My Family Connection to Okinawa
Much of what I heard about Okinawa growing up came from my mother, aunt, and grandmother. The three of them spent time in Okinawa while my grandfather was stationed at Kadena Air Force base in the 1960s. They would explain to me that some of the decor of our home, such as our lacquerware platters, a porcelain vase, and a strange looking instrument on display were all Okinawan. My mother told me about the history of some household items and always noted that, while Okinawa is a part of Japan, the items we had were a part of the very unique culture of the Ryukyu Islands. On my travel to Japan with the Gail Project, I finally saw where my grandparents lived and where my mother spent her first two years at Kadena Air Force base. I saw for myself the immense US military presence in Okinawa and I learned more about the local society and traditions my family talked about, such as the Okinawan sweet potato festival and the island’s subtropical weather. While in Okinawa, I learned of the long history of Okinawan lacquerware and porcelain, and that the strange looking instrument in the house was actually a traditional Okinawan guitar, or ‘sanshin.’ Traveling to Okinawa with the Gail Project was an amazing experience that not only allowed me to explore my family’s past, but also gain a better understanding of the rich history and beautiful culture of the Ryukyus I had grown up around.
Above is a picture from the 1960s of my grandmother and aunt in front of a monument still standing at Mt. Mabuni Peace Park, Okinawa.
For more info on the Gail Project, check out https://gailproject.ucsc.edu/