EPISODE 8 🌺 Henoko: Scratching the Surface

Join Mariko and Erica with guest speakers Maia Hibbett and Kaiya Yonamine as we begin to discuss the current situation in Henoko, Okinawa. Around 25 years ago, Henoko, a coastal village in Nago, was announced as the relocation site for the US Air Force base Futenma. We’ll weave in personal stories and thoughts while learning a bit about the history of Henoko. The topics will include Japanese and US military relations that set the foundation for the present-day circumstances, individuals who are active in the movement protesting the base relocation, environmental racism, and try to keep it light as we talk about a heavy and challenging topic. We acknowledge the factors at play evolve constantly, and some details may have changed since the original recording in March 2022. We wish to share these essential reflections to bring more consistent and timely updates to our community and listeners in addition to our regular programming.

We are also pleased to include our first Kickstarter backer interview with the lovely Momi Cummings.

Om Podcasten

Okinawan.  Ryukyuan.  Loochooan. There are many more names for the peoples of these islands. Hear the many voices and stories of those identifying as Shimanchu or Uchinaanchu. Celebrating and preserving our culture, connecting the diaspora, and both proudly and humbly educating and learning along the way. Hosted by Mariko Middleton, Erica Kunihisa, and Tori Toguchi. Ichariba Choodee is a beautiful Ryukyuan saying translating roughly to, 'When we meet, we become brothers, sisters, family.'