In this paper, we in the first place try to show the direction and magnitude of migtation within Okinawa for past five decades and point out that rapid out-migration from agriculture and rural areas to nonfarm urban is one of phenomena characteristic to postwar Okinawa.
Then, we discuss some factors that causes migration. The gap in per capita incomes and public services such as education and medical services are appreciated as important ones. It must however be recognized that there is no evidence that the rapid rate of out-migration has appreciably closed the gaps.
Finally we see that there are indications that the out-migration, especially that in younger age group, has strained the social and economic structure of many lagging regions causing serious problems for school, medical services, local business and cultural activities. And it is stressed that policies be taken to close the gap at least in the public services.
