Okinawans in Hawaii

Immigration The economy of the Ryukyu Islands plummeted following its annexation by Japan in 1879. As a result of worsening conditions, many Okinawans wished to move elsewhere for a better life. Previously, Japan had prohibited emigration from Okinawa Prefecture, but this decision was later reversed in the late 1890s. In 1899, the first group of Okinawan migrants were formed, numbering 26 people. Led by emigration activist Kyuzo Toyama, these laborers arrived in Hawaii on January 8, 1900. Subsequent waves of migrants came to Hawaii in the following years, with the second group, also led by Kyuzo, arriving in 1903. Common insults included "pig-eater", and many customs such as the hajichi (Okinawan female tattoos) were made fun of. == Identity ==

Because Okinawa used to be an independent country from Japan, many Okinawan migrants viewed themselves as a distinct group from the Yamato Japanese, or Naichi (内地, "inner lands"). The attitude of being a distinct group persists today among Hawaii Okinawans. There are numerous cultural organizations for the Okinawans in Hawaii, the largest one being the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. As of 2020, it enrolls over 40,000 people across 50 different member clubs, each pertaining to a specific region in Okinawa. Since the 1970s, the HUOA has held an annual Okinawan Cultural Festival. == Notable people ==

• Ryan Higa, YouTuber • David Ige, former governor of Hawaii • Rob Kajiwara, Okinawan-Hawaiian political activist • Yeiki Kobashigawa, Medal of Honor recipient (WW2) • Herbert Matayoshi, former mayor of Hawaii county • Shinyei Nakamine, Medal of Honor recipient (WW2) • Robert Taira, restaurant owner • Toshiko Takaezu, artist • Dwight Takamine, state senator • Jill Tokuda, congresswoman • Roy Yamaguchi, chef and entrepreneur • Stephen K. Yamashiro, former mayor of Hawaii county == See also ==