Re-examination of the youth group movement for the return to the homeland: Focusing on endemism in Amami and Okinawa

Abstract

  This study focuses on the U.S. occupation periods in Amami and Okinawa and aims to identify commonalities and differences in the postwar youth group movements on each island. It also aims to determine differences in the youth group movements in Amami and Okinawa, which have been combined, and confirm the uniqueness of the youth group movements in each region.

  When considering the uniqueness of the youth group movement in Amami and Okinawa, a total view of the islands should be taken while keeping in mind the geographical division of the four archipelagic government systems. The establishment of the Ryukyuan Government in 1952 placed Amami and Okinawa under the same administrative regime, at least temporarily. The 1950s was the period of occupation and a time when Amami and Okinawa’s movements to return to their homeland overlapped. Although interlocking movements occurred during the same period, most studies tended to discuss Amami and Okinawa separately.

  Therefore, this study focuses on the unique youth group movements in Amami and Okinawa during the occupation period from the islands and municipalities to the unit youth group stage. It examines the unique nature of the youth group movements in Amami and Okinawa, considering the multilayered nature and differences of the youth group movements under the U.S. occupation.