Based on assessments and studies of enhancing functioning of regional governance models throughout Japan, the 28^th Local Governance Research Council submitted a report to the Prime Minister of Japan this past February 28, recommending that the nation move from the centralized, prefecture-based model now in place to a new doshusei (decentralized regional governance) system. The report recommends the entirety of Okinawa Prefecture be restructured as Okinawa Shu, i. e., a single regional incorporation. But how shall economic self-sufficiency be attained? What prospects are there? In developing resources outside of the tourism now Okinawa's primary industry, the recommendations include incorporating a German Republic-style tax, seeking expanded relief funding form the Central Government to compensate for the burden of the US bases, arranging for a portion of revenues to come from the joint Japan/China development to gas and oil fields in Senkaku island waters to go to local Okinawa government, and considering development of longevity-related tourism. In closing, we have compiled proposals on Okinawa's restructuring as shu (regional state) from the Okinawa Prefectural Government, mass media, national Diet representatives, and political parties.

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The objectives of this study are to discover: (1) the management form of manufacturers of special products, (2) the current status of the development and market of special products, and (3) the relationship between the manufacturers and wholesalers of special products that are developed on remote islands of Okinawa Prefecture. The studies may be summarized as stated below.
The numbers of manufacturers or entrepreneurs of special products on remote islands depend on the population of the islands where their factories are located. The numbers of manufacturers on the islands of Kume-jima and Ie-jima are relatively higher. The manufacturers are utilizing the resources of their own islands to make special and unique products. The initiatives of these businesses are taken by nongovernmental bodies or their owners. Many of the factories employ ten or less workers and considered as small business entities. A large number of the manufacturers began their businesses in and after 1980's, and the same trend is obvious nationwide. Approximately 60% of these manufacturers show increased sales during the past five years, which is thought to be related to today's health-oriented trend that has been observed since the latter half of 1990's and so-called Okinawa boom.
There are two problems to be solved concerning the production of special goods on remote island of Okinawa. First, it is difficult to develop unique and attractive special products. Secondly, it is difficult to expand a market for the products. Therefore, it is vital to establish a structure for the development and market of the products based on the cooperation between manufacturers and wholesalers paying attention to the existing support and assistance given to makers by wholesalers. Okinawa Prefectural Public Corporation for Products, which collect goods from whole areas of Okinawa, and Kume-jima Public Corporation for Products, which handles goods exclusively made on the island of Kume-jima were studied. These organizations contribute to the development and expansion of the market, however the studies revealed various problems exist.
These organizations have different shares of space, but they are interdependent. The makers of special products on remote islands are very small for Okinawa Prefectural Public Corporation for Products and the quality, design, and stable supply of products are not reliable. Kume-jima Public Corporation, which plays a role of a wholesaler, can deal with each small maker on the island so that the quality, design, and stable supply of goods will be maintained. Then, Okinawa Prefectural Public Corporation, which is the largest business partner for Kume-jima Public Corporation, can expand the market for Kume-jima, which otherwise will be difficult for Kume-jima Public Corporation. In other words, a wholesaler of remote islands functions as a collector of products and examiner for quality control, and the Prefectural organization functions as an expander of the market. They need each other to be successful.

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Network activities are particularly important in the context of small, remote island societies where the benefits from network externalities are greater than one might think. The intensity of networking depends on several factors including: geographical location, culture, socio-economic interdependence, political affiliations and information and communication technology (ICT), all which are examined in this paper.
This paper has focused on external and internal networking of Okinawa's islands as a case study. Externally, Okinawa's “Worldwide Uchinanchu” network, which was created by overseas emigrants from Okinawa, is unique because it is progressing beyond a mere network of Okinawan identity. Internally, this study reveals that the networking structure within Okinawa's inhabited islands has been changing dynamically, reflecting the islands' changing lifestyles and rapidly progressing information technology.
It is important to realize that the seemingly irreversible trends of globalization and the ICT revolution have merits as well as demerits for small island societies. Globalization, on the one hand, has brought about the increasing integration of island societies into larger ones, thereby enlarging socio-economic opportunities for islands. On the other hand, it has increased their socio-economic vulnerability. The ICT revolution has also created new and wider opportunities for island societies where distance has been a “tyranny” imposing severe handicaps on islands' socio-economic activities. There are, however, mounting fears among islanders that the new ICT technology may create a “digital divide” by-passing small, remote islands.

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Today and in the Future, most islands in Japan are suffering from their new-handicapped situation by the double effects and anxiousness: digital divide and exodus of the public center from small island zone. We checked and collected new and historical island's data on telecommunication and public sector. Then we also made researches in some islands to see the actual conditions, what is going on and is collected data on foot. Especially we wanted to see how and who, for example, NPO and so on, can play the role or show the substantive leadership for island co-governance to meet the new handicapped situation. We can show some success story, like in the case of Yoron and Hachijyo, now going on still. Our conclusion and proposal are on the solution of information technology, establishment of substantive co-governance system and empowerment under the condition of islander's subjectivity.

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The spirit of Nissology lies in “research conducted on islands which can benefit islanders”. In order to provide research results to islanders in a way that is useful to them, what kind of practice and research process is required? And in what circumstances could we say that we returned the results as best as possible? In order to “return the results”, as first steps, we need to share common perceptions of history, focus on trans-culturalism, have a process to establish equal relationships, and advocate for the people living in the island.
The purpose of this document is to illustrate the potential of Oral History. It uncovers the history of interaction between the Japanese and Ponape captives and demonstrates the historical fact that they abided by the law of war, cultivated friendships through mutual understanding and cultural interaction, and handed down relations of trust to posterity from the viewpoint of Multicultural Education.
Since the Micronesian islands traditionally do not have writing, it was difficult to uncover facts about their history. However, it was encouraging to both sides that Japanese served as a common language with the Ponape. We were able to share appreciation of our mutual history while we learned the culture surrounding the Japanese language as well as the traditional culture of Micronesia.

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