The ties that bind: Representations of Okinawa and the US military in American popular culture

This article explores how the island of Okinawa and its inhabitants have been perceived and represented through American popular culture. It argues that the American representation of Okinawans reflects the significant role that the US military has played in the formation (and reformation) of Okinawan self-identity. Conversely, representations of American servicemen and their behaviour towards Okinawans illuminate the shifting attitudes Americans have held towards the deployment of US military personnel overseas since 1945. This article suggests that American popular culture has both reinforced and questioned the post-war discourse that has defined Okinawans as victims of Japanese imperialism, portrayed the US military as their liberators and has therefore served as justification for Okinawas continued use as a military colony.