Identity and Resistance in Okinawa (review)

Abstract

Allen (Japanese history, U. of Auckland, New Zealand) describes and analyzes the complex questions of identity in Okinawa, with its separate culture and history from Japan, large American military presence, and religions connected with shamanism and agricultural rituals. Though written by a professor of history, the study is strongly interdisciplinary, employing fieldwork familiar to anthropology and models from psychology in its study of religion. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR. PART I MEMORY, LOCALITY, AND HISTORY 1. Wolves and Tigers: Remembering the Kumejima Massacres ; 2. Locality and Diaspora on Kumejima ; 3. Dialect and Dialectics ; 4. Educating Society -- PART II MENTAL HEALTH, SHAMANISM, AND IDENTITY 5. When Spirits Attack: Shamanism, Psychiatry, and Schizophrenia ; 6. The Unsuccessful Shaman's Apprentice ; 7. The Akebono-kai: Stigma and Identity -- PART III REGIONALISM AND IDENTITY 8. Selling Kume to Japan: Tourism As the Last Resort ; 9. Confusing the Issues -- Glossary -- Interviews -- Bibliography -- Index -- About the Author.