Home Living Improvement in Postwar Okinawa: Movement for the Abolition of Senkotsu and Establishment of Crematories

Abstract

This study examines home living improvements in postwar Okinawa, focusing on the movement for the abolition of Senkotsu (cleansing remains) and the establishment of crematories. Women’s associations in Okinawa initiated the home living improvement before the government provided official extension services for it. As part of the home living improvement, the Kizyoka Women’s Association (KWA) in Ohgimi village started the movement. Senkotsu was very hard and painful for women, so the KWA proceeded with the movement, and finally a crematory was built. Meanwhile, the movement also spread to other villages. The government began to provide extension services for home living improvement, and home advisors sent to various areas supported the movement of women’s associations.