The U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted in 2007. The concept of indigenous peoples often challenges the history of “unrecognised” colonialism, and the implementation of their rights has been considered an extension of the decolonisation process. In Japan, Ryukyuan/Okinawan advocates have also claimed their rights as indigenous peoples since the 1990s, especially at U.N. human rights bodies. The U.N. bodies in turn have recognised their status as indigenous peoples. Domestically, however, there have been disputes over the concept of indigenous peoples in relation to the Ryukyuan/Okinawan community. Notably, the disputes intensified in the aftermath of a statement issued by Takeshi Onaga, the Governor of Okinawa, concerning “Okinawan’s right to self-determination.” The governor issued this statement at the Human Rights Council in September, 2015.

This study explores aspects of their advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples at the U.N.; it also discusses the recent domestic disputes surrounding the concept of indigenous peoples. By doing so, this study analyses the significance and challenges of protecting the rights of Ryukyuan/Okinawan people. In particular, the study focuses on the ways in which this indigenous community has attempted to assert and safeguard its rights. It also focuses on the community’s reactions to Onaga’s statement. Through the analysis, the study shows that the assertion of indigenous peoples’ rights has served to shed light on the history of colonialism in and around Ryukyu/Okinawa Islands. However, it also shows that the concept of indigenous peoples has not been fully understood or accepted in Japan. Therefore, it is important to create awareness about indigenous peoples’ rights, especially in relation to their colonial situation. Moreover, since the UNDRIP is based on the “modern” notion of human rights and international law, it is necessary to recognise that its implementation could be related to the exercise of “modern” power. Therefore, it is equally important to be cautious and persistent in our efforts to facilitate further decolonisation, which is central to the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights.