According to multiple Japanese media reports, During parliamentary discussions between Prime Minister Takaichi and opposition parties regarding Japan’s response in the event of a Taiwan contingency specifically that Japan would engage in defense the Chinese government demanded that such statements be withdrawn, criticizing them as interference in China’s internal affairs. Following this, amid a series of actions that can be interpreted as punitive pressure toward Japan, propaganda that appears intended to drive a wedge between Okinawa and Japan has become increasingly visible.
Regarding Okinawa located near Taiwan and hosting U.S. military facilities experts have pointed out the possibility of information operations aimed at constraining Japan’s involvement in the event of a Taiwan-related contingency.
In this context, news reports have issued warnings about the circulation of narratives portraying Okinawa as “not part of Japan,” urging careful attention to the facts and surrounding context.
In Japan, such activities by China have long been regarded as a concern. More recently, posts have circulated that selectively quote a speech made by the Okinawa governor during the gubernatorial election four years ago originally expressing opposition to U.S. military bases and reframe it as advocating “independence from Japan.”
At the same time, videos on TikTok believed to be AI-generated depicting “independence movement demonstrations” in Chinese and English have spread. On social media, individuals have also appeared claiming, “We are persecuted by Japan and strongly wish not to be Japanese, identifying instead as Ryukyuans closer to China,” alongside reports of signs being displayed locally asserting that China regards the people of Okinawa as an indigenous population.
While the Okinawa governor has expressed an intention to maintain friendly relations with China, he has also indicated that such claims are misinformation. In addition, a descendant of the Ryukyu royal family stated at the “53rd Anniversary Commemoration of Okinawa’s Reversion to Japan” that, based on an examination of the DNA of Okinawan people, they are not an indigenous population separate from Japan, but Japanese. On social media, many Okinawan residents have voiced opposition to these narratives, stating, “We are Japanese.”
Okinawa values its history and wishes to preserve and pass down the culture of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. However, as Japanese people, it does not seek division, nor does it wish to pass resentment based on selective interpretations of the past on to future generations.
by Few_Palpitation6373
10 comments
AI brainrot. While the movement has always been a thing, there’s no realistic way to make it happen. Even the anti-US propaganda is steeped in ideals as the JSDF would not be able to fill the power gap if US forces left. Separating from Japan would essentially put it up for grabs to China.
Yes, Tokyo could probably take more care in addressing Okinawa specific issues like vetoing the governor’s refusal to build the runway up in Henoko. However in that case it’s supposed to be more beneficial long-term as once that is complete, Futenma is expected to close. On the other hand Okinawa is one of the poorest prefectures with few resources.
China is probably behind this to stoke division and anti US/Japan sentiment.
Okinawan independence would be the dumbest thing for Okinawa, unless you’re the CCP.
And they are all done by shitty ccp ai.
ガセネタですよね。
Yep. CCP trolls/ai/weebs all over X constantly post propaganda about this.
Yes. It’s coming from China. They want Okinawa and Taiwan so they can control the follow of trade in that part of the world.
Okinawa would fail. It’s a 3rd world country compared to the mainland.
Fuck Chinazi
>a descendant of the Ryukyu royal family stated at the “53rd Anniversary Commemoration of Okinawa’s Reversion to Japan” that, based on an examination of the DNA of Okinawan people, they are not an indigenous population separate from Japan, but Japanese.
Sounds like this person is Okinawa’s RFK Jr.; they’re probably not so welcome at family get-togethers.
DNA does not show Okinawans are simply “not separate” from Japan. Genetics does not invalidate the Ryukyuans as an indigenous population, but it does support the notion of the Ryukyuans as a distinct population (with a distinct history) within the Japanese national framework.
The Ryukyuans have showed far more patience and tolerance with mainlanders than they have ever been shown.
When the Meiji emperor annexed the Ryukyuan kingdom in the 18th century, Ryukyuan elites appealed to the Qing government in China for help, but to no avail. They also petitioned the US, the UK, France, The Netherlands but were ignored.
Not saying I agree with the rhetoric being posted by likely external groups trying to stir the pot, but the Ryukyuans have been screwed by mainlanders for centuries now. That said, given how the Han treat minority indigenous populations within China, I’m pretty sure the Okinawans don’t want to tie their horse to the China cart.
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