialized and technical fields.
By industry, the largest number , 977 people (16.4%) work in services such as building maintenance, 932 people (15.6%) in accommodation and food service industry, and 788 people (13.0%) work in wholesale and retailing business such as convenience stores.
(English translation by T&CT and Megumi Chibana)
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February 13 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
The detention of the chairman of the Okinawa Peace Movement Center Hiroji Yamashiro, who took on a central role in the movements opposing Henoko base construction and Takae helipad construction, has continued for about four months. Eight people mainly from Yomitan Village staged a mannequin flash mob to call for Yamashiro’s release at Mihama Square in front of an observation wheel in Chatan on February 12. Wearing black suits, the participants pretended to be mannequins. They held handmade picket signs calling for “an immediate end to Yamashiro’s unjust and long detention.” They made this silent, motionless appeal for about an hour.
Yamashiro was arrested, indicted, and has been detained for an extended period of time charged with interfering with a public official in the line of duty.
Seventy-four-year-old Mamoru Togashi who planned the flash mob, met Yamashiro when he took part in a sit-in protest in Henoko. Saying, “I would like people outside of Okinawa and young ones to know how unjust the detention of Yamashiro is.” Togashi called for those joining the sit-in protest to take part in the flash mob.
Togashi explained he chose a place and date that would draw families, tourists, and young people to the mannequin flash mob.
The unexpected appearance of the group of people in black suits drew the attention of tourists and passersby.
Sixty-five- year-old Nariko Kakiuchi who took part in the flash mob, has been engaged in the sit-in protest in Takae and Henoko for over 10 years. Referring to the issue of there being only few participants from the younger generation, Kakiuchi said, “I would like the next generation to stand up and voice their protest.” Many people appear to be waiting for the release of Yamashiro. More people continue to call for his release in various parts of Okinawa.
(English translation by T&CT)
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February 12, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Sakae Toiyama reporting from Washington D.C.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first summit meeting at the White House on the afternoon of February 10 (the dawn of February 11 Japan Time).
The heads of the two states agreed to promote the plan to build a new base at Henoko, Nago, as “the only solution” for returning the U.S. Futenma airfield.
The two leaders included this issue in the joint statement.
President Trump for the first time officially confirmed he would support the Japanese government in promoting the construction of new base in Henoko.
The prime minister did not seek assurances from the U.S. side that the Futenma base would be deactivated within five years despite the Japanese government’s promise to achieve this by February 2019.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen the bilateral alliance, and they confirmed they would apply Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. security treaty, which states that the United States will defend Japan, to the Senkaku Islands dispute.
The statement stressed the strengthening of cooperation in the security and economic fields.
“It is the only solution that avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma,” the statement reads regarding the construction of the new U.S. base in Henoko.
The phrase “Henoko is the only solution” was included in the joint statement issued by the security consultative committee, the so-called “2+2” meeting between defense and foreign ministers. It is the first time this phrase has been included in a statement from the summit meeting.
The prime minister stressed at the joint press conference that the two governments would work together to advance the Henoko relocation, which he claimed was the only solution to achieve the whole return of the Futenma airfield.
He stated that he would grapple with the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan to preserve deterrence and reduce the burden on Okinawa at the same time.
Meanwhile, Trump told reporters at the joint press conference, “The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Pacific region,” and he thanked the prime minister for hosting U.S. military bases. However, he did not refer to Okinawa.
It is speculated that the prime minister requested the U.S. to speed up the plan, which includes transferring a portion of the U.S. Marines to Guam from Okinawa and returning the U.S. facilities located south of Kadena Air Base, in order to reduce the burden on people in Okinawa. However, the joint statement did not refer to the reduction of the burden.
(English translation by T&CT)
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February 9, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
On the afternoon of February 9, the Okinawa branch of the Naha District Court (presiding judge: Tetsuya Fujikura) handed down a ruling in a case brought against the United States by 146 of the plaintiffs in the third Kadena noise lawsuit. The 146 plaintiffs were demanding compensation for damage and suspension of U.S. military aircraft flights. However, Judge Fujikura dismissed the case, saying, “The claims concern matters over which Japan lacks jurisdiction, and are all invalid.”
After the lawsuit was filed in November 2012, the court did not deliver the written complaint to the United States and didn’t hold a single hearing.
The case against the United States was filed on the grounds of the “Act on the Civil Jurisdiction of Japan with respect to a Foreign State, etc.”, which was enacted in 2010. It was the first noise lawsuit to be brought against the United States on the grounds of said law in Japan. Some of the plaintiffs submitted medical certificates showing that they suffered noise-induced hearing loss and the like.
A ruling will be handed down in the third Kadena noise lawsuit on February 23. The third Kadena noise lawsuit is being fought against the Japanese government and demands suspension of nighttime and early morning flights by U.S. military aircraft, as well as compensation for damage.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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After their case was dismissed, lawyers hold signs saying “unfair decision”, “just like a colony”, and “didn’t even deliver the complaint” at 2:04 p.m. on February 9 in front of the Okinawa branch of the Naha District Court in Okinawa City
Webcam(Kokusai Street)
