The Other Occupation of Japan: The Case of Okinawa

In Okinawa the ending of the American occupation follows a different chronology and calendar, which reflect a distinct fate and history. Indeed, the year 2012 was marked by two different anniversaries of ending of two distinct occupations, which correspond to divergent histories, memories and commemorations. A certain degree of social and cultural divergence between Okinawa and Japan proper preexisted the end of World War Two. This essay traces the role played by the American occupations in deepening a divergence that is attested to in a manner that is more than just symbolic: by the requirement of a passport for travel between occupied Okinawa and post-occupied Japan.