Okinawans in Hawaii


The Okinawans in Hawaii are a Ryukyuan ethnic group, numbering anywhere between 45,000-50,000 people, or 3% of Hawaii’s total population.

History

The economic situation of Okinawa worsened following Japanese annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom. As a result, there was a growing demand for legalizing emigration among Okinawans. In 1899, the first wave of Okinawan migrants arrived in Hawaii, led by emigration activist Kyuzo Toyama. Hawaii was the chosen destination due to its sugar plantations.
Kyuzo Toyama would lead a second wave of migrants in 1903. He also stayed in Hawaii for 6 months to investigate the working conditions of these laborers. Upon Kyuzo Toyama returning home on his second trip, he became an emigration agent and was responsible for sending many more Okinawans to Hawaii, along with other places such as Brazil.

Identity

Many Okinawans in Hawaii view themselves to be a distinct group from the Japanese. Okinawans also have their own organizations such as the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, which has over 40,000 members.
In the past, the Japanese in Hawaii would often discriminate against Okinawans, referring to them as "pig-eater" or "hairy" due to their cultural and physical differences.

Notable people