Changing the Way We Talk about Okinawa

Abstract

This paper is about change in the narrative of Okinawa. Specifically, it is a local history of city A on Okinawa Island. The local history of Okinawa Island is the official “story” issued by the government. It has the power to regulate the way people talk about Okinawa Island. The function of local history in Okinawa Island has been to convey the original, authentic Okinawan culture that existed before World War II. However, the local history of city A comprises statements about 70 villages in the city. First, it is written that ancient villages convey Okinawan traditional culture and customs. In addition, new towns, such as those on reclaimed land and housing complexes, are included. This is an epoch-making attempt for local history in Okinawa Island. The local history of city A is trying to change the way we talk about Okinawa Island. Through interviews in city A, this thesis considers how the way we talk about Okinawa Island is changing, what happens when the way we talk changes, and how that is made possible.