"Okinawans call for independence at the United Nations." Podcast / audio version of the UN panel presentation (side event) titled "Demilitarizing the Pacific: Ryukyu (Okinawa), Mariana (Guam) and Hawaii," that originally aired 10 March 2021 at the UN Human Rights Council 46th session in Geneva, Switzerland. Sponsored by Incomindios, an NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. Co-sponsored by the Koani Foundation and the Peace For Okinawa Coalition. Special thanks to OCW670 and the Ryukyu Independence Action Network. 

This presentation discusses Luchu (Okinawan) history, including the ongoing illegal occupation by both the U.S. and Japan. Also discussed are the issues relating to U.S. military bases in Okinawa, including the construction of the military base at Henoko. 

Speakers: 
Robert Kajiwara and Hoshin Nakamura

Hoshin Nakamura is professor emeritus of Okinawa University. He is Native Ryukyuan, and survived the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 in which at least one out of every four Okinawans were killed. Professor Nakamura has degrees in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Seton Hall University. He taught history at Okinawa University for over 20 years, and has also taught at University of Maryland and University of the Ryukyus. Professor Nakamura has been involved in the Ryukyu independence movement for over five decades. Since 2019 he has been a frequent representative of Ryukyu / Okinawan rights at the United Nations. 

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