Interview with a Ryukyuan: Ryukyu is not Japan

Japan has reacted sharply, attacking Chinese diplomats for urging Japan to end discrimination against native Ryukyuans. Amid this controversy, we spoke directly with a Ryukyuan to hear how the community views its history, identity, and Japan's current policies.

"We have our own culture, history, languages, values, beliefs, and identity that are separate and distinct from the Japanese," says Robert Kajiwara, native Ryukyuan (Okinawan) musician, filmmaker, and peace activist.

As he notes, Ryukyu was long recognized as an independent kingdom, yet Japan's colonization changed all that. During World War II, Japan attempted to sacrifice Okinawa to save itself, resulting in the deaths of many. Today, Takaichi's hawkish stance also worries most Okinawans.