Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The contemporary political impetus for Ryukyuan independence emerged significantly after the conclusion of the Satsuma invasion in 1609.
Answer: False
Explanation: The contemporary political impetus for Ryukyuan independence emerged significantly after the conclusion of the Pacific War in 1945, not immediately following the Satsuma invasion in 1609.
The Ryukyu Kingdom maintained tributary relations with China's Ming and Qing dynasties, thereby securing political legitimacy and fostering economic opportunities.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu Kingdom maintained tributary relations with China's Ming and Qing dynasties, a practice that provided political legitimacy and facilitated economic and cultural exchanges.
The Satsuma Domain initiated an invasion of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1609, motivated by the Ryukyu king's refusal to acknowledge the authority of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Satsuma Domain invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1609 because the Ryukyu king refused to submit to the Tokugawa shogunate's authority.
Subsequent to the 1609 invasion, the Ryukyu Kingdom experienced significant subjugation by Japan, yet it retained the capacity to engage in trade with China.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the 1609 invasion, the Ryukyu Kingdom was subjugated by Japan but was permitted to maintain its trade relations with China under the 'dual vassalage' arrangement.
In 1944, the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) investigated the Ryukyu independence movement, noting its support among emigrants and considering China's territorial claims.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1944, the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) investigated the Ryukyu independence movement and found it lacked support among emigrants.
The 'dual vassalage' status did not allow the Ryukyu Kingdom to maintain independence while paying tribute to both China and Japan; rather, it signified subservience to Satsuma (Japan) while retaining tributary relations with China.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'dual vassalage' status allowed the Ryukyu Kingdom to maintain independence while paying tribute to both China and Japan simultaneously.
The Okinawan Diaspora, notably emigrants residing in Peru, played a role in the early conceptualization and development of the independence movement, as noted by the OSS in 1944.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Okinawan Diaspora, particularly emigrants in Peru, played a significant role in the early development of the independence movement.
When did the contemporary political manifestation of the Ryukyu independence movement gain significant momentum?
Answer: Following the end of the Pacific War in 1945.
Explanation: The current political manifestation of the Ryukyu independence movement gained significant momentum following the conclusion of the Pacific War in 1945.
What characterized the Ryukyu Kingdom's relationship with China?
Answer: Ryukyu maintained tributary relations with the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Explanation: The Ryukyu Kingdom maintained tributary relations with China's Ming and Qing dynasties, which provided political legitimacy and economic opportunities.
What was the primary reason for the Satsuma Domain's invasion of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1609?
Answer: Because the Ryukyu king refused to acknowledge the Tokugawa shogunate's authority.
Explanation: The Satsuma Domain invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1609 because the Ryukyu king refused to submit to the Tokugawa shogunate.
What were the defining characteristics of the 'dual vassalage' status imposed upon the Ryukyu Kingdom following the 1609 invasion?
Answer: Tribute to Satsuma (Japan) but continued independence and trade with China.
Explanation: The 'dual vassalage' status required tribute to Satsuma (Japan) while allowing the Ryukyu Kingdom to maintain its independence and trade with China.
During the Meiji period, Japan formally annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom, dissolving its status and establishing Okinawa Prefecture in 1879.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Meiji period, Japan formally annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom, abolishing it and establishing Okinawa Prefecture in 1879 through the 'Ryukyu Disposition'.
Contrary to its policies, the Meiji government actively suppressed Ryukyuan ethnic identity, culture, and language, rather than encouraging their preservation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Meiji government actively suppressed Ryukyuan ethnic identity, culture, and language as part of its assimilation policies, rather than encouraging their preservation.
The Meiji education system served as a principal instrument for Japan's assimilation of Ryukyuans, demanding substantial prefectural revenue for its implementation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Meiji education system was a primary tool used by Japan to assimilate Ryukyuans, consuming significant prefectural revenue.
Key historical grievances cited by independence advocates encompass the 1609 invasion by the Satsuma Domain, the 1879 annexation by Japan (Ryukyu Shobun), and subsequent cultural suppression.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical grievances cited by independence advocates include the 1609 invasion and the 1879 annexation by Japan, along with cultural suppression.
The Meiji Japanese government's education system actively suppressed Ryukyuan languages and distinct cultural practices, rather than preserving them, as part of its assimilation agenda.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Meiji Japanese government aimed to preserve Ryukyuan languages and distinct cultural practices through its education system.
The Ryukyu Shobun is widely perceived by many Okinawans as a pivotal historical event that precipitated the suppression of their distinct identity and cultural heritage.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu Shobun is seen by many Okinawans as a historical event that led to the suppression of their unique identity and culture.
The Japanese state framed Okinawan cultural elements, such as folk art, as fundamentally Japonic in essence, rather than distinctly Ryukyuan, thereby integrating them into a broader national narrative.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese state framed Okinawan cultural elements like folk art as distinctly Ryukyuan, separate from Japanese culture.
In 1909, historian Higashionna Kanjun warned that the erosion of Ryukyuan heritage would render the homeland indistinguishable from a colony.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historian Higashionna Kanjun warned in 1909 that forgetting Ryukyuan heritage would make the homeland indistinguishable from a new colony.
The Japanese government promoted the ideological concept of a unified racial society of Yamato people to legitimize the annexation of Ryukyu, framing it as a natural and inevitable integration.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese government legitimized the annexation of Ryukyu by promoting the idea of a unified racial society of Yamato people.
Describe the process by which Japan formally incorporated the Ryukyu Kingdom into its territory during the Meiji period.
Answer: By establishing the Ryukyu Domain in 1872 and abolishing the kingdom in 1879 to create Okinawa Prefecture.
Explanation: Japan formally incorporated the Ryukyu Kingdom by establishing it as the Ryukyu Domain in 1872 and then abolishing the kingdom in 1879 to create Okinawa Prefecture.
What policy did the Meiji government implement concerning Ryukyuan ethnic identity, culture, and language?
Answer: Actively suppressed Ryukyuan ethnic identity, culture, and language.
Explanation: The Meiji government implemented policies that actively suppressed Ryukyuan ethnic identity, culture, and language.
How did the Meiji education system function as a mechanism for the assimilation of Ryukyuans?
Answer: By training Okinawan teachers to promote Japanese nationalism and identity.
Explanation: The Meiji education system was a primary tool used by Japan to assimilate Ryukyuans, consuming significant prefectural revenue.
Which historical event is identified by Ryukyu independence advocates as a key grievance, representing an act of aggression?
Answer: The Ryukyu Shobun (Ryukyu Disposition) in 1879.
Explanation: The Ryukyu Shobun (Ryukyu Disposition) in 1879 is considered a key grievance by Ryukyu independence advocates, representing an act of aggression.
U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant proposed a partition of the Ryukyuan archipelago, allocating certain islands to Japan and China while advocating for Okinawa's independent status.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the mid-1870s, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant proposed a plan that would have maintained Okinawa as an independent entity while dividing other Ryukyuan islands between Japan and China.
The Battle of Okinawa during World War II caused the demise of approximately one-third of the island's civilian populace, with numerous individuals compelled into mass suicides by military directives.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Okinawa resulted in the deaths of approximately one-third of the civilian population, with many succumbing to mass suicides forced by the Japanese military.
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, the Ryukyu Islands were subjected to U.S. military administration, not direct United Nations governance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Immediately following World War II, the Ryukyu Islands were placed under U.S. military administration, not direct United Nations governance.
Okinawa and its adjacent islands were formally reintegrated into Japanese administration on May 15, 1972, pursuant to the 1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement.
Answer: True
Explanation: Okinawa and nearby islands were returned to Japanese administration on May 15, 1972, following the 1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement.
During the U.S. occupation, authorities promoted the older term 'Ryukyu' (or 'Loo Choo') rather than the Japanese term 'Okinawa,' based on a misunderstanding of local identity.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the U.S. occupation, authorities promoted the Japanese term 'Ryukyu' to emphasize the islands' integration into Japan.
Okinawans commonly regard April 28th, designated by Japan as "Restoration of Sovereignty Day," not as a celebration, but as a "day of humiliation" reflecting ongoing grievances.
Answer: True
Explanation: Okinawans generally view April 28th, designated by Japan as "Restoration of Sovereignty Day," as a "day of humiliation" reflecting ongoing grievances.
During the occupation, U.S. authorities promoted the term 'Ryukyu' (or 'Loo Choo') rather than 'Okinawa,' based on a misunderstanding of local identity and its relationship to Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the occupation, U.S. authorities promoted the Japanese term 'Okinawa' to foster a distinct identity separate from mainland Japan.
In 1945, the Japanese Communist Party supported Okinawa's right to liberty and independence, rather than its continued integration into mainland Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese Communist Party in 1945 supported Okinawa's continued integration into mainland Japan.
During the U.S. occupation, prominent Okinawan political parties, including the Okinawan People's Party, initially advocated for independence or a U.S./UN trusteeship for the islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the U.S. occupation, Okinawan political parties like the Okinawan People's Party initially advocated for independence or a U.S./UN trusteeship.
By the early 1950s, influenced by various factors, a majority of Okinawans began to favor reversion to Japanese administration, marking a shift from earlier advocacy for independence.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the early 1950s, a majority of Okinawans began to favor reversion to Japan, shifting from earlier calls for independence.
A 2017 survey indicated that a significant majority of Okinawa citizens felt "glad that Okinawa has returned as a Japanese prefecture," with this sentiment being particularly prevalent among younger generations.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 2017 survey revealed that a majority of Okinawa citizens felt unhappy about Okinawa's return to Japan.
Okinawans opposed the designation of April 28th as 'Restoration of Sovereignty Day,' perceiving it instead as a 'day of humiliation' that underscored their ongoing grievances.
Answer: True
Explanation: Okinawans opposed the designation of April 28th as 'Restoration of Sovereignty Day,' viewing it as a 'day of humiliation.'
What proposal did U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant put forth concerning the Ryukyu Islands in the mid-1870s?
Answer: To maintain Okinawa's independence while dividing other islands between China and Japan.
Explanation: U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant proposed dividing the Ryukyuan islands between Japan and China, keeping Okinawa independent.
What was a significant consequence of the Battle of Okinawa for its civilian population?
Answer: Approximately one-third of the population killed, including through forced mass suicides.
Explanation: The Battle of Okinawa resulted in the deaths of approximately one-third of the island's civilian population, with many succumbing to mass suicides.
What was the immediate administrative status of the Ryukyu Islands following World War II?
Answer: They were occupied by the United States Military Government.
Explanation: Immediately after World War II, the Ryukyu Islands were occupied by the United States Military Government.
On what date did Okinawa and its surrounding islands officially revert to Japanese administration?
Answer: May 15, 1972.
Explanation: Okinawa and nearby islands were returned to Japanese administration on May 15, 1972.
How did U.S. occupation authorities perceive Ryukyuan identity in relation to Japan?
Answer: They promoted 'Ryukyu' believing it was indigenous and distinct from Japan.
Explanation: During the U.S. occupation, authorities promoted the term 'Ryukyu' believing it was indigenous and distinct from Japan.
What is the Okinawan perspective on April 28th, the date designated by Japan as 'Restoration of Sovereignty Day'?
Answer: A "day of humiliation" reflecting ongoing grievances.
Explanation: Okinawans often consider April 28th, designated by Japan as 'Restoration of Sovereignty Day,' a "day of humiliation" reflecting ongoing grievances.
Throughout the U.S. occupation period, military authorities routinely requisitioned private land in Okinawa for facility construction, frequently resulting in the displacement of local landowners.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the U.S. occupation, private land in Okinawa was frequently requisitioned by the military for facility construction, often displacing landowners.
Okinawa hosts a disproportionately large share of U.S. military installations within Japan, constituting the majority despite its limited land area.
Answer: True
Explanation: Okinawa constitutes the majority of U.S. military installations located within Japan, hosting 75% despite its small land area.
The election of Takeshi Onaga as governor in 2014 signaled a significant public desire for change concerning the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, not continuity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The election of Takeshi Onaga in 2014 signaled a public desire for change regarding the U.S. military presence in Okinawa.
The U.S. military's land requisition policies during the occupation period resulted in significant displacement and hardship for Okinawan civilians.
Answer: True
Explanation: The U.S. military's land requisition policies during the occupation led to displacement and hardship for Okinawan civilians.
When Governor Masahide Ota opposed the construction of a new U.S. base, the Japanese government initiated legal action against him and transferred authority over land leases to the Prime Minister.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese government sued Governor Masahide Ota and transferred authority over land leases to the Prime Minister when he opposed the construction of a new U.S. base.
The 2014 Okinawa gubernatorial election, resulting in Takeshi Onaga's victory, signaled a pronounced public desire for change concerning the U.S. military presence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2014 Okinawa gubernatorial election, won by Takeshi Onaga, indicated a public desire for change regarding the U.S. military presence.
The persistent U.S. military presence in Okinawa is perceived by certain segments of the population as a contemporary manifestation of historical subjugation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The continued U.S. military presence in Okinawa is viewed by some as a modern continuation of historical subjugation.
The 1997 Nago City referendum rejected the proposed new base construction; however, the Japanese government disregarded these results and proceeded with relocation plans.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1997 Nago City referendum rejected the new base construction, but the Japanese government complied with the results.
The Japanese government employed economic support as a strategic leverage point to compel Okinawa's acceptance of U.S. base relocation policies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese government used economic support as leverage to pressure Okinawa into accepting U.S. base relocation policies.
The Japanese government disregarded the outcome of the 1997 Nago City referendum regarding the Futenma Air Station relocation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese government disregarded the results of the 1997 Nago City referendum concerning the Futenma Air Station relocation.
The U.S. military's actions during the occupation, such as land requisition and numerous crimes against civilians, fostered resentment and negative relations with the Okinawan population.
Answer: True
Explanation: The U.S. military's actions during the occupation, including land requisition and crimes against civilians, fostered positive relations with the Okinawan population.
Identify an action by the U.S. military during its occupation that generated significant hardship and resentment among the Okinawan populace.
Answer: Forcible requisition of private land for military facilities.
Explanation: Forcible requisition of private land for military facilities during the U.S. occupation caused significant hardship and resentment in Okinawa.
What is noteworthy regarding the distribution of U.S. military installations in Japan, specifically concerning Okinawa?
Answer: Okinawa hosts 75% of all U.S. military installations despite its small land area.
Explanation: Okinawa hosts 75% of all U.S. military installations despite its small land area.
What was the impact of the U.S. military's land requisition policies on Okinawan civilians?
Answer: Forced displacement and placement in refugee camps.
Explanation: The U.S. military's land requisition policies during the occupation led to forced displacement and placement in refugee camps for Okinawan civilians.
What was the outcome of the 1997 Nago City referendum concerning the relocation of the Futenma Air Station?
Answer: The citizens rejected the new base construction.
Explanation: The 1997 Nago City referendum rejected the new base construction.
How did the U.S. military's actions during the occupation contribute to anti-American sentiment among the Okinawan population?
Answer: Through forcible land requisition and committing thousands of crimes against civilians.
Explanation: The U.S. military's actions during the occupation, through forcible land requisition and committing thousands of crimes against civilians, contributed to anti-American sentiment in Okinawa.
Academic scholars, such as Taira Katsuyasu, interpret the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture as a colonial act.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scholars like Taira Katsuyasu argue that the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture by Japan was an act of colonialism.
Eiji Oguma and Tomiyama Ichiro contended that the integration of Ryukyuans into the Japanese nation-state was experienced as a form of colonial domination, rather than a positive cultural exchange.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eiji Oguma and Tomiyama Ichiro suggested that Ryukyuans' integration into the Japanese nation-state was perceived as equivalent to being on the receiving end of colonial domination, not a positive cultural exchange.
In 1957, Kiyoshi Inoue argued that the 'Ryukyu Disposition' represented the annexation of an independent nation, characterizing the action as an act of aggression.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kiyoshi Inoue argued in 1957 that the Ryukyu Disposition was an annexation of an independent nation, characterizing it as aggression.
Historians who dispute the classification of the Ryukyu annexation as colonialism assert that the islands had achieved political integration into Japan prior to the 1879 annexation, specifically following the 1609 invasion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historians who do not consider the annexation of Ryukyu as colonialism argue that the islands were already politically integrated into Japan after the 1609 invasion.
Novelist Tatsuhiro Oshiro characterized the "Okinawa problem" not as a simple economic disparity, but as a complex cultural issue impacting Okinawan identity and its relationship with mainland Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Novelist Tatsuhiro Oshiro described the "Okinawa problem" as a cultural conflict related to Okinawan identity and its relationship with mainland Japan.
Survey data suggests that a majority of Okinawans identify as "Okinawan and Japanese," with a substantial minority identifying solely as "Okinawan," contradicting the notion that most identify exclusively as 'Japanese'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Surveys indicate that most Okinawans identify solely as 'Japanese,' with very few identifying with their local identity.
Independence advocates view the Ryukyu Shobun, or 'Ryukyu Disposition,' not as a peaceful integration, but as an act of aggression and annexation against an independent nation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu Shobun, or 'Ryukyu Disposition,' is viewed by independence advocates as an act of aggression and annexation, not peaceful integration.
The primary argument for the illegitimacy of Japan's sovereignty is not that the 1879 annexation was based on a treaty, but rather that it lacked the consent of the Ryukyu people and a valid treaty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary argument for illegitimacy of Japan's sovereignty is that the 1879 annexation was based on a mutually agreed-upon treaty.
Novelist Tatsuhiro Oshiro characterized the "Okinawa problem" as a cultural conflict concerning Okinawan identity and its complex relationship with mainland Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tatsuhiro Oshiro described the "Okinawa problem" as a cultural conflict related to Okinawan identity and its relationship with mainland Japan.
Scholars like Kiyoshi Inoue utilize the Ryukyu Shobun not as evidence of natural ethnic unification, but as proof of Japan's aggressive annexation of an independent nation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scholars like Kiyoshi Inoue use the Ryukyu Shobun as evidence supporting the idea of Japan's natural ethnic unification with Ryukyu.
Arguments against classifying the annexation of Ryukyu as colonialism include the assertion that Ryukyu had already achieved political integration into Japan following the 1609 invasion, rendering the 1879 event an administrative extension.
Answer: True
Explanation: Arguments against classifying the annexation of Ryukyu as colonialism include the idea that Ryukyu was already politically integrated into Japan after the 1609 invasion.
Critics argue that post-war economic development plans in Okinawa were exploited by Japanese enterprises, leading to restricted living space and Okinawans being relegated to low-wage seasonal labor, particularly women who faced overwork and underpayment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Critics argue that post-war economic development plans in Okinawa primarily benefited Okinawans with high-paying jobs and restricted living space.
Academic theories concerning Japanese colonialism in Okinawa encompass concepts such as "unconscious colonialism," particularly in relation to the persistent burden of U.S. military bases.
Answer: True
Explanation: Academic theories on Japanese colonialism in Okinawa include the idea of 'unconscious colonialism' related to the U.S. bases.
Which academic perspective posits that the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture constitutes a form of colonialism?
Answer: Taira Katsuyasu
Explanation: Scholars like Taira Katsuyasu argue that the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture was an act of colonialism.
According to Tomiyama Ichiro, what is the implication for Ryukyuans of their inclusion within the modern Japanese nation-state?
Answer: It is equivalent to being on the receiving end of colonial domination.
Explanation: According to Tomiyama Ichiro, for Ryukyuans, being part of the modern Japanese nation-state is equivalent to being on the receiving end of colonial domination.
How did Kiyoshi Inoue primarily characterize the Meiji government's 'Ryukyu Disposition'?
Answer: An act of aggression and annexation of an independent country.
Explanation: Kiyoshi Inoue characterized the Meiji government's 'Ryukyu Disposition' primarily as an act of aggression and annexation of an independent country.
What argument is advanced by historians who do not classify the annexation of Ryukyu as colonialism?
Answer: The 1879 annexation was merely an administrative extension, as Ryukyu was already politically integrated after 1609.
Explanation: Historians who do not consider the annexation of Ryukyu as colonialism argue that the islands were already politically integrated into Japan after the 1609 invasion.
How did Tatsuhiro Oshiro primarily describe the "Okinawa problem"?
Answer: A cultural issue creating uncertainty in Okinawan-Japanese relations.
Explanation: Tatsuhiro Oshiro described the "Okinawa problem" as primarily related to a cultural conflict creating uncertainty in Okinawan-Japanese relations.
According to survey data, how do most Okinawans identify their affiliation?
Answer: As 'Okinawan and Japanese'.
Explanation: Surveys indicate that most Okinawans identify as 'Okinawan and Japanese'.
According to critics, how did the Japanese government's post-war economic development plans impact Okinawans?
Answer: They resulted in restricted living space and low-wage labor for Okinawans.
Explanation: Critics argue that post-war economic development plans in Okinawa resulted in restricted living space and low-wage labor for Okinawans.
The Ryukyu independence movement advocates for the complete political separation of the Ryukyu Islands from Japan, with certain factions proposing the restoration of the historical Ryukyu Kingdom.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu independence movement advocates for the complete political separation of the Ryukyu Islands from Japan, with certain factions proposing the restoration of the historical Ryukyu Kingdom.
The Ryukyu independence movement grounds its legal arguments against Japan's sovereignty on the assertion of non-consent from the Ryukyu populace and the absence of a legitimate treaty effectuating the transfer of sovereignty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu independence movement cites the lack of consent from the Ryukyu people and the absence of a valid treaty as legal arguments against Japan's sovereignty.
The 1995 rape incident involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa precipitated significant protests and is recognized as the catalyst for the "third wave of the Okinawa Struggle."
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1995 rape incident involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa led to protests and is considered the "third wave of the Okinawa Struggle."
The Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans (ACSILs) centers its objectives on demilitarization, decolonization, and the attainment of self-determined independence for the Ryukyu Islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: ACSILs (Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans) focuses on demilitarization, decolonization, and achieving self-determined independence for the Ryukyu Islands.
The phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" articulates a sentiment of solidarity, linking Okinawa's situation to that of other regions confronting external geopolitical pressures.
Answer: True
Explanation: The phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" reflects a sentiment of solidarity with other regions facing external pressures.
Since approximately 2012, statements from Chinese government-affiliated media and scholars have increasingly indicated a potential willingness by China to support Ryukyuan independence and challenge Japan's sovereignty over the islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: Chinese government and media statements since 2012 have increasingly suggested China might support Ryukyuan independence and challenge Japan's sovereignty.
Japanese authorities have voiced concerns regarding the alleged engagement of Chinese government-affiliated institutions in influence operations within Okinawa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Japanese authorities have expressed concerns about Chinese government-affiliated institutions engaging in influence operations in Okinawa.
A 2016 poll indicated that less than half of Okinawans favored maintaining the status quo, with significant portions desiring increased regional authority or federal frameworks.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 2016 poll showed that a large majority of Okinawans favored maintaining the status quo regarding their relationship with Japan.
The Ryukyu independence movement cites Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, concerning the renunciation of war, as relevant to the ongoing issue of the U.S. military base presence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu independence movement cites Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution regarding the renunciation of war as relevant to the U.S. military base issue.
The "third wave of the Okinawa Struggle," catalyzed by the 1995 rape incident, primarily focused on protesting the marginalization of Okinawa and the U.S. military presence, rather than solely on economic development initiatives.
Answer: True
Explanation: The "third wave of the Okinawa Struggle" primarily focused on economic development initiatives proposed by the Japanese government.
Literary and political journals published in Okinawa and mainland Japan serve as significant platforms for discussing issues of autonomy and independence.
Answer: True
Explanation: Literary and political journals in Okinawa and Japan play a role in discussing autonomy and independence.
Reports suggest the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to leverage Okinawa indirectly, potentially promoting independence movements and weakening the Japan-U.S. alliance, rather than direct military confrontation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Reports suggest the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to use Okinawa as a strategic point for direct military confrontation with the United States.
The Ryukyu independence movement's objectives are not to revive the historical Ryukyu Kingdom precisely as it existed prior to the 19th century, but rather to establish a modern, independent Ryukyuan state.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ryukyu independence movement aims to revive the historical Ryukyu Kingdom exactly as it existed before the 19th century.
The phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" suggests a connection and solidarity with other regions facing geopolitical challenges, rather than implying Okinawa's situation is unrelated to East Asian events.
Answer: True
Explanation: The phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" suggests Okinawa's situation is unrelated to geopolitical events in East Asia.
A 2022 survey indicated that a plurality of Okinawans desired a 'municipality with strong authority,' with only a small percentage favoring full independence.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 2022 survey indicated that a significant portion of Okinawans desired a 'municipality with strong authority,' while only a small percentage favored full independence.
What is the primary objective of the Ryukyu independence movement?
Answer: To achieve independence from Japan, potentially forming a republic or restoring the historical kingdom.
Explanation: The primary goal of the Ryukyu independence movement is to achieve independence from Japan, with potential outcomes including the formation of a republic or the restoration of the historical Ryukyu Kingdom.
What legal argument does the Ryukyu independence movement employ in relation to Article 95 of the Japanese Constitution?
Answer: Article 95 requires local consent for laws applicable to a specific entity, which was lacking in the 1879 annexation.
Explanation: The Ryukyu independence movement cites Article 95 of the Japanese Constitution, which requires local consent for laws applicable to a specific entity, arguing this was lacking in the 1879 annexation.
What is the significance of the 1995 rape incident involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa?
Answer: It sparked the "third wave of the Okinawa Struggle," protesting marginalization and the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
Explanation: The 1995 rape incident involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa is significant because it sparked the "third wave of the Okinawa Struggle," protesting marginalization and the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
What is a primary objective of the Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans (ACSILs)?
Answer: To achieve demilitarization, decolonization, and independence for the Ryukyu Islands.
Explanation: A primary goal of ACSILs (Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans) is to achieve demilitarization, decolonization, and independence for the Ryukyu Islands.
What does the phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" imply regarding geopolitical solidarity?
Answer: A shared sense of struggle and potential future trajectory among these regions facing external pressures.
Explanation: The phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" suggests a shared sense of struggle and potential future trajectory among these regions facing external pressures.
What trend has been observed in statements from Chinese government-affiliated entities and media concerning the Ryukyu Islands since approximately 2012?
Answer: Increased suggestions that China might challenge Japan's sovereignty and support Ryukyuan independence.
Explanation: Since around 2012, Chinese government and media statements have increasingly suggested China might support Ryukyuan independence and challenge Japan's sovereignty.
According to reports from Japanese intelligence and U.S. think tanks, what is a suspected objective of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) concerning Okinawa?
Answer: To promote Ryukyuan independence and weaken the Japan-U.S. alliance through indirect methods.
Explanation: Reports suggest the CCP aims to promote Ryukyuan independence and weaken the Japan-U.S. alliance through indirect methods.
What did a 2016 poll conducted by Ryukyu Shimpo reveal regarding Okinawan preferences for their political status?
Answer: Less than half of respondents supported the status quo.
Explanation: A 2016 poll by Ryukyu Shimpo indicated that less than half of respondents supported the status quo.
What is the principal legal argument employed by the Ryukyu independence movement to contest Japan's sovereignty over the islands?
Answer: The Ryukyu people never consented to join Japan, and no treaty transferred sovereignty.
Explanation: The primary legal argument used by the Ryukyu independence movement against Japan's sovereignty is that the Ryukyu people never consented to join Japan, and no treaty transferred sovereignty.
What does the phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" imply regarding geopolitical solidarity?
Answer: A sentiment of solidarity and shared geopolitical challenges.
Explanation: The phrase "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow Taiwan, Day After Tomorrow Okinawa" implies a sentiment of solidarity and shared geopolitical challenges.
What were the findings of the 2022 Okinawa Times survey concerning residents' preferences for Okinawa's political status?
Answer: A plurality desired a 'municipality with strong authority,' with few favoring independence.
Explanation: The 2022 Okinawa Times survey found that a plurality of Okinawans desired a 'municipality with strong authority,' while only a small percentage favored full independence.