Myth, Protest and Struggle in Okinawa

Acknowledgements
I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to have the opportunity of publishing this
work. This book’s journey was only made possible by many people’s encouragement
and help. First of all, I would like to express my greatest thanks to all the people
who talked to me in Okinawa for their time and patience, especially Arasaki
Moriteru, Arime Masao, Asato Eiko, Asato Hideo, Chibana Shōichi, Chibana Yōko,
Ginoza Eiko, Carolyn Francis, Gotō Tetsushi, Iha Yōichi, Kawamitsu Shin’ichi,
Koshi’ishi Masashi, Kunimasa Mie, Makishi Yoshikazu, Matayoshi Kyōko, Miyagi
Kimiko, Miyagi Yasuhiro, Ōnishi Masayuki, Sakihara Seishū, Sakiyama Masami,
Shiroma Masaru, Sunagawa Kaori, Takaesu Asao, Takaesu Ayano, Takazato
Suzuyo, Terada Reiko, Uehara Seishin, Ui Jun, and Yamazato Setsuko. I have tried
to do justice to their generosity, yet any imperfections in the work are mine. I also
thank Egami Takayoshi, Gotō Satoshi, Shinjō Kyōko and Akihisa who assisted me
during my field trip in Okinawa. Kinjō Chikashi helped me with transport. I have
to thank him but also apologize for my driving skills, which were acquired in Western
Australia and proved inadequate to the intricate roads in Okinawa Main Island.
I am enormously indebted to the encouragement of Glenn Hook, the series editor,
who has given me the necessary encouragement for publication and vital comments
to improve the work. The book began life as a doctoral project at Murdoch University
in Perth, Western Australia. The Asia Research Centre and the School of
Politics have provided me with a home base and financial support. The Murdoch
University Graduate Centre’s Writing Fellowship was also of great assistance. I
would like to express my special thanks to Garry Rodan, Director of the Asia
Research Centre. His support during and beyond the doctoral research has been
the most constant feature of this journey and he encouraged me to be both disciplined
and adventurous. I would like to thank all of my colleagues amongst others,
long-term office Toby Carroll and administrative support of Tamara Dent at the
Asia Research Centre for their understanding and support as well as a communal
atmosphere, which helped me immensely. Also at Murdoch, I am grateful especially
to Sandra Wilson and David Brown for helpful suggestions on my chapters. Since
I first came to Perth in 1997, not knowing a single person, I have been supported
personally by friends, especially Sid Adams, Fay Davidson, Peter McMahon,
Patrick West, David Bourchier, and Elke Keiser. During my stay as a National
Visiting Scholar in 1999, I received help from scholars at the Division of Pacific