Thursday, October 26, 2017, 12:00 - 14:00

"East Asian Community and Self-determination Rights of Okinawa"

Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation

The Academic Society of the East Asian Community and Okinawa (the Ryukyus) was established on Sep.11, 2016 at the University of the Ryukyus. There are three objectives for the establishment of this association.

The first is to realize the true independence of Japan that has consistently continued to be dependent on the United States after the end of World War II. The second is to deepen the vision of the East Asian community in order to establish peace and human rights in the East Asian region including Okinawa and the mainland Japan. And the last is to study from multiple perspectives the way of self-determination of Okinawa including self-reliance and independence of Okinawa from Japan.

Okinawa has been put under "dual colonial rule by the United States and the mainland Japan (Yamato) " and has been at the mercy of the governments of both Japan and the United States. This association held a public symposium commemorating the first anniversary of its establishment on Sep. 9 of this year.

There are many promoters for this association, including Honorary Advisor Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan, and Masahide Ota, former Governor of Okinawa. Also, with the aim of constructing a research information network that connects researchers, journalists, citizens etc. of East Asian countries and regions such as Okinawa and mainland Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. 

Hatoyama, Akira Kimura, Joint-Representative of the society and professor at Kagoshima University, and Yasukatsu Matsushima, also Joint-Deputy Representative and professor at Ryukoku University, will come to the club and would like to express their concerns to people all over the world about the problem of U.S. military bases in Takae and Henoko, which is now in a critical phase.

Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website(still & TV cameras inclusive). The charge for members/members' guest is 1,750/2,700 yen; non-members eligible to attend may pay in cash by e mail reservation (front@fccj.or.jp). (Menu: hamburg steak with tomato sauce.) Reservations canceled less than one hour in advance for working press members, and 24 hours for all others, will be charged in full. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. For meal service, please enter the room by 12:25.

Professional Activities Committee

Yukio Hatoyama                 Akira Kimura                     Yasukatsu Matsuhima