The Indigenous World 2025: Japan
The two Indigenous Peoples of Japan, the Ainu and the Ryūkyūans (or Okinawans), live on the northernmost and southernmost islands of the country’s archipelago.
The Ainu territory stretches from Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands (now both Russian territories) to the northern part of present-day Japan, including the entire island of Hokkaido. Hokkaido was unilaterally incorporated into the Japanese state in 1869. Although most Ainu still live in Hokkaido, over the second half of the 20th century, tens of thousands migrated to Japan’s urban centres for work and to escape the more prevalent discrimination on Hokkaido. Since June 2008, the Ainu have been officially recognized as an Indigenous people of Hokkaido; however, this does not imply full recognition of their rights in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The most recent government surveys put the Ainu population in Hokkaido at 11,450 (2023) and in the rest of Japan at 210 (2011), although experts estimate the actual population to be much higher.[1]
The Ryūkyūans (Okinawans) live in the Ryūkyū Archipelago, which constitutes what is now known as “Okinawa Prefecture” in Japan. Okinawa is the largest and most populated island of the archipelago. The Ryūkyūans (Okinawans) have unique cultural characteristics and are composed of six major Indigenous language groups.[2] In 1879, Japan annexed the Ryūkyū Islands to Japanese territory and established “Okinawa Prefecture”. After World War II, the Ryūkyū Islands were relinquished to the US military in exchange for Japanese independence. In 1972, the islands were returned to Japanese sovereignty. Today, approximately 1.45 million people live in Okinawa Prefecture. The Japanese government still does not recognize the Ryūkyū people as an Indigenous group in Japan and the proportion of Indigenous people among the total population of Ryūkyūs is difficult to estimate. A significant part of Okinawa Island is occupied by US Army and Japanese Defense Forces’ military installations.
Japan has adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) – although it does not recognize the unconditional right to self-determination. It has not ratified ILO Convention 169.
This article is part of the 39th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here
Ainu
Ainu demands ignored
Despite Ainu expectations to the contrary,[3] none of the Ainu-related developments for 2024 involved any significant policy gains, and the year has passed relatively quietly.
In spite of the submission of a 93,000-signature petition[4], [5] in March, and an in-house seminar sponsored by the Citizens’ Alliance for the Examination of Ainu Policy held at the Tokyo House of Representatives in May,[6] the mandated five-year review of the Ainu Policy Promotion Act was limited to scantily publicized, year-end hearings conducted in various locations in Hokkaido by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Four Members of Parliament attended the in-house seminar held in May but as of time of writing, there has yet to be any movement at the Parliament level. It is expected that there may be a formal Parliamentary debate on the matter later in the fiscal year (i.e., by the end of March 2025), once the local hearings of Ainu in Hokkaido and Tokyo have concluded.
Other developments were significant only in that they similarly ignored or neglected longstanding Ainu demands. As forecast, in April, the verdict of the Raporo Ainu Nation litigation against the Japanese State and Hokkaido Prefectural Government went in favour of the State. Meanwhile, designation in Hokkaido of Japan’s 35th National Park, the Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park,[7] occurred without any significant consultation of the Ainu people.
Release of Ainu-themed films
On the contrary, what public attention that did occur was given to the simultaneous release of four films that feature Ainu as their theme: two historical pieces Kamui no Uta[8] and Sisam,[9] Ainu Puri,[10] a documentary about a contemporary Ainu family, and the major-release entertainment film Golden Kamuy.[11] Unlike the live-action movie Golden Kamuy, based on the well-known manga and anime of the same name, which has enjoyed widespread popular success and contributed to an increase in interest in Ainu culture, historical and documentary works such as the former three films tend to receive little public appraisal. Sisam is noteworthy in that it may be the first major-release cinema to portray Edo-Era colonization of Hokkaido from the standpoint of the Ainu people, a point which has led to criticism of Hokkaido Mayor Suzuki (see below), who showed his support by visiting the filming location.[12]
Continuing incidents of hate speech
All of the above occurred despite the results of the Survey on the Living Conditions of the Ainu, published in 2023,[13] indicating worsening living conditions for the Ainu: the number of Ainu respondents on social welfare was 1.3 times that of non-Ainu residents in the same municipalities, a rise of 4.9 % and, meanwhile, there was a 5.8% rise in the perception of incidents of discrimination to 31% from the previous survey in 2017.[14]
Ironically, much of the attention on the film Sisam in Hokkaido centred around discriminatory remarks sent to Hokkaido Governor, Naomichi Suzuki, after he showed his support for the film by publicly posting photos of the actors’ courtesy visit to his office to his “X” page. Governor Suzuki has refrained from commenting on the remarks in consideration of the individual’s rights to freedom of expression.[15]
Unrelatedly, police were deployed outside a gathering held in southern Sapporo City in December by the right-wing organization, Nippon Kaigi, which publicly solicited the attendance of children to a street event that included art and a public lecture purported to portray the “true history” of Hokkaido. Panels at the event questioned the Indigeneity of the Ainu people, and a featured lecturer claimed that the content of the “Ainu Supplementary Reader”, a teaching material distributed to elementary and junior high schools in the prefecture, was problematic in its statement that Hokkaido “was unilaterally made part of Japan without the consent of the Ainu people”.[16]
Resistance by Ainu and their supporters
Ainu and their supporters have refused to take ongoing discrimination lightly. Different protest events, with varying degrees of gravity and social impact, were held throughout the year. In December 2023, after a kick-off event for a cartoon book designed for consciousness-raising against racial discrimination, Ainu Moyamoya (Feelings of Unease) by Ainu scholar Mokottunasi Kitahara held at Hokkaido University, a number of articles were published about the event.[17] After a first protest in February 2023 in response to hate speech remarks made by Member of Parliament Mio Sugita,[18], [19] a second protest, led by an Ainu Elder against Sugita, was held in January 2024 by a multi-ethnic steering committee in solidarity with Okinawan and burakumin (caste or descendant group) supporters and attended by approximately 200 citizens.[20] There has been no response, however, from Ms Sugita or the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to which she belonged at the time.
April marked an historic event in which the Japanese Society of Cultural Anthropology, just days after having delivered an official apology to the Ainu people for past research wrongdoings,[21] participated in an Ainu-sponsored forum on research ethics.[22] To Ainu disappointment, the other three academic societies participating have refused to offer similar apologies, despite the holding of yet a second forum in December.[23]
In May, the National Ainu Museum issued the Uainukor Declaration,[24] stating that it would not accept discrimination against its employees, and that it would strive to raise anti-racism consciousness. In July, upon the visit to Hokkaido of Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs, Ms Hanako Jimi, Governor Suzuki demanded that a nationwide survey on awareness of the Ainu be conducted.[25]
It is also of note that the Hewlett-Packard Foundation-sponsored Mori Kawa Umi Project officially launched their homepage[26] in November. The project aims to document traditional Ainu usages of the sea, rivers, and forest of Ainu territory by combining interviews with Ainu Elders with historical documentation. The project adds a heretofore untaken advocacy twist to this seemingly innocuous topic by positioning Ainu land and resource use rights within the framework of UN human rights instruments and examining the physical changes to the environment of Ainu territory through the lens of how they have historically been wrought by the colonial processes of development.
Ryūkyūans (Okinawans)
Rape committed by US soldier in Okinawa
In June 2024, the Okinawa prefectural government learned that a U.S. Air Force soldier had abducted an underage girl to his home and sexually assaulted her in December 2023. The American soldier was indicted in March 2024. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) did not report the incident to the Okinawa prefectural government until June 2024.[27] This incident triggered a series of protests and rallies organized by citizens and municipalities against the U.S. military, the MOFA, and the Japan Defense Agency.[28],[29],[30],[31] In October 2024, Ryūkyūan women brought the issue of sexual abuse faced by women in Okinawa due to the presence of the U.S. military to the attention of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).[32] The CEDAW Committee urged the Japanese government to take appropriate action to punish those responsible for sexual assaults and ensure adequate compensation for the victims. The Japanese government officials stated that the government would “request the U.S. to implement thorough measures to prevent future incidents and accidents” through the review of the “liberty system”, which regulates the conduct of U.S. personnel. Additionally, they plan to establish a new consultative forum in collaboration between the U.S. military, the Japanese government, the prefecture, and local communities.
In December 2024, the Naha District Court sentenced the perpetrator to just five years in prison[33] while, according to the Tokyo Bar Association, the charge for non-consensual sexual intercourse ranges from 5 to 20 years.[34] As reported by the Ryūkyū Shimpo newspaper, the charge was lighter than expected (at least seven years), since: (1) the victim was a minor, (2) the prosecution had asked for seven years, and (3) the judge remarked on the “viciousness” of this case.
Indigenous Ryūkyūan youth engagement with the UN
In April 2024, Shinako Oyakawa and Shimabukuro Riku Akamine from the Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans (ACSILs), along with Ryūkyūan diasporic youth, participated in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York.[35] They drew attention to the fact that the Japanese government does not recognize the Ryūkyūan people as Indigenous and is violating the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by failing to protect their Indigenous rights and turning Ryūkyūan land into a military colony.
Furthermore, in July 2024, at the meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMPRIP) in Geneva, Kanako Matsuda of the GINOWAN Churamizu Association delivered a statement addressing water contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) leaked from the U.S. military bases in Okinawa.[36] She highlighted that the loss of biodiversity, PFAS contamination of water resources, and noise pollution caused by the base construction have made Okinawa a victim of environmental racism,[37] and the resulting damages have disproportionately affected socially and culturally disadvantaged groups, such as women and children. She called on the Japanese government to firmly urge the U.S. military to take responsibility for the environmental pollution and degradation.
In September 2024, Risako Sakai and Alexyss McClellan-Ufugusuku, who also attended the EMRIP meeting in Geneva, gave reports in Naha, Okinawa, to inform the public about Indigenous rights and movements.[38], [39] Approximately 70 people attended this event where speakers reported on their advocacy activities at the UN, which were focused on highlighting the impacts of the construction of the U.S. military base at Henoko and cases of sexual violence committed by U.S. soldiers, and discussing the way in which their activities and statements at the UN address the current situation of Ryūkyū Islands and the Indigenous Ryūkyūan peoples' right to self-determination.[40] In addition, they called for solidarity between Ryūkyūan peoples and other Indigenous Peoples around the world. The local newspaper, Ryūkyū Shimpo, covered the event.
Interaction with other Indigenous Peoples around the world
In February and April 2024, Māori youths, members of the Aotearoa (New Zealand) government scholarship programme to develop human resources for cultural revival and economic activities based on Māori traditions and values, visited Ryūkyū. During the visit, the delegation learned about Ryūkyū's history and culture and discussed issues and future prospects as Indigenous Peoples with a common history of forced colonization. The delegation visited the Okinawa prefectural government, where the Vice Governor, Yoshimi Teruya, among other things noted that: “Okinawa was once an independent kingdom, known as the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Similarly, many islands in Oceania also have histories of independence. I look forward to the continued development of exchanges.”[41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46]
Indigenous language revitalization movement
At a symposium on Ryūkyūan languages held in Naha City in September 2024, GACHIMAF, an Indigenous Ryūkyūan rapper, performed a rap in the Okinawan language (i.e., Uchināguchi). This marked the first rap performance at the event and provided a unique opportunity for elderly native speakers and younger generations raised in Japanese—the language of the Japanese colonizers—to connect and reaffirm their cultural identities.[47] In December 2024, in a symbolic act to highlight Okinawa’s unique culture and language(s),[48] a group of Ryūkyūan students from Okinawa Christian University read the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Uchināguchi, one of the Ryūkyūan Indigenous languages,[49] at the SDGs National Forum held by Okinawa Prefecture in Naha City.
Revitalization of traditional culture
In March 2024, Ryūkyūan women living in the U.S. organized a gathering in Hawai’i, inviting women with hajichi (traditional Ryūkyūan tattoos on women’s hands).[50] “I want the next generations to understand Okinawa's history before colonization and to recognize the significance that we have ancestors from/in Okinawa,” said the organizer, Mariko Middleton. “I want the future generations to feel proud of their heritage.”
The construction of the new U.S. military base at Henoko
On 10 January 2024, the Japanese government began the landfill work on the Oura Bay of Henoko, ignoring the opposition of the people of Okinawa Prefecture. The governor, Denny Tamaki, held a press conference and appealed for a halt to the construction and for dialogue between the Okinawa Prefecture and the Japanese government. Protests are still ongoing at Henoko. Nonetheless, the Japanese government has continued the construction without dialogue with the governor.[51], [52]
The repatriation movement for the remains of Ryūkyūan people
In June, the American Anthropological Association's Commission for the Ethical Treatment of Human Remains (TCETHR) released its final report on the remains and burials of the world's Indigenous and minority peoples, including interviews with Ryūkyūans in 2023, with a cover photo of one of the sites where Ryūkyūan remains were stolen, the Mumujyana-baka.[53] This report states that, “no research or exhibition should be conducted without the consent of the relatives and/or community.”[54]
In the same month, the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka established guidelines for the return of Ryūkyūan-origin zushigame (decorated pottery container for storing the bones of one's ancestors) and cinerary urns to their original owners, who are the ritual successors, and published it on its website.
The likely explanation for the establishment of the guidelines is the ongoing efforts of the Nirai Kanai nu Kai, an advocacy group dedicated to the repatriation of Ryūkyūan remains. Since 2023, this group has been urging the museum to identify and return the original custodians of the collection, given the ambiguity of the acquisition route. Despite these requests, the museum has not provided any updates or reports to the group. Moreover, the guidelines appear to be problematic, as they determine the “legitimacy” of ritual successors or bereaved family members through the lens of the colonizers, mandating specific methods and storage locations even after the return, along with the adherence to community customs. Such stipulations imposed by the museum interfere with the self-determination rights of the Ryūkyū people. The Nirai Kanai nu Kai has highlighted this concern. The museum has yet to respond.
Jeff Gayman is a full Professor in the School of Education and Research Faculty of Media and Communication at Hokkaido University where his research focuses on issues of empowerment of the Ainu in educational arenas. He has been engaged in support of Ainu rights advocacy for over 15 years.
Dr. Kanako Uzawa, PhD is an Ainu scholar, artist, museum curator, and advocate dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices worldwide. As the founder of AinuToday and CEO of K. Uzawa Consult, she bridges academic and public platforms to celebrate Indigenous identity. She is also an Assistant Professor at the Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity at Hokkaido University and an affiliated researcher at the Historical Museum of the University of Oslo.
Ryoko Nakamura is an Indigenous Ryūkyūan. Co-chair of the Nirai Kanai no Kai, a campaign group for the repatriation of the remains of Ryūkyūan people stolen by Japanese researchers. In addition, she is involved in the campaign against the Japanese military (the Japan Self-Defense Forces) and U.S. military bases.
Risako Sakai (she/her/hers) collaborated in drafting the section on Ryūkyūans. She is an Indigenous woman from Okinawa and is currently a PhD candidate in Applied Anthropology at Oregon State University.
This article is part of the 39th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here
Notes and references
[1] Population figures for Hokkaido taken from the 2023 Survey of Ainu Livelihoods conducted by the Hokkaido prefectural government in cooperation with the Ainu Association. Hokkaido Government, Environment and Lifestyle Section. “Hokkaido Ainu Survey on Livelihood Report.” 2023,
https://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ks/ass/new_jittai.html
Population figures for the rest of Japan taken from the 2011 Survey of Non-Hokkaido Ainu Livelihoods conducted by the Council for Ainu Policy Promotion. “Non-Hokkaido Ainu Survey on Livelihood Report.” 2011, https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/ainusuishin/dai3/haifu_siryou.pdf; many with Ainu ancestry do not publicly identify as Ainu due to discrimination and stigma in Japanese society. Ainu observers estimate the actual population of those with Ainu ancestry to be between 100,000 and 300,000, with 5,000 in the greater Kanto region alone.
[2] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2013. “‘Revival of Ryukyuan Languages’ Shimakutouba Aims to Restore Status.” Ryukyu Shimpo Digital. Ryukyu Shimpo. 12 May 2013. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/prentry-206478.html.
[3] Gayman, Jeff; Uzawa, Kanako (Dr.); Nakamura, Ryoko; and Sakai, Risako. “Japan”. In The Indigenous World 2024 (ed. D. Mamo), April 2024. https://iwgia.org/en/japan/5367-iw-2024-japan.html
[4] Senjyuminzoku Ainu no Koe Jitsugen! Jikkouiinkai (Realizing the Voices of the Indigenous Ainu! Executive Committee), 19 September 2023. Ainu Seisaku no Minaosi o Motomeru Seigan Chomei (Signature Petition Calling for a Review of Ainu Policy) Retrieved from https://ainu.amebaownd.com/posts/49217626
[5] Gayman, Jeff; Uzawa, Kanako (Dr.); Nakamura, Ryoko; and Sakai, Risako. “Japan”. In The Indigenous World 2024 (ed. D. Mamo), April 2024. https://iwgia.org/en/japan/5367-iw-2024-japan.html
[6] Kihara, Kyoko. Tokyo Shimbun Press, 30 May, 2024.”Watasitati o Kankou Shigen to sika Mite inai” Go Nen Hetta Ainu Shisaku Suishin Hou wa “Nukegara no you na Houritsu” (“They See Us as Nothing More than A Tourism Resource” 5 Years after Passage, Ainu Policy Promotion Act is “Nothing More than an Empty Shell”.
https://blog.goo.ne.jp/ivelove/s/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8C%E6%94%BF%E7%AD%96%E6%A4%9C%E8%A8%8E
[7] Government of Japan, Ministry of the Environment. National Parks of Japan.https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/hidaka/index.html
[8] Official site: https://kamuinouta.jp/
[9] Official site: https://www.sisam-movie.jp/
[10] Official site: https://ainupuri-movie.jp/
[11] Official site: https://kamuy-movie.com/
[12] Hokkaido Shimbun Press, 29 September 2024. Shasetsu Ainu Sabetsu Toukou Chiji ha Kizen Taru Taiou o (Editorial: Discriminatory Post Against the Ainu Governor Should Take Firm Stance).
https://blog.goo.ne.jp/ivelove/s/%E9%88%B4%E6%9C%A8%E7%9F%A5%E4%BA%8B
[13] Hokkaido Prefecture Government. “Results of the Survey on Living Conditions.” 9 September 2024. https://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ks/ass/new_jittai.html
[14] Muto Eri, Kimura Nami, Kaneko Buntarou. Hokkaido Shimbun Press, 10 September 2024. Ainu Minzoku Sabetsu, SNS Nobanashi Dou Seikatsu Jittai Chousa Bassoku Kitei Nasi Okureru Taisaku (Discriminatory Posts on SNS Left Unfettered Prefectural Survey on Actual Living Conditions Reveals no Punishment Clauses Measures Delayed)
[15] Hokkaido Shimbun Press, 29 September 2024. Shasetsu Ainu Sabetsu Toukou Chiji ha Kizen Taru Taiou o (Editorial: Discriminatory Post Against the Ainu Governor Should Take Firm Stance).https://blog.goo.ne.jp/ivelove/s/%E9%88%B4%E6%9C%A8%E7%9F%A5%E4%BA%8B
[16] HBC (Hokkaido Broadcasting Corporation), 29 December 2024. “Heito o Yamero” “Sabetsu no Itou wan ai” Gaito de Uzumaku Koe, Ainu Shisaku Suishin Hou kara Go Nen…SNS Jyou de Tsuduku Sabetsu ni “Jikkousei Aru Torikumi Hitsuyou” “Stop Hate Speech” “We have no Intention of Discrimination” 5 Years After Passage of the Ainu Policy Promotion Act, Shouts Reverberate on Streets, Effective Measures to Halt Continuing Discrimination on SNS Necessary. https://blog.goo.ne.jp/ivelove/s/%E9%88%B4%E6%9C%A8%E7%9F%A5%E4%BA%8B
[17] CREA. 24 January 2024. “Ainu ni Atta koto ga Nai” Sore tte Hontou? Golden Kamuy o Miru Mae ni Siru Beki Ainu Minzoku e no Sabetsu No Rekishi Kitahara Mokkotunas Kyoujyu Intabyu- Zenpen (“I’ve Never Met an Ainu” Is that Really True? The History of Discrimination Against the Ainu that You Should Know Before Watching Golden Kamuy. Interview with Professor Kitahara Mokkotunas I).
https://blog.goo.ne.jp/ivelove/s/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8C%E3%82%82%E3%82%84%E3%82%82%E3%82%84
[18] Gayman, Jeff; Uzawa, Kanako (Dr.); and Nakamura, Ryoko. “Japan”. In The Indigenous World 2023 (ed. D. Mamo), April 2023. https://iwgia.org/en/japan/5121-iw-2023-japan.html
[19] Gayman, Jeff; Uzawa, Kanako (Dr.); Nakamura, Ryoko; and Sakai, Risako. “Japan”. In The Indigenous World 2024 (ed. D. Mamo), April 2024. https://iwgia.org/en/japan/5367-iw-2024-japan.html
[20] Hokkaido Shimbun Press, 28 February 2024. Sugita Mio Giin no Ainu Minzoku Sabetsu “Jikkousei Aru Kinshihou Hitsuyou” Sapporo de “Kangaeru Shukai” (Discriminatory Remarks Against the Ainu by MP Sugita Mio “Effective Law to Prevent Discrmination Necessary” “Protest Gathering in Sapporo”
[21] Japanese Society of Cultural Anthropology, 1 April 2024. Ainu Minzoku Kenkyu ni Kansuru Nihon Bunka Jinrugakkai Gakkai Seimei (Statement of the Japanese Society of Cultural Anthropology on Research on the Ainu People). https://jasca.org/onjasca/2024seimei.pdf
[22] Tokyo Shimbun Press. 22 April 2024. Shazai mo Sezu “Kenyu Sasero” to wa Nanigoto ka Ainu Minzoku to Kenkyusha no Hatsu Taiwa Kara Kangaeta “Siritai Youkyu” Ga Motsu Bouryokusei (What do you Mean, “Allow us to Research” with no Apology? Thinking About the Violence Inherent in the “Desire to Know” After the First Dialog Between Researchers and Ainu).
https://blog.goo.ne.jp/ivelove/s/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8C%E3%83%8D%E3%83%8E%E3%82%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8C
[23] Tokyo Shimbun Press. Ainu/Ryukyu Minzoku no Ikotsu “Toukotsu” Katakunani Shazai Sinai Gakkai no Iibun “Senjyuminzoku” o Sonchou sinai Jinruigaku no Goman (Theft of Human Remains of Ainu and Ryukyuan Peoples Excuse of Academic Society that Refuses to Properly Apologize “The Haughtiness of Anthropology That will not Respect “Indigenous Peoples”).
[24] https://nam.go.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/b40cbc2aae9298b9cbc85ef43eaa2a8b.pdf
[25] Murata, Ryou. Hokkaido Shimbun Press, 12 July 2024. Ainu Shisakusuishinhou Minaoshi he Seifu ga Zenkokuteki Ishiki Chousa Dou Chiji ga Yousei (Toward Review of the Ainu Policy Promotion Act, Japanese Government to Conduct Nationwide Survey on Consciousness Regarding the Ainu, Hokkaido Governor Demands). https://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1037354/
[26] Mori Kawa Umi no Ainu Senjyuken o Mieruka Suru Purojekuto (A Visualization Project on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Natural Resources of the Ainu). https://mori-kawa-umi.com/
[27] Ryukyu Shimpo Digital. 2024. “U.S. Air Force Chief Indicted for Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Girl Under 16.” Naha District Prosecutor's Office., 26 June 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-3233077.html; and Ryukyu Shimpo Digital. 2024.” [Video] Governor Tamaki ‘Outraged’ at Indictment of U.S. Soldier in Girl Sexual Assault Case: No Contact from Foreign Ministry, Okinawa.” Ryukyu Shimpo Digital, 28 June 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-3233616.html
[28] Okinawa Times. 2024. “There is anger, sadness, and frustration that cannot be adequately expressed in words,” young people attending a protest rally for the first time, expressing their feelings about the repeated assaults by U.S. soldiers. 5 July 2024. https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1391148
[29] Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting Corporation. 2024. “Sanrenkyo protests against Okinawa Defense Bureau over U.S. soldier incident.” 4 July 2024. https://www.qab.co.jp/news/20240704216791.html
[30] Okinawa Times. 2024. “Sexual assaults by U.S. soldiers in Okinawa: All municipalities protest and pass a letter of opinion demanding an apology and compensation for the victims, revision of the Status of Forces Agreement, and other measures”. 22 December 2024.https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1495218
[31] Ryukyu Shimpo, 2024. “No to U.S. Military Sexual Violence: 2,500 people protest against assault of young girls by U.S. soldiers at prefectural assembly, demanding apology, compensation, and revision of the Status of Forces Agreement”. 23 December 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/national/entry-3794033.html
[32] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “<Opinion>Commission on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women recommends urgent measures against sexual violence by US soldiers” 31 October 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/editorial/entry-3601780.html
[33] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “[Flash Report] Kidnapping and Sexual Assault of Girl, U.S. Soldier Gets Five Years in Prison, Girl's Testimony at Trial ‘Fully Credible,’ Defendant's Crime ‘Outstandingly Vicious,’” Naha District Court, Okinawa, Japan. 13 December 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-3754543.html
[34] Tokyo Lawyer's Association. N.d. “Is there a prison sentence for non-consensual sexual intercourse (rape)? Is there a prison sentence even for a first offense?: Tokyo Lawyer's Lawyer Corporation with a strong track record in criminal cases.” Accessed 20 January 2025. https://tokyolpc.com/keiji/imprisonment/
[35]Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “Oyakawa, Akamine and others appeal on indigenous issues, permanent forum at UN in New York, U.S.” 18 April 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/national/entry-2993991.html
[36] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “PFAS Pollution, U.S. Soldiers' Sexual Violence Reported at UN; Participation from Okinawa, Appeal for Base Issues”. 1 July 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/national/entry-3274039.html
[37]Liaison Group to Protect Citizens' Lives from Organo-fluorine Compound (PFAS) Pollution. n.d. “Okinawa PFAS Appealed to UN Human Rights Council (Ginowan Chura Water Association) https://darkwater.okinawa/%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84pfas%E3%82%92%E5%9B%BD%E9%80%A3%E4%BA%BA%E6%A8%A9%E7%90%86%E4%BA%8B%E4%BC%9A%E3%81%A7%E8%A8%B4%E3%81%88%EF%BC%88%E5%AE%9C%E9%87%8E%E6%B9%BE%E3%81%A1%E3%82%85%E3%82%89%E6%B0%B4/
[38] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “Appealing for Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples of the World to Establish Okinawa's Right to Self-Determination, Ryukyu Independence Society Talk Event, Naha.” 18 September 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/national/entry-3478100.html
[39] “Association for the Comprehensive Study of the Independence of the Ryukyu Islands (ACSILs) - Events.” n.d. https://www.acsils.org/events
[40] “Association for the Comprehensive Study of the Independence of the Ryukyu Islands (ACSILs) - UN, Statements, etc.” n.d. https://www.acsils.org/statements
[41] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “That Famous Dance ‘Haka’ Also Performed by NZ Māori People at Okinawa Prefectural Government ”Base Problem, Common with Our Struggle” 15 February 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/international/entry-2804943.html
[42] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. “Connecting with Indigenous Peoples of the World: Beauty and Strength Learned from Māori, Okinawa Now Appeals to International Society” 14 August 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-3368647.html
[43] Miyako Shimpo. “New Zealand Maori Scholarship students pay courtesy call on Vice Governor Teruya”. 27 February 2024.
https://miyakoshinpo.com/2024/02/17/%E3%80%8C%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E3%81%A8%E5%85%B1%E9%80%9A%E7%82%B9%E3%80%81%E4%BA%A4%E6%B5%81%E7%B6%9A%E3%81%91%E3%81%9F%E3%81%84%E3%80%8D%E3%80%80%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A9/
[44] RBC NEWS. “New Zealand's indigenous Maori pay courtesy call on deputy governor, overlap Okinawa and Maori history, promise future exchanges.” 15 February 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSjhn8_aljg
[45] QAB (Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting Corporation). “Twelve members of New Zealand's Maori tribe arrive in Okinawa to pay courtesy call on Deputy Governor Teruya for inspection and exchange in the prefecture.” 13 February 2024. https://www.qab.co.jp/news/20240213201828.html
[46] OTV. “Interested in autonomy and right to self-determination, New Zealand's indigenous Maori people visit Okinawa for international exchange.” 13 February 2024. https://www.otv.co.jp/okitive/news/post/00009957/index.html
[47] GACHIMAF's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DAPswkVv3tF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
[48] Okinawa Times. 2024. “Declaration of Human Rights in Uchināguchi Read by Christian University Students at the National Forum ‘Treasure Each and Every One’.” 20 December 2024. https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1494007
[49] One of Ryukyuan Indigenous languages.
[50] Ryukyu Shimpo. 2024. ‘’Hajichi' Gathering in Hawaii, U.S., 30 Uchinanchu from around the world proud of their ancestors.” 19 May 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/national/entry-3097434.html
[51] Ryukyu Shimpo. “National government aims to ‘give up’ on construction results, aims to ‘give up’ on Henoko without dialogue, seeks to ‘wind down’ the Henoko area, LDP seeks to ‘wind down’ the Henoko area, Henoko Oura Bay full-scale construction begins.” 17 January 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/newspaper/entry-2700150.html
[52] Ryukyu Shimpo. “Okinawa Prefectural Government This Year 2024 (1) Henoko Base Construction Advances, Repeated U.S. Military Aircraft Accidents, Base Absurdity Still Present.” 30 December 2024. https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/politics/entry-3821222.html
[53] American Anthropological Association. 2024. “American Anthropological Association Committee on Ethics of Human Remains,” 18-20p. https://www.americananthro.org/wp-content/uploads/tcethr-report-2024-06.pdf?_gl=1*1hcz2zv*_ga*MTQ1MDc2MTY5NS4xNzM2NzQwNTg2*_ga_NHV%200Y97DC9*MTczNjc0MDU4NS4xLjEuMTczNjc0MDYxMC4zNS4wLjA.
[54] Okinawa Times. “‘No research or exhibition should be conducted without relatives’ consent,” the world's largest anthropological society guidelines, referring to the Ryukyu remains return lawsuit. 10 July 2024. https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1393973
Tags: Youth, Human rights, International Processes
