Okinawa: A Legacy of Resilience and Discipline

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Outline Thesis: This paper will examine two distinctive traits; resilience and discipline; and how it forged the culture of the Okinawa people. I. History A. The Ryukyu Kingdom occupied a distinct position to the south of Japan. B. Sho Shoken was indeed an important figure to solidify the culture or Okinawa. II. Battle of Okinawa A. The Battle of Okinawa begins on April of 1945 testing the strength of the Okinawan people B. After the war, Okinawa begins to integrate with the U.S. Military forces. III. Beliefs A. The religion of the Okinawa people consists of early Chinese and Japanese influences. B. In ancestor worship, the core of this religious practice is the ancestral shrine. IV. Culture A. Customs 1. Okinawa’s customs have survived throughout the ages; including distinctive modernization. B. Courtesy is one of the most prominent traits instilled within Okinawan culture. B. Centenarians 1. Okinawa is home to the most documented centenarians in the world. Conclusion: In closing, the Okinawa people have endured many hardships that would have crumbled their society as a whole. From the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom until the present time, Okinawa’s rich history consisted of facing adversity when uncertainty presented itself. Okinawa’s resilience to such adversity is a testament to their beliefs and customs they still hold today. The Battle of Okinawa literally destroyed the Island followed with its residents. As seen over time, the residents did not falter and maintained discipline by adhering to their beliefs and customs. The Okinawa Centenarians are also a clear indication of discipline when it comes to eating, exercising, and cultivating a positive attitude. In all, the resiliency displayed by the Okinawan culture is as strong today as it was in during the Ryukyu Kingdom dynasty.

03 July 2012 Okinawa: A Legacy of Resilience and Discipline Okinawa has a lasting history of resilience and discipline through its rich history. From the Ryukyu Kingdom dynasty to the Battle of Okinawa, Okinawa’s rich culture has endured the test of time. The language, culture, and rich history are just a limited glimpse of what Okinawa has to offer. This paper will examine two distinctive traits; resilience and discipline; and how it forged the culture of the Okinawa people. 1. History The Ryukyu Kingdom occupied a distinct position to the south of Japan. In 1429, “The Ryukyu Kingdom heavily integrated its trading venture with China”(“Samurai Archives”). This relationship coincided with strong trading routes along the Ryukyu Islands. Under this relationship, the Ryukyu Kingdom established a stronghold through this relationship and solidified that they were an independent nation through this partnership. At last, a golden age of trade was born with its neighboring countries. Not only did it provide legitimacy through the Ryukyu Monarchy, it established the culture of the Chinese within the Ryukyu Kingdom and its people. In 1590, the Ryukyu Kingdom was ordered by “Toyotomi Hideyoshi; Ruler of the Shimazu Family; to provide troops, weapons, and other munitions to aid in his planned invasions to Korea.”(“Samurai Archives”). King Sho Nei obviously refused Hideyoshi’s requests thus beginning a prelude of what was to come of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s status as a Nation. One can begin to think King Sho Nei’s arrogance was the reason for disregarding such an order. Ultimately, it would lead his Kingdom in the hands of Shimazu Family. In 1609, “the Ryukyu Kingdom is invaded, and subsequently conquered by the Shimazu clan from Satsuma( now Kyushu in Mainland Japan).”(Aguiar, Carter, Daley, Duesterhaus, Eskew, and et al 9) After the many battles that commenced throughout Okinawa, Sho Nei had been captured and was taken to mainland Japan, along with his officials. It was there Sho Nei and his officials was introduced to Ieyasu; “the reigning Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, and were forced to submit to a number of demands and conditions.”(“Samurai Archives”) Sho Nei had finally returned to his Kingdom in the year 1611; normal operations commenced. Through the rule of the Ieyasu, the Ryukyu Kingdom was subject to paying tributes through their economic benefits of trading through the Chinese Empire. Ieyasu used this relationship for political gains. If the Chinese Empire were to discover the Japanese control over the Ryukyu Kingdom, it would end the long-standing relationship between these two countries. The Okinawans never dressed or spoke the Japanese Culture in which to prevent the Chinese Empire from suspecting any Japanese influence. Even through the rule of Shimazu Government, the Ryukyu Kingdom enjoyed the flexibilities of influencing domestic policies concerning their people. It is here we begin to see that in the face of rule, the Ryukyu Kingdom establishes resilience against the oppression of the Shimazu Government. Two key Government officials play a valuable part in the maintaining and ruling of the Ryukyu Government. Sho Shoken; an ambassador to the Ryukyu Kingdom establishes some key moves that embody discipline within the Ryukyu Kingdom: Wrote the first history of Ryukyu and helped institute a number of key reforms. He cut down on royal and aristocratic extravagance, in order to streamline expenses and ensure greater prosperity for the kingdom. He also suppressed the political influence and cultural importance of the priestesses of the native religion and cut down on royal involvement in many traditional rituals. This served to not only cut down on extravagance, but also was intended to help suppress elements of Ryukyuan culture which could be seen as backwards by China and Japan. (“Samurai Archives”) Sho Shoken was indeed an important figure to solidify the culture or Okinawa. Most important was the discipline he engaged upon the Ryukyu Kingdom concerning lavish financial spending. Sai On, a royal agent of the Ryukyu Kingdom, followed the same path such as the late Sho Shoken. In late 1750s, Sai On “re-enacted many of Sho Shoken policies”(“Samurai Archives”) concerning the economy. Through his reforms, the Ryukyu Kingdom was able to overcome famines, fire, and other difficulties that presented itself during his tenure. Once again, through these key individuals, Okinawan culture was preserved through discipline and resiliency. 2. The Battle of Okinawa The Battle of Okinawa was indeed the most violent war to affect Okinawa; which also affected the Okinawan people. What makes the Battle of Okinawa unique is what formed after the war ended. The culture of Okinawa was dramatically altered from the integration of the U.S. military upon their home front. Civilian and historians reported “that Soldiers from both American and Japanese sides had raped Okinawan civilians during the battle.”(“Battle of Okinawa”) Museums say that: People who had survived after the war were finding themselves in a desperate situation and soon were motivated in to committing suicide, some died of starvation, and some gave in to malaria, while others fell victim to the retreating Japanese troops.(“Battle of Okinawa”) This was the start of the United States military integrating within the local Okinawan culture The local Okinawan people had to endure much fear from the residing Japanese military. Many were forced to believe that if they were caught by the American military, they would be tortured and raped. It was only then many locals saw that this was not so when the U.S. military took control of the island at the end of the war in June of 1945. “Almost every single building on the island was absolutely demolished. The beautiful, tropical landscape turned to a vast field of mud and decay.”(“Battle of Okinawa”) Once again, the Okinawan people faced tyranny and destruction but remained resilient in the face of adversity. After the war, Okinawa was under the rule of American Military for over 27 years. 3. Beliefs The religion of the Okinawan people consists of early Chinese and Japanese influences. During the Ryukyu Kingdom dynasty, the Chinese Empire played a pivotal role within the Okinawan culture. Religions such as Taoism; Confucianism; Buddhism; Japanese Shinto, and Christianity were some of the religions integrated within the Okinawan Culture. One of the key beliefs among the Okinawan people is ancestor worship. Ancestor worship is “respecting of relationships between the living, the dead, and the gods and spirits of the natural world.”(“Okinawa Japan Guide”) Respect among their ancestors is one of many disciplines shown through the Okinawan culture. In ancestor worship, the core of this religious practice is the ancestral shrine. Then ancestral shrine consists of: An alcove with sliding doors about one meter from the floor located in one of the main rooms of the house. It consists of three shelves: the top shelf holds the memorial tablets or ihai, with a flower vase on each side; the middle shelf holds a censer and two cups; and the lowest shelf reserved for offerings of food and gifts. Within the ancestral shrine, the memorial tablets contain highly sacred for the spirits of the ancestors believed to reside in the tablets. The names of ancestors and some biographical data is maintained on the tablets in silver letters. Encased in a small, lacquered cabinet, the memorial tablets come in two rows, the upper row for the men and the lower row for the women.(“Okinawa.com”) Throughout the year, ceremonies consist around the ancestral shrine. The oldest female of the family takes charge in preparing food, decorating flowers, and drinks. On some occasions, family members gather around the shrine to “burn incense and offer prayers to the ancestral spirits.”(“Okinawa.com”) Okinawa’s strong religious beliefs consist of discipline among their upbringing. Their commitment to family and ancestor worship signifies resilience in the face adversity and remains strong throughout their culture today. 4. Culture Okinawa’s customs have survived throughout the ages; including distinctive modernization. One of the most prominent features of Okinawa’s culture is bowing. Just as an American handshake, bowing is Okinawa’s form of greeting. The deeper a bow is given, the greater the amount of respect that is given. Another traditional custom among the locals if gift giving. Okinawans exchange gifts among their friends and family. It is customary to give a gift back if received. Courtesy is one of the most prominent traits instilled with Okinawan culture. Elderly people receive the highest forms of respect due to their exalted place within Okinawan society. When entering an Okinawan home, visitors will take off their shoes before entering the home. Many from the western hemisphere find this to be an inconvenience. As discussed, discipline to ones tradition is customary within the Okinawan culture and will not change to an evolving society of the present. Okinawa is home to the most documented centenarians in the world. Centenarians “in particular, have a history of aging slowly and delaying or sometimes escaping the chronic diseases of aging including dementia, cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease and stroke) and cancer.” ("Okinawan Centenarian Study ") The latest study performed by the Japanese Population Research Institute states “Okinawan life expectancy had even surpassed the absolute limits of population life expectancy estimated by the Japan Population Research Institute and many biodemographers.”( "Okinawan Centenarian Study ") Many researchers ponder the latest reasons on how Okinawans live beyond their years. Many Okinawan Centenarians maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and perform leisure activities to keep the mind sane. The elders of today maintained positive emotions during the hardships they endured during the Battle of Okinawa. This allowed many to survive the horrors of World War II and enabled them to regain their happiness through happiness. Resilience through the hardships of war is a key character trait that resides among the Okinawan Centenarians. Conclusion In closing, the Okinawa people have endured many hardships that would have crumbled their society as a whole. From the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom until the present time, Okinawa’s rich history consisted of facing adversity when uncertainty presented itself. Okinawa’s resilience to such adversity is a testament to their beliefs and customs they still hold today. The Battle of Okinawa literally destroyed the Island followed with its residents. As seen over time, the residents maintained discipline by adhering to their beliefs and customs. The Okinawa Centenarians are also a clear indication of discipline when it comes to eating, exercising, and cultivating a positive attitude. In all, the resiliency displayed by the Okinawan culture is as strong today as it was in during the Ryukyu Kingdom dynasty.

Works Cited Aguiar, Laura, Rebeckah Carter, Mike Daley, Megan Duesterhaus, Rosemary Eskew, et al. The Best of Okinawa Living. 2nd ed. Okinawa, Japan: Marine Corps Community Services, 2006. 9. Print. "Battle of Okinawa- The War that left an Island in Ruins."Battle of Okinawa. Battle of Okinawa Admin, 02 FEB 2012. Web. 30 Jun 2012. <http://battleofokinawa.net/>. "Investigating the World's Longest Lived People."Okinawan Centenarian Study . Okinawa Centenarian Study, 2012. Web. 1 Jul 2012. <http://www.okicent.org/index.html>. "Kingdom of Ryukyu." The Samurai Archives. Samurai Wiki, 05Mar2012. Web. 24 Jun 2012. <http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Kingdom_of_Ryukyu>. "Religion." Okinawa.com. World Press, 2011. Web. 1 Jul 2012. <http://okinawa.com/category/research/religion>. "Ryukyuan Religion." Okinawa Japan Guide. Okinawa Japan Guide, 2012. Web. 1 Jul 2012. <http://www.virtualginza.com/>.

Clarity Index A. COUNTS 1. Words 1734 2. Paragraphs 27 3. Sentences 90 B. AVERAGES 1. Sentences per Paragraph 6.4 2. Words per Sentence 17.4 C. READABILITY 1. Passive Sentences 5% 2. Flesh Reading Ease 41.3 3. Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level 11.2