East Asia Peace March 2025 (Miyako, Ishigaki, Yonaguni 5/20-6/7)

Na mu Myo ho Ren Ge Kyo

Unconscious colonialism and structural discrimination

Japan's westernmost monument

Every year, I walk around Okinawa Island (the main island), the only place in Japan where ground wars took place, in preparation for the Okinawa War Memorial Day. However, this year I decided to walk around Miyako, Ishigaki, and Yonaguni. The reason is that since 2016, militarization has been prominent on these three islands due to anti-China sentiment, and plans are now underway to evacuate the entire island population. It is said that the current situation in Okinawa is similar to the eve of the Battle of Okinawa.

During this march, I interacted with and listened to nearly 30 local people. I was able to hear the "real voices" of the people of Miyako and Yaeyama, and get to know Japan from their perspective. By "relatively" comparing Japan and Okinawa, I was able to realize that the military buildup that is taking place in Miyako and Yaeyama against the wishes of the residents is discrimination against Okinawa by Japan, and is a direct continuation of colonialism during the era of the Empire of Japan.

A "forced relocation policy" in the name of evacuation of all island residents

A short break during the walk

In fact, even if someone who is not directly involved in the situation hears or sees the words "evacuation of all island residents," if they are not directly involved in their daily lives, it takes a lot of imagination to understand how much of a shock, anger, and helplessness these words cause to the people involved. The fields that our ancestors worked hard to cultivate and the livestock they raised with love. A house filled with family memories. Trustworthy neighbors nurtured by local festivals such as the Hari and the Harvest Festival. Once the government declares a "state of emergency," we are allowed to abandon all of these irreplaceable history, culture, nature, and human connections, and are allowed to carry only one bag, and must evacuate to various parts of Kyushu and Yamaguchi Prefecture (it is already decided which prefecture and city the area you live in will evacuate to). This is the ultimate example of the inhumanity of the state. I want the Japanese people to realize that the indifference and irresponsibility of the people and nature living on islands far from the center are merely numbers, and that the richness woven by people and nature remains in the islands, which is actually a necessary way of life for the future of human society, is not only causing suffering to the islands of Okinawa, but also destroying their own future.

Taiwan and Hong Kong

Memorial stone of Taiwanese agricultural immigration

"America is bad, China is not bad. China is bad, America is not bad." Okinawa has been tormented by the United States, and Hong Kong and Taiwan have been tormented by China.

Although the positions of the two countries may seem contradictory, they both have a history of being tormented by powerful countries and a desire to decide their own affairs. And they are neighbors in Far East Asia, so in fact, they have more in common than they are different. Okinawa, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have never had the opportunity to learn each other's history or language, and have been forced to learn the history and language of the colonial powers and rulers at school.

In one of the many discussions we had this time, in response to a comment to the effect that "the Taiwan issue is an internal issue of China, and Japan should not get involved," a Taiwanese person responded, "Japan took Taiwan without permission, governed it without permission, and abandoned it without permission after losing the war. Doesn't Japan have a moral (historical) responsibility for the Taiwan issue?" I think this was a very important "question" for the people there. No matter what generation changes, the crimes committed by our ancestors are passed on to me, who was born and raised as a Japanese person, without any choice.

Both participants from Taiwan said, "I want Taiwan to be independent." One said, "However, if independence is achieved, there is a possibility that China will invade, so I want the status quo to be maintained." The other said, "Japan is taking advantage of the Taiwan emergency to militarize. I don't agree with the term Taiwan issue."

There is a tendency to think that "If Taiwan strengthens its independence course, the possibility of China invading will increase, and Okinawa will also be involved, which is a nuisance," but this way of thinking makes it difficult for those who are oppressed by powerful countries to unite. We should urge both the US and China not to use force or tactics to belittle the other side, and seriously explore our role in resolving the issue peacefully.

Contradictions between Article 9 of the Constitution and Okinawa

JADF Army base in Ishigaki island

When someone from Ishigaki Island told us, "Article 9 of the Constitution is built on the sacrifice of Okinawa," we all felt like we'd been hit hard on the head. I think Article 9 of the Constitution, which renounces war and does not possess military power, is an ideal provision for eliminating war from the world, but while we talk about this ideal, we always have the world's strongest military behind us. Could a postwar Japan have existed with Article 9 as its national policy without the US military? It is contradictory to maintain Article 9 while harboring distrust and suspicion toward neighboring countries. I don't think a disarmed nation can exist without a people with a certain level of resolve and firm ideas, a strategy for how to solve problems without using force in times of emergency, and constant peaceful diplomacy. Above all, our own people do not support disarmament. I think we need education, philosophy, or faith that can overcome fear and suspicion of other countries.

In the past, people from Taiwan pointed out to me that "Article 9 is a good ideal, but it is insufficient to actually protect Taiwan's freedom and democracy."

When I think about it, the reason why the non-violence preached by Gandhi and my master (Reverend Fujii Nittatsu) was so persuasive was because they actually achieved Indian independence without using force, went to the area prepared to risk their lives if there was a conflict, and showed people their resistance of disobedience, which is why people began to believe in non-violence. When we preach non-violence today, I feel pathetic when I ask myself whether we have become shallow non-violent people without action, but I still don't want to give up.

Walking with the five senses

Learning Yaeyama cuisine from an elder.

The days are chaotic, but very fun and meaningful, as members from their teens to their seventies walk, eat, clean, and talk together while supporting each other. Walking not only deepens contemplation, but also allows you to feel the land. There are many edible plants on the islands, and while walking, we try to get closer to the island by eating the same foods that the islanders have eaten, such as papaya, longevity grass, China grass, giant thornwort, mugwort, and shell ginger, while thinking about the history of their food. It is an act of getting to know the land and the people using the five senses. Without fear of being misunderstood, in the peace march, we try to get the help of local people without spending money as much as possible. In modern society, you can buy any service by paying money, but there is no emotional exchange between people. In the process of being taken care of, trust may be lost, but trust may be built.

This time, we were able to walk safely with the great support of the local people. We are truly grateful. I believe that it is the responsibility of the march members to respond to the words of the people of the islands, rather than just listening to them.