[Japanese Side] Okinawan Who Burned the Rising Sun Flag Before the Emperor, Chibana Shoichi

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Editor's NoteJapan, a country both near and far. Many have heard the name but wonder who these people are. An international correspondent covering Japanese news introduces notable Japanese figures and related stories that have been in the spotlight over the past week.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Okinawa, Japan, is a popular tourist destination known for its warm weather and clear seas. However, beneath its beautiful scenery lies a painful history. The scars from the Japanese colonial period and World War II remain deeply embedded. Many still strongly reject identifying themselves as Japanese.

Today’s introduction is about a man named Chibana Shoichi, one of the Okinawan residents who strongly opposes the raising of the Rising Sun Flag and singing of Kimigayo. He is known as a social activist and monk who has brought to light the unresolved realities of Okinawa. In 1987, he was arrested after tearing and burning the Rising Sun Flag at an international softball tournament held in Okinawa, an incident that was reported by foreign media.

Mr. Chibana was born on May 11, 1948, in Yomitan-son, Okinawa. His hometown, Yomitan-son, was the site where U.S. forces landed during the Battle of Okinawa, and many residents lost their lives due to forced conscription and massacres by the Japanese military at that time.

Monk Chibana Shoichi met in Okinawa. The tombstone behind is the Chibichirigama memorial for Okinawa residents who committed mass suicide.

Okinawa is often known simply as part of Japan, but it was only fully incorporated into Japan in the late 19th century. Before that, it was an entirely separate country. In particular, after forcibly occupying the Ryukyu Kingdom, Japan implemented coercive policies claiming their culture was inferior and uncivilized, aiming to forcibly assimilate them as Japanese.

During the Pacific War, similar to Korea, the policy of imperial subjectification was enforced. Especially in Okinawa, which was far from the Japanese mainland, ideological indoctrination was even more intense. Due to assimilation policies, the Rising Sun Flag was flown everywhere, and schools conducted horrific education such as "Fight for the Emperor and commit suicide rather than be captured by the U.S. military."

Ultimately, toward the end of World War II, over 100,000 Okinawan residents were massacred as a result of this imperial subjectification policy. In the case of Chibichiri Cave, where mass suicides occurred, daughters pleaded with their mothers to "kill me," and the cave was filled with the agonizing screams of those who failed to die, making it a living hell. Additionally, fearing capture by U.S. forces, many committed suicide with grenades or even asked others to do so, which was not uncommon.

Entrance of Chibichirigama. A sign is placed stating that entry is prohibited to anyone other than authorized personnel because the remains of victims are still inside.

As the war extended beyond the expected period, the Japanese military forcibly evicted residents hiding in caves to use them for avoiding U.S. forces and confiscated residents’ food supplies. Conflicts over food arose between the Japanese military and residents, resulting in the military killing residents. They even accused residents of espionage and killed them. While there were casualties from bombings and other attacks, a significant portion of the victims were due to violence by the Japanese military.

Before these historical wounds could heal, Okinawa was suddenly returned to Japan in 1975. The opinions of Okinawa were not reflected at all in the treaty between the U.S. military and Japan at that time. Although Okinawans requested the complete removal of U.S. bases, Japan left them in place, arguing that there were no bases on the mainland anyway. This led to movements opposing the singing of Kimigayo and raising of the Rising Sun Flag at official events such as graduation ceremonies in Okinawa.

In this context, in 1987, after the return, an international softball tournament was held in Okinawa. Because the Emperor and Empress were to attend, the organizers planned to play Kimigayo and raise the Rising Sun Flag, but due to strong opposition from residents, the flag raising was canceled.

However, on the day of the event, contrary to the agreement, the Rising Sun Flag was raised at the center and highest point of the stadium along with Kimigayo. Enraged, Mr. Chibana climbed the building, tore the flag, and burned it. This led to fights between people from the mainland who came to watch the game and Okinawans. He was arrested but boldly argued, "How many people died fighting under the Rising Sun Flag?" Afterwards, Mr. Chibana continued anti-war activism in Okinawa and worked to eliminate discrimination against Okinawa by the mainland.

During this business trip, I visited Chibichirigama, where residents committed mass suicide, guided by Mr. Chibana. After the tour, we had a conversation, and he said, "Okinawan people are not treated as Japanese. They are under structural discrimination," mentioning an unexpected figure: Ms. Kim Hak-soon, a victim of forced mobilization as a comfort woman.

Mr. Chibana said with tears in his eyes, "When Ms. Kim said that the Rising Sun Flag ruined her life, I thought burning the flag was the right thing to do." Seeing this, I also felt a mix of emotions.

The reason I have spoken at length about Mr. Chibana and Okinawa’s history is that many experts analyze that Okinawa’s history is similar to the Jeju 4.3 Incident. The violence committed under the name of the state and the unresolved issues with the mainland are alike.

However, recently, the shadow of war is again looming over Okinawa. A new U.S. military base is being constructed, facilities and armories for the Self-Defense Forces are planned, and Chinese reconnaissance aircraft are appearing in the skies. Mr. Chibana says, "The experience of war fades with time," and "Everyone must understand that war brings no benefit." Even in the 21st century, missiles fly and civilians suffer in the Ukraine war and various civil wars worldwide. It makes us reconsider what a nation is and why war must never be repeated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.