Mythologies of the Ryukyuan Tribe

The Ryukyuans are a Japonic-speaking East Asian ethnic group indigenous to the Ryukyu Islands, which stretch from the island of Kyushu to the island of Taiwan. In Japan, most Ryukyuans live in the Okinawa Prefecture or Kagoshima Prefecture. They speak the Ryukyuan languages, one of the branches of the Japonic language family along with the Japanese language and its dialects. The United Nations Human Rights Committee in 2008 recommended that Japan, "should expressly recognize the Ainu and Ryukyu/Okinawa as indigenous peoples in domestic legislation, adopt special measures to protect, preserve, and promote their cultural heritage and traditional way of life, and recognize their land rights."^[7] The Japanese government has not accepted this recommendation because recognizing, "the Ryukyuan as Indigenous Peoples [would require Japan] to adhere to international law, thus prohibiting military bases on [Ryukyuan] land." Ryukyuans are also not a recognized minority group in Japan, as Japanese authorities consider them a subgroup of the Japanese people, akin to the Yamato people. Although officially unrecognized, Ryukyuans constitute the largest ethnolinguistic minority group in Japan, with more than 1.4 million living in the Okinawa Prefecture alone. Ryukyuans inhabit the Amami Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture as well, and have contributed to a considerable Ryukyuan diaspora. Ryukyuans have a distinct culture with some matriarchal elements, an indigenous religion and a cuisine where rice was introduced fairly late (12th century). The population lived on the islands in isolation for many centuries. In the 14th century, three separate Okinawan political polities merged into the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1872), which continued the maritime trade and tributary relations started in 1372 with Ming China. In 1609, the Satsuma Domain (based in Kyushu) invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Kingdom maintained a fictive independence in vassal status, in a dual subordinate status to both China and Japan, because Tokugawa Japan was prohibited to trade (directly) with China. During the Japanese Meiji era, the kingdom became the Ryukyu Domain (1872–1879) after its political annexation by the Empire of Japan. In 1879, the Ryukyu Domain was abolished, and the territory was reorganized as Okinawa Prefecture, with the last king (Shō Tai) forcibly exiled to Tokyo. China renounced its claims to the islands in 1895.^[13] During this period, the Meiji government, which sought to assimilate the Ryukyuans as Japanese (Yamato), suppressed Ryukyuan ethnic identity, tradition, culture, and language. After World War II, the Ryūkyū Islands were occupied by the United States between 1945 and 1950 and then from 1950 to 1972. Since the end of World War II, many Ryukyuans have expressed strong resentment against the extensive U.S. military facilities stationed in Okinawa and Tokyo's handling of related issues. United Nations special rapporteur on discrimination and racism Doudou Diène, in his 2006 report,^[20] noted a perceptible level of discrimination and xenophobia against the Ryukyuans, with the most serious discrimination they endure linked to their opposition of American military installations in the archipelago.

For 450 years, Okinawa was the seat of the refined Ryukyu Kingdom, a Chinese tributary and a pivotal hub of East Asian trade. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, the Ryukyu Islands became a major entrepôt, attracting trading ships from Japan, Korea, and as far south as Java. Renowned for their propriety, friendliness, and peaceful nature, the Ryukyu people developed a unique culture enriched by international exchanges, turning their island paradise into a repository of treasures from foreign lands. The history of Ryukyu, from its beginnings as a loose federation of chiefdoms to its eventual annexation by Japan, is a story of resilience, diplomacy, and poignant tragedy. Okinawa Prefecture consists of 160 islands, 49 inhabited, stretching 400 kilometers (250 miles) from north to south and 1,000km (620 miles) from east to west. This area makes up the southern two-thirds of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, now known as the Ryukyu Archipelago, which extends from near Kyushu to off the northeastern coast of Taiwan. The prefecture is divided into two main island chains: the central Okinawa Islands and the southern Sakishima Islands. The Sakishima Islands are further subdivided into smaller archipelagos: the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands. Okinawa Island, the largest in the chain, is 112km (70 miles ) long and 11km (7 miles) wide and covers an area of 1,199 square kilometers (463 square miles). Naha, the island’s largest city, is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. Roughly 36% of the prefecture’s land area has been designated as natural parks by the Ministry of the Environment. On Okinawa Island, home to over 90% of the prefecture’s population, US military bases occupy 18% of the land representing two-thirds of the US military presence in Japan. Geographically, the seas north of Okinawa Island are so densely dotted with islands that one can sail to Kyushu without losing sight of land. In contrast, traveling south requires navigating 290km (180 miles) of open seas to reach the Miyako Islands. This isolation contributed to the slower development of the Sakishima Islands, where a hunter-gatherer lifestyle persisted until the 15th century, long after agriculture and governance had advanced in the northern Ryukyus.

Before it became part of Japan, Ryukyu had very close ties with China. The Chinese shared their technological advancements with the kingdom and assisted with its development. The most important of these were ships. At the time, there were three major shipping routes in the region. The islands’ central location between the Asian mainland, Japan, and Southeast Asia made them the perfect transportation hub. They became an important stopover point when exchanging goods in the region. For almost two centuries, silver, iron, ceramics, wood, and even ivory from India all passed through the kingdom’s ports. However, piracy and Portuguese traders soon affected this success. Ryukyu became less and less influential until Japan finally invaded it. It remained somewhat independent until it officially became part of Okinawa in the 1800s. The culture was almost lost when Japanese people started moving there and mixing with the inhabitants. Despite this, the region’s legacy and customs are part of Okinawan culture. This traditional method of dyeing fabric originated centuries ago. The oldest surviving bingata fabric dates back to the 15th century. It was traditionally worn during festivals and folk dance performances. Ryukyu traders encountered many cultures on their travels, so bingata combined Indian, Chinese, and Javanese techniques. After the kingdom became part of Japan, less trade with other countries limited access to dyes. The art form was saved by sending people to study dying methods in other countries and developing new techniques. It is still popular today in the Okinawan islands.

Over the years, the tides of history haven’t always been kind, and today, the fight to preserve Okinawan/Ryukyuan heritage is more important than ever. Okinawa’s past is just as colorful as its coral reefs. Let’s start way back with the Ryukyu Kingdom — think of it as Okinawa’s independent phase. Before it became part of Japan, Okinawa was its own kingdom, trading with China, Korea, and Southeast Asia like a true gem of the seas. The Ryukyuans were expert sailors and diplomats, welcoming influences from all over Asia and creating a melting pot of culture that’s still celebrated today. They had their own kings, their own language, and a capital at Shuri Castle full of bling and brains. In the 1600s, Japan’s Satsuma clan showed up in Okinawa, and Okinawa became a kind of international middleman, technically part of Japan but still doing business with China on the side—a bit of a diplomatic juggling act! This blend of influences made Okinawan culture a fantastic mix of Japanese, Chinese, and indigenous Ryukyu elements, which you can still see in everything from the architecture to the local music. For example, Kokusaidori is Okinawa’s famous international street. Fast forward to World War II, and Okinawa found itself at the center of one of the Pacific’s fiercest battles, forever changing the islands and their people. After the war, Okinawa was under U.S. control until 1972, and this American influence added yet another layer to its already diverse mix of culture. An example would be Mihama American Village. From the ancient shisa statues guarding doorways to the traditional Eisa drum dances lighting up festivals, Okinawa’s history is alive and welcoming. The textiles of Okinawa are a delight for the eyes, with traditional dyeing techniques like bingata and coral dyeing creating patterns that are as beautiful as they are intricate. Bingata, a stencil-dyeing technique that dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, produces colorful patterns featuring flowers, birds, and mythical creatures. Back in the day, bingata was all about making a statement. Natural dyes, like the deep blue of Ryukyu indigo and the warm yellow from the fukugi tree, weren’t just about looking good—they were about who you were. And if that wasn’t fancy enough, they also used pricey pigments imported from China. These vibrant, hand-dyed garments were so special that only the royalty and samurai could rock them. Nobles flaunted larger patterns that declared importance, while the samurai class went for smaller, more refined designs that quietly alerted others that they are not to be messed with. And if you spotted someone in yellow, you’d know you were in the presence of the highest-ranking individual around. Every color had a purpose, showing off not just rank but also age and gender. It was like a secret language written in fabric! During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, bingata wasn’t just a craft—it was a competition. The three great bingata families—Chinen, Shiroma, and Takushi—were like the fashion houses of old Okinawa. These masters of the dyeing arts served the samurai class and constantly upped their game to outdo each other in craftsmanship. Imagine a centuries-old Project Runway, but with silk, stencils, and a lot more tradition. World War II was a dark time for bingata, with the art nearly disappearing altogether. But just when it seemed like the tradition would be lost to the ages, a few dedicated craftsmen, like Eiki Shiroma and Sekko Chinen, stepped up. These heroes of heritage managed to revive the craft, ensuring that bingata continues to tell its colorful story today. Meanwhile, yuntanza hanaui, a form of hand weaving from the village of Yomitan, creates more subdued but equally stunning designs. Fibers, such as silk or cotton are dyed with natural dyes found locally, such as in Okinawa’s mountains. The finished product can be used for a number of home or clothing uses. Okinawan textiles, whether in the form of a simple scarf or a formal kimono, are treasured not just for their beauty but also for the skill and artistry that go into their creation. Preservation groups and cultural centers have stepped in, offering workshops and apprenticeships to ensure that these skills aren’t forgotten. Younger generations are being encouraged to take up traditional crafts, blending traditional techniques with modern designs to keep the art relevant and fresh.