The Japanese Empire: Grand Strategy from the Meiji Restoration to the Pacific War by S. C. M. Paine

2081 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-280
Author(s):  
Frederick R. Dickinson
2020 ◽  
pp. 45-50
Author(s):  
Courtney A. Short

Since Okinawan’s integration into the Japanese nation as a prefecture in 1879, the Japanese government embarked on a program of propaganda and indoctrination to ensure loyalty in its new Okinawan subjects. As the Pacific War drew ever closer to the island of Okinawa, the Japanese government mandated that all civilians work for the war cause. The National Mobilization Act committed every resource toward supporting the war effort and every person prepared for war. Young Okinawans rallied to Japan’s cause with innocent fervor unmatched by their elders. The older population did not share the intensity of the children’s enthusiasm, but they still committed to serving the Japanese Empire as its subjects. In a practical manner, adult Okinawans prepared their families for the rough conditions that would result from a battle waged on their land. On the brink of the battle, Okinawans saw Japan as their country and felt compelled to protect it.


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