Nichibunken Evening Seminar

　The Japan Times, on Mar 25, 2023, reported a significant surge in the number of foreign residents in Japan, reaching a record high of 3,075,213 by the end of 2022, marking an 11.4% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the Japanese government's gradual strategy to address the challenges of a declining population and workforce. The rising foreign residency extends to Okinawa, contributing to the region's increasing importance. This dynamic presents novel challenges for Japanese society, encompassing issues of internationalization, multiculturalization, nationalism, and identity.

　Okinawa, with its rich historical background and cultural elements, holds particular interest for scholars studying Asia. This study focuses on recent shifts in Okinawan society, focusing on attitudes toward immigrants, nationalism, and identity. Utilizing data from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), specifically the "National Identity" surveys conducted in 1995, 2003, and 2013 across 30 countries, including Japan, our research involved a survey of 304 randomly sampled respondents in Okinawa. The primary objective was to comprehend Okinawans' attachment to Japan, their views on immigrants and immigration, and their overall life satisfaction.

　Findings reveal that, despite not reaching the mainland Japan's high attachment levels (90% in 2013), a substantial number of Okinawans express strong ties to their country, preferring Japanese citizenship over any other. While negative sentiments towards immigrants are not prevalent, a majority wishes to maintain the current immigration levels, avoiding an increase. Surprisingly, when asked about ethnicity, approximately 75% of participants identified with Japanese ethnicity.