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Information in this section spans from the annexation of Ryukyu by the Meiji Government of Japan in 1879, through to the end of the Pacific War in 1945.

If you know of any good information resources or downloadable files that should be included here please let me know (e-mail address at foot of page)



The Arrival of Europe in Asia

Europe in Asia - Part One [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Europe in Asia - Part Two [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

The Arrival of Europe and America in Asia and the End of Japan’s Seclusion [Written by John Michael Purves]


The Annexation of Ryukyu by Japan

The End of Ryukyu [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Okinawa Kensei: The Making of a Prefecture [Written by John Michael Purves]


Assimilation and Reform

Assimilation: Resistance is Futile [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

(PDF document downloadable from the "publications" section of the following link) "Jahana Noboru: Okinawan Activist and Scholar" written by Gregory Smits [external - the personal website of Gregory James Smits - English/Japanese - retrieved 19th October 2007]

Poverty and emigration [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]


The Battle for Okinawa

The Battle for Okinawa [Written by John Michael Purves]

Appleman, Burns, Gugeler, and Stevens (Ed.), Okinawa: The Last Battle. Washington, D.C.: Historical Division, Department of the Army, 1948. [external - the entire book text online - retrieved 31st January 2008]



the ryukyu-okinawa history and culture website © 1995-2008 john michael purves

 jmpurves@niraikanai.wwma.net