Satoru Nakamura notes signs of danger in China’s claim that Okinawans are an “indigenous people” , because “That’s its basis for meddling in Okinawa.” (23oc25)

Splendor of Okinawa: Wishbone Flower, roadside Uruma, 19oc25


The Chinese UN delegation has expressed its perception that the people of Okinawa Prefecture are an indigenous people. The Japan-Okinawa Policy Research Forum (chair: Satoru Nakamura) has begun activity at the UN to counter that narrative. 


Chairman Nakamura expressed his concern, stating, “China has begun stating, for the first time in a public forum, its ‘Okinawan Undecided Sovereignty Theory’, which suggests that Okinawan sovereignty does not belong to Japan. That’s dangerous meddling!”


On China’s intention, the chairman surmised that it was foreshadowing its claim to say, “The US Military  and Self Defense Force (SDF) activity in Okinawa is an infringement on the rights of an indigenous population.”


The chairman further speculated, “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in alignment with Russia and others, China can become quite a danger. We can’t even be sure whether or not a recommendation might be issued by the UN to order the US Military and the SDF to withdraw from Okinawa. It’s a strategy targeting a Chinese invasion of Taiwan!”


The chairman added that during the start-up of the Sanae Takaichi Administration, it seems as though China is making use of our political situation where the National Government and Okinawa are at odds over the relocation of the US Military Futenma Airfield to Henoko.


The chairman pointed out his feelings of danger, stating, “Since the Prefectural Administration of Takeshi Onaga, it has been claimed, ‘The construction of the new base is a violation of Okinawan people’s right to make their own decisions. There is even a tendency toward discrimination against the SDF, claiming, ‘The SDF won’t defend Okinawa’. China is even composing a plan called  ‘The Takaichi Administration vs. Okinawa’. China will meddle in Okinawan affairs by bringing up indigenous rights. That will end up with China having a basis for interference.”


In response to China’s claims hereafter,  the chairman stated, “Before this becomes a problem, Japan ought to speedily hold discussions. Governor Tamaki as well must discuss this matter!”

　

Original Japanese article: Yaeyama News, published Thursday 23 October 2025 at 04:00.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3260e22bd8dafc070a116c02c7602752bebe3c48


Denny in the News:

Denny Tamaki is the governor of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Although important as an international tourist destination and a key element in strategic US Military Forces, its governor receives very little coverage in the Japanese press and almost none in the English language media. 


This blog hopes to  translate one news article a day on the governor.  It is unsponsored and unauthorized. The translator simply hopes to improve his skills and perhaps give the governor an English speaking audience. 


Any suggestion on improving the translation will be gratefully accepted. However, please leave political comments for another forum.


Where they occur, words and phrases in Ryukyuan (the Okinawan language) are rendered in italics and translated in parentheses. Names  whose readings are uncertain are rendered as Name (=Kanji?) as in Nagayuki (=長行?). Any corrections in such instances would be gratefully appreciated.

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