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June 12, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly The Reversion of Okinawa
All that Jazz
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The Hedo Point reversion monument commemorates Okinawa's reversion to Japan.
ome may wonder why many residents of the island prefer calling themselves Uchinânchu, or “Okinawans,” as opposed to being called citizens of Japan. The reasons for this lie in the island’s past. The island of Okinawa belonged to the United States for 27 years after the Battle of Okinawa until it was returned to Japan on May 15, 1972. Before reversion, the currency that was used on Okinawa wasn’t yen, it was the U.S. dollar.
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Automobiles drove on the right side of the road (this was switched to the left side in 1978), and people from mainland Japan needed to pack their passport to enter the island. Because of this, most Okinawans were not treated as actual citizens of Japan during this period. Even before the war, Okinawa was only a part of Japan for a short time before the war—until 1879, it was a sovereign nation called “Ryukyu.”
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njoy an evening of Rhythm, Blues & BBQ with all that Jazz on Saturday, June 28 at Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney. The event will feature a smooth blend of jazz, funk and R&B sounds with a four-course, jazz-inspired dinner. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the live music beginning at 7 p.m. While you’re there, enter to win roundtrip tickets for two to the U.S. from Tokyo sponsored by American Airlines or an overnight stay for two at Moon Ocean Resort. This is just one more way that MCCS makes Okinawa home. Please note this event is for adults only. Tickets are $35 and are available for purchase at Tengan Castle and Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. Please drink responsibly. Daiko and taxi services are always available for your use. For more information visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs online or call 622-9413.
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