Kingdom of Okinawa - The Venice of Asia DOCUMENTARY

[@KingsandGenerals]

Use code "KINGS" to receive $5 off for your first #Sakuraco box through my link: team.sakura.co/kings-SC2306 or your first #TokyoTreat box through my link: team.tokyotreat.com/kings-TT2306

[@zddxddyddw]

Please make more videos about South American history. 19th and early 20th century South America was full of interesting historical stuff to explore, from the heroes of independence to wars between the different nations to establish the balance of power in the region, to things like conquests the of Chaco and Patagonia, the dreadnought race and the Chaco War in the 1930s.

[@桜菜-m9f]

現代の日本人は、約38,000年前に日本列島に住んでいた人々のDNAを引き継いでいる。 沖縄に住む人々も、当然 同じDNAを持っている。 日本列島は、地域によって文化も違うし、方言もたくさんある。 特に侍のいた時代は、日本を統一するための戦いが日本各地で起こっていた。 日本人同士が殺し合っていた時代を経て、今の日本国がある。 沖縄(琉球)や北海道(アイヌ)だけを特別視して動画にするのは、日本の歴史を知らない人だ。

[@jerryblumenthal8879]

Free Ryukyu from Japanese imperialism.

[@桜菜-m9f]

@@jerryblumenthal8879 沖縄県民は日本国民です。 反日プロパガンダに沖縄を利用しないで下さい。

[@PoppinC-l3w]

2:48 Ryukyu people _are_ Yamato people. Their native languages are Japonic (Yamato), as is Japanese. Their similar languages are why Japan and Okinawa were able to communicate.

[@Hlodolog]

As an EU4 player, of course i know Ryukyu well. Especially how it conquered the entire world. Great video as always, though!

[@victornunes900]

The 3 mountains will rise!

[@bigsmoke4592]

i stopped the challenge every time it just literally takes 200 hours or something. nothing beats annihilating russia to 100% and then take 10% of their land lol

[@wildfire9280]

@@bigsmoke4592 Imagine doing that but actually losing 60% of your land. Could not be Sweden.

[@BenitoAndito]

FlorryWorry intensifies

[@mejlaification]

DRRJake filled memmories

[@marc-antoinemarcoux697]

You know what would be cool ? Having a series on Dai Viet, the Khmer and Champa. I would love to hear more about Dai Viet specifically.

[@mt0881]

Vietnamese history is very interesting definitely underrated

[@nathantallar8967]

Same here, we should know more about ancient and medieval Vietnam 🇻🇳

[@konsta3790]

Actually, since most of the videos from those eras are always American/western perspective, that's an interesting idea

[@traitorfang1416]

aswell as the Thai's of Ayutthaya Kingdom

[@piggyback8367]

SEA's ancient and medieval kingdoms are worth telling.. from Pagan Burmese up north to Majapahit empire of Indonesia

[@justcallmeSheriff]

My wife's grandmother survived the Battle of Okinawa as a child, so I'm glad you did a video about the history of her people. Can't wait for the Philippines video, as my wife's other side of the family endured that Japanese occupation.

[@smashings7523]

My grandmother was also on the island during the battle only being 13 years old

[@reijiropaws6593]

My moms family is from Okinawa and we recently visited the Himeyuri peace museum. What the Japanese troops did was awful and should not be forgotten.. being lied too and being caught in the crossfire I can’t imagine the pain my people went through…

[@wadepsilon01]

Order of dislike by Okinawan residents China >>> U.S. forces in Japan >> Japanese government

[@gleighteen7525]

As a half Ryukyu person, I'm 50% proud of this video.

[@ahealthkit2745]

It's a shame what happened to Ryukyu after ww2. The erasure of culture ranks among the worst possible crimes of humankind.

[@laureane5454]

me too

[@zekeolopwi6642]

Consistency. I like it 👍🏽

[@aztecgoldmontizuma]

If you were an American and only 10% Ryukyu you would be 100% proud of this video XD

[@johnf2926]

China's rise and fall can be vividly pictured from the stories from its once tributary states Korea, Okinawa and Japan ..

[@theawesomeman9821]

During the Korean war, my grandfather hoped to see action since he was a liuetenant, instead the military posted him to a desk job on Okinawa. My grandfather was disappointed but instead of being bitter, he decided to make the most of his tour by befriending the natives and embracing the local culture, which often was surfing on waves, eating sushi, and playing Pong with Saki. After, the war was over, my grandfather was so content with living in Okinawa, that he had his wife join him there from the mainland US. They would end up raising their kids, including my mom there during the Fifties and early Sixties.

[@JTA1961]

Smart man

[@theawesomeman9821]

@@JTA1961 smart indeed

[@weiminglu5331]

When you call Ryukyuan are cousin of Japanese people, you have to ask Governor Tamaki Deni first. It seems to me that he disagrees with the central government on US military station issue fiercely.

[@uchinanju]

colonizers, not cousins! Tamaki speaks for the majority of us Uchinanchu who aren't down with Japanese or US imperialism unlike fascists "looking for action" real friends don't invade your country @@weiminglu5331

[@犬まにまに]

King saesar, who appeared in Godzilla, is a monster of this island, and it is also the place where he handed over the sword to uma Thurman in Kill Bill. Okinawa is a very small island, but it has a huge impact on pop culture and the geopolitics of East Asia.

[@leeboy26]

*Starts singing incredibly long song*

[@theblackswordsman9951]

*Uma Thurman

[@whathell6t]

I hope King Caesar the Shisa makes an appearance in the Monsterverse.

[@ivegotajousyaccent99]

@@leeboy26KIIIIINGU SHIIIIIIISAAAAA

[@yanyanz3011]

I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@fitzmeister87]

Love the Ryukyus. Unique culture, good vibe, awesome music and cuisine. Their history deserves to be in the spotlight more often. Thanks for this video

[@yanyanz3011]

I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@smokbig3202]

​@@yanyanz3011 Free Taiwan Free Hong Kong Free Uighur Free Tibet Free Inner Mongolia!!!

[@nasrezz99]

As a Malaysian, the Ryukyu Kingdom does provide quite significance towards the Malaccan Sultanate's diplomatic relations and trade. But in the Malaysian historical subject syllabus, there is only little information regarding the Ryukyu Kingdom as just a trading partner with Malacca. I've learned a lot of Ryukyuan history and culture throughout this video. Shout out for Kings and Generals to release this video 👍

[@Jumpoable]

Yes, Okinawa uses turmeric a lot, & their traditional liquor Awamori is distilled using Thai long grain rice, not Japanese short grain, using SE Asian techniques, so it's more like an arak.

[@ibrahimcoskun5602]

After the quote from the inscription on the bell, I am more eager to learn on the Far East. Okinawa just might be a strong point of history and this especially spices up the idea of the Far East Trio, China, Japan and Korea, going through centuries of intreresting history. Thank you for this incredible documentary!

[@joshuaburke9516]

I really enjoy leaning about a Kingdom I have never learned of before. Its an adventure in a video with plenty of discovery for me! Cheers K&G!

[@LeoWarrior14]

Gotta admire the cajones of the Shimazu clan trying to Weekend at Bernie's an entire Kingdom.

[@hotsecksi]

I love Okinawa. Beautiful place with an amazing aquarium!

[@dice3000]

Some obscure island nation in Asia? I honestly did not know what to expect of this video and if I should watch. But once again I blown away by the incredible and interesting story of these people. This is the best channel on KZbin!!! Thank You

[@Numba003]

I didn't realize Okinawa and its archipelago had such a complex and storied history! Thank you for this one. There's so much fascinating history out there to learn. God be with you out there everybody. ✝️ :)

[@neetfreek9921]

And then your religion white washed it all.

[@yanyanz3011]

I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@Numba003]

@@yanyanz3011 Is there a strong independence movement in modern day Ryukyu?

[@IzumiKaya]

OMG😅💦 Very typical wrong idea of Okinawa from American or foreign perspectives who don’t know history of Okinawa from the Jomon era & the father of the very first king of Ryukyu 源為朝😅 You guys always talk about the history of Okinawa from the 15th century when Ryukyu Kingdom occurred like Okinawan people didn’t exist before that😅 Study where that Ryukyu flag 三巴紋comes from😂, only Japanese noble class families & renown shrines & temples are allowed to have them. Plz study the histories of Jomon & later times of 源氏 & 平家. Chinese people don’t have such a custom to have 三巴紋as family symbols. And the name Ryukyu 琉球 was given by the Emperor of Ming Dynasty in China in the 15th century, while the name Okinawa comes from the name Uchina- うちなー. Uchina- うちな- is how Okinawan people have called themselves from ancient times. Okinawa is Uchina- in the pronunciation of the modern standard Japanese. U in Okinawan dialect becomes O in the standard Japanese, CHI becomes KI. And prolonged sound in the Okinawan dialect becomes WA in the standard Japanese. Why such things happen ? Because we speak the same Japonic language derives from Jomon & Yayoi people. I bet you don’t know 😅 According to the texts written by the mainland Japanese who lived in Okinawa in the 6 to 7th century, Okinawan locals used to call themselves “ Akonawa “, while Yamato Japanese used to call Okinawa “ Ryugu 竜宮/ 龍宮”. According to the legend of the beginning of Japan, the mother & grandmother of our first emperor came from 龍宮. Around that time, Chinese Sui or Tang dynasties didn’t call Okinawa “ Ryukyu 琉球 “. They called it “ 流求 “, which was a 賎字. If you don’t know what 賎字 are, please do your own research😅 Yaeyama islands & Amami islands were invaded & occupied by Ryukyu by force, many were massacred in Yaeyama, but they became part of Ryukyu. But Yaeyama & Amami had connections with Yamato government in the Japanese main island since the 7th century. Descendants of 平家 still live in Yaeyama & Amami, while the father of the first Ryukyu king is said to be 源氏 - 源為朝。It’s written in the history of Ryukyu, and the DNA from the bones in the thumb of the first Ryukyu king family has also turned out to be that of the Yamato Japanese. You have to understand there used to be many kingdoms occurred in Japan. Of course in Kyushu, and we had tributary trades with Chinese empires, so did kingdoms occurred in the Korean Peninsula & Vietnam etc. We Japanese have Jomon & Yayoi ancestries throughout Japanese isles from Okinawa to Hokkaido. ( As for Hokkaido, many Ainu people are the mixture of Jomon & Okhotsk people). Japanese Jomon people traveled from islands to islands of Japanese archipelago including Okinawa from 18.000 years ago, way way before Han people appeared in the Chinese continent. Japanese Yayoi people later migrated to Japanese isles from the continent. They used shells from Amami as currency. Native Jomon animism & Yayoi shamanism mingled together and has become Japanese Shintoism, which still remains in Okinawa today as well. Our sun of goddess is Amaterasu アマテラス, while Okinawan sun of goddess is Amamikiyo アマミキヨ. Ama means woman in ancient Japanese. Standard Japanese language was created in the Meiji era. Until them, people in different areas & islands spoke very different dialects, but they were all part of Japonic languages including Okinawan dialects. Study Jomon language first. Then you notice the common words in areas where Jomon percentage is high in Japan like in Okinawa, southern Kyushu, Tohoku & Hokkaido. I’m sick and tired of such videos made by Westerners who know so little of our history 😅 Viewers should be careful not to be brainwashed by such KZbinrs. Plz do your own research not only from historical texts but also from scientific & archeological data & documents published by trustworthy national universities & labs. These kinds of videos about Okinawa are probably made for certain activists or countries for their own purposes or greed. If the majority of Okinawan people want independence or don’t consider themselves Japanese, that’s fine. They can be independent. We won’t stop them. But think about how they will end up when that happens. If that kind of future will make Okinawan people happier & more free, then keep spreading this kind of wrong perspectives. We main island Japanese won’t threaten them by missiles or anything even if they want independence. They can declare it at any time if they want to👍 We respect their free will. But I wish foreigners who don’t know our history from scratch stop spreading this kind of stories😅 Sooooo many of you guys ..

[@IzumiKaya]

@@yanyanz3011We aren’t stopping them ! But most Okinawan people know the Japanese history from the Jomon era. If they don’t consider themselves Japanese, they are always free to declare independence, but not your or outsiders’ business 😅

[@まる-h1v]

As an Okinawan citizen living in Japan, I truly love both Okinawa and Japan.

[@collidinggamers4348]

The Ryukyu people have a very fascinating history. Thanks for taking the time to make this video because I learnt a lot from this video.

[@shipmate3577]

As someone who was stationed on Okinawa and survived its summers, I appreciate this video

[@ToMAHAWKS-p7g]

沖縄人として、このビデオを作ってくれて感謝します ニフェーデービル　ありがとう

[@py8554]

What astonished me when I read about the history of Okinawa is that even without a large population and abundant resources the main island still split into warring states that continued for considerable period of time before they unified into a single kingdom.

[@dw4201]

An interesting curiosity: Many Okinawans migrated to Brazil in the 20th century, contributing greatly to Brazil having the largest Japanese community outside Japan.

[@JTA1961]

Didn't know it was them... growing up there (Japan) we were told Japanese & not Okinawans went

[@dw4201]

@@JTA1961 I recommend checking it out, it's quite interesting. Because of this migration, here (Brazil) is where there are most speakers of the native language of Okinawa, from what I saw, most are concentrated in São Paulo. Of course, the majority of immigrants are still Japanese as far as I know, especially those from the more recent waves, but Okinawans make up a very significant portion.

[@werren894]

@@dw4201 don't care, and Okinawan is not Japanese

[@The_Art_of_AI_888]

Bro Okinawans/Ryukyu people are not Japanese, they were invaded and still occupied by the Japanese. Did you not watch the video ?

[@yanyanz3011]

Ryukyu is not Japanese. I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@rienksjoerdsma]

Videos like this, about forgotten culture and history is what we need more of. Great video.

[@Justin1an]

King and General, i really hope you can cover a documentary series for ancient SE Asia kingdoms in near future. It had such rich and interesting history that people need to know more about; Such as Khmer, Champa, Srivijaya, Dai Viet, Funan, Malacca Sultanate, Majapahit, Ayutthaya (Siam), Butuan Rajahnate etc. Considering you already cover much of history in all part of the world, it would be great to see you cover a history in other region that haven't been cover much and unfamiliar to people. But i believe you will make one like you always do.

[@reijiropaws6593]

I’ve been a subscriber for a while and seeing you make a video about Okinawa brings me a lot of joy. Being half Okinawan from my moms side, this video resonates with me.

[@lerneanlion]

How far Ryukyu has come for that there is a female character who not only originated from Okinawa but also bear the same name of the archipelago she hailed from in My Hero Academia. And she's such a hot beauty!

[@hallmichael35]

This is a topic that I never even looked at. The history of these islands is fascinating and their impact on Asia is immeasurable. Great video!

[@mikemodugno5879]

K&G at its best! I love your videos covering a specific people group or nation state. Thank you.

[@AliciaMangalyrianna]

My studies require me to learn about Japan's History. I can't say my teacher is great, I had a global idea about Okinawa's history but I was missing so many details. Your video just saved my mid-term exam thank you so much.

[@doanphat1480]

Ah yes, the island of Okinawa. Best known for the setting of The Karate Kid Part 2 and the bloodiest final battle of the Pacific War

[@xjuliussx]

if you guys will do in future history of ancient Taiwan tribes as well would be lovely!

[@brainwashington1332]

Ancient Taiwan tribes were prehistoric, they don't even have written languages. Literally jungle Asians

[@blasianray]

Thank you so much for this video. As a person of Okinawa/Ryukyu descent it’s hard to convey the history and significance of the Ryukyu in a concise manner to other and this video does exactly that.

[@yanyanz3011]

Ryukyu was not part of Japan. Japanese invaded and annexed Ryukyu. I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@frankhall8234]

I from Fujian province, we used to have a strong relation with Ryukyu, don't worry, we know.

[@TheAnonCritique]

One of the interesting cultural legacies in Okinawa/Ryuku from its history of international trade is Awamori, the local spirit of choice. It is made from indica rice which is not commonly found in Japan, but needs to be imported from Siam, along with its distillation methods. The popular stone lions (for good luck and warding-off of evil spirits, called Shi-Sa) also has significant Siamese artistic influence to its form. Quite fascinating how, just like the Vikings/Danes in the Dark Ages, there was far more international trade in the more 'remote' corners of the world than people first realised.

[@Jumpoable]

They also use a lot of turmeric, & their cuisine really is more similar to Southern Chinese styles than Japanese -- lots of stir-fries & stews combining pork & all the abundant vegetables that Southern China & Thailand -- bitter melon, morning glory, etc. They don't actually eat that much sashimi because the tropical fish around their island's coral reefs are more pretty than delicious. Instead, this black Agū pig imported from China reigns supreme. It is so sweet. Wagyu also originated from Okinawa.

[@Appachoppa112]

The mainlanders called em the south islanders because they were of the austronesians from south kyushu down. Mainlanders were from china/korea. Ainu came from siberia/manchuria. Kinda like the scandanavians, related but distinct. Another viking similarity is just as swedes broke off and became russians, austronesians broke off and became polynesians

[@LoneWanderer727]

I've been very interested in Japanese history all my life - traveling Japan's various cities, prefectures and islands. Okinawa, Kyushu and some of the other Ryuku islands are on that list. A lot of people don't know about the distinct cultures that are present in Japan, or the legacy of them among the existing mainline culture. And it's great to see videos like this exploring some of them so that others can see more of the depth/richness Japan & all of its neighboring islands have!

[@FSVR54]

Weeb

[@tertmade9769]

Japan during ancient times and classical period, their were many indigenous people, aside from Ainu and Ryukyuan, their were Izumo, Owari, Nakoku, Shikoku, Keno, Emishi, Kumaso, Koshi, Hayato and others I forget, also people outside Japan did settled in the island, the Nivks

[@yanyanz3011]

Ryukyu was not part of Japan. Japanese invaded and annexed Ryukyu. I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@GiorniVenibato]

They were not Japanese! Most natives were massacred by Japanese invaders!

[@dddbbb6940]

@@yanyanz3011free Tibet free Uyghur

[@keboonplumeria5266]

I love the fact that they are linking with dozens of merchant trails including to the old Malay archipelagoes. They are just so renowned and magnificient

[@MyDogmatix]

This one is a gem. Well done!

[@JTA1961]

True dat.

[@carlbrown9082]

Thanks for a very interesting video. The history of Asia is so complex that one would spend years creating videos discussing all the various aspects.

[@kantakouzini]

the philippines ( i suppose bc people think its just a post spanish colony) is always glazed over the states of tondo, cebu and sulu were doing trade too with okinawa and china in partucular. tondo in fact held a treaty with china that stipulated even though they were not han could trade with chinese ports during its past isolation period and there is a sulu king paduka pahala -巴都葛叭哈喇 who during a tributary mission to the yongle emperor. he fell ill, died and was buried by the emperor with full honors since he could not return home. his tumulus is still in dezhou, shandong province

[@moneyobsessed]

Europa universalis cherish ryukyu with one of the hardest achievements called"the three mountains"

[@kelpygroyper]

This was an incredibly interesting video. I like to consider myself a history enthusiast but I never even knew that Okinawa was apart of its own kingdom. Eastern history is just as facianating as western

[@JTA1961]

Well said

[@yanyanz3011]

Ryukyu was not part of Japan. Japanese invaded and annexed Ryukyu. I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@PoppinC-l3w]

@yanyanz3011 Most Okinawans are pro-Japan and anti-China. Ryukyu has its own cultural history and identity that is distinct and must be preserved but they damn sure don't want to be China or even Taiwan. The three have territorial disputes over the Senkaku Islands.

[@Tijereño]

These are my absolutely favorite videos from you. Videos like this and the Kingdom of Nubia have really gotten me interested in “obscure” polities. I have a couple suggestions for a video and a series For my series suggestion, I think it would be really interesting to dive into the Portuguese exploration of the African coast, starting from the ambitions of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Conquest of Ceuta in 1415, the first slave raids in the Banc D’Arguin, the first contacts with the Jolof Empire, Benin, Kongo, etc. and ending with Da Gama’s 1498 voyage to India. I recently dove into each voyage and it was fascinating to learn about how the Portuguese slowly crept down the coast before exploding into the Indian Ocean as a major naval power. One story that I can never forget reading is how some Mali Empire vassals attacked the Portuguese because they heard about how they were buying slaves from the Jolof and thought they were eating their captured and purchased slaves. It was just very ironic considering the multitude of false cannibalism rumors (and a couple true ones here and there) that spread in Europe in later years. For some other “obscure” kingdoms and polities videos I would suggest 1. The Kilwa Sultanate 2. The city of Ife-Ife in Yorubaland and its hegemony over the other Yoruba cities 3. The Puebloans of the Southwestern US 4. The Saadi dynasty of Morocco 5. The Srivijaya Empire

[@samuelmargueret9626]

You guys are just incredible , this topic is just almost Never aborded by historian or anything in relation with history..... the fact that you can Past from peloponese wars to ww2 to any différent thing is just insane !! You have my full support as always 😊

[@Esquarious]

I don't mean to sound pithy but, yeah, it is. Maybe not on YT but I literally took a class as a history major on the Japanese Colonial Empire and we read a whole book on the history of Okinawa... which has had English language academic publications covering its history since the 1950s.

[@AngryMarine-il6ej]

Keep it coming guys!! Eat this up. I happened to be stationed on Okinawa during my time in the Marines. Despite all the Japanese appearances you see on island, they are not Japanese. When I arrived they gave the brief history of about the island only dating back to when the island was taken from the Japanese in 1945. This highlights how J Speaking with some of the locals, some did not approve of the Japanese, likewise some didn't approve of Americans as well. I would have loved to see what Japan's reaction would have been if the U.S. had offered the Okinawans to regain their independence after the war had ended. Always some new to learn.

[@jamesforreal]

This is awesome! love seeing the unknown cultures come to light. Great job K&G

[@Artur_M.]

Great video! The info box at 17:33 is the best.

[@irwanibrahim96]

First heard of this kingdom during history lesson in high school decade ago. Ryukyu has good diplomatic relationship with malacca kingdom and they regarded us to high esteem according to historical record. Glad to watch this video and reminded me of history lesson.

[@babangteo2853]

According to an American diplomat, Ryukyu's rank was lower of Malacca's according to several Ming Emperors 😅

[@ryudai1]

I'm happy a video was finally made on Okinawa/Ryukyu. However, I was a little disappointed about some errors, including some easily caught pronunciation and spelling errors, such as calling Miyako Mikayo (multiple times), and pronouncing Ryukyu as Ryuku. It was difficult for me since Okinawa is an important part of my heritage and family. That said, I still enjoy Kings and Generals and look forward to more interesting videos to come.

[@JTA1961]

My dad was stationed on Miyako jima during the Korean War... Went back afterwards & moved to the other extreme... Wakkanai... where was a missionary & raised 5 boys.

[@The_Art_of_AI_888]

Also, Ryukyu is a Japanese name and pronouciation, I think the more closely native name and native pronouncation would be "Luuchuu or Luucuu"

[@yanyanz3011]

I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@osu3167]

​@@JTA1961you saying your dad mated with the locals? 😂

[@ennui9745]

@@The_Art_of_AI_888 Nope, it's "Ruuchuu" in Okinawan, not the Chinese pronunciation.

[@AccipiterAtricapillus]

the history of the Ryukyuans is the future and present struggles of the Ainu!

[@porysean9141]

Brilliant video from Kings and Generals informing people about the history of the Ryuukyuu Kingdom, as an Okinawan diaspora you have my gratitude. I want to point out something which isn't mentioned (which is okay because you have to be really knowledgeable in Ryuukyuuan cultures to know this kind of information) is that all the names of the places within Ryuukyuu have their own indigenous names that are different from what is said in the video. Every place (besides Amami being a subtle exception) within Ryuukyuu that is mentioned uses the Japanized name of the place vs. the Ryukyuan name. For example: Ruuchuu/Duuchuu/Luuchuu = Ryuukyuu Amami Ushima = Amami Ooshima Kunjyan/Yanbaru (Region) = Kunigami Uchinaa = Okinawa Myaaku/Naaku = Miyako "Mikayo lol" Yaima/Yeema/Daama = Yaeyama Dunan = Yonaguni Tukunushima = Tokunoshima Sui (Gushiku/Gusuku) Castle = Shuri (Jyo) Castle some honorable mentions: nuru/nuuru = noro fijyai gumun = (hidari) mitsudomoe "Mitsudomoi of Hachiman" tii = karate Just as mentioned in the video, there are six MAIN* language groups (however there are many more)* spoken within the Ruuchuuan/Ryuukyuuan Islands which have their own different names distinct from each other as well. I will leave the COMMON ways you can say "Thank you" next to the respective language group in order from North to South (Including standard Japanese as a point of reference.) Nihon, Nippon/Japan -> Nihon-go （日本語／標準語）　　　 - "Arigatou gozaimasu" 「ありがとうございます」 Amami -> Shimayumuta （島口）　　　　　　　　　　　　 - "Arigassamaryoota" 「ありがっさまりょーた」 Kunjyan, Yanbaru/Kunigami -> Yanbaru-kutuba （山原言葉） - "Nifeeyeebitan" 「にふぇーゑーびたん」(This phrase is from Nachijin/Nakijin, an area considered to be part of the Yanbaru region.) Uchinaa/Okinawa -> Uchinaa-guchi （沖縄語）　　　　　　 - "Nifee deebiru" 「にふぇーでーびる」 Myaaku/Miyako -> Myaaku-futsu （宮古口）　　　　　　　 - "Tandigaatandi" 「たんでぃがーたんでぃ」 Yaima/Yaeyama -> Yaima-muni （八重山物言）　　　　　　 - "Nifaiyuu" and/or "Mifaiyuu" 「にふぁいゆー」 (それに) 「みふぁいゆー」 Dunan/Yonaguni -> Dunan-munui（与那国物言）　　　　　 - "Fugarassa" 「ふがらっさ」 I would like to mention I only know Okinawan or Uchinaaguchi to an intermediate level. And I would like to address I do not hold it against anyone who uses the Japanized names of Ryuukyuuan things as it would be just as hypocritically the same as calling Japan as "Japan" and not as "Nihon" (if you catch my drift.) Thanks for reading! いっぺー御拝でーびる (Ippee Nifeedeebiru)!

[@jasonjean2901]

Only two historical objections: 1) The island of Taiwan was given back to China following WWII, it was not granted its "independence." 2) As Jesse "the karate nerd" has explained on his KZbin Channel, the Okinawan martial art, which became known as "Karate", was called "Toe Di" in Okinawa, and the Characters "唐手" mean "Chinese fist". The aristocracy of Okinawa would sometimes to go China and learn particular styles of Kung Fu and bring them back to the island. Jesse says that it is a myth that Kobuto weaponry were invented by Okinawan peasants, or even the aristocracy, but were adopted from China, where they had existed for some time prior.

[@The_Art_of_AI_888]

Well, I think due to decades of being brainwashed and influenced by anti-China media propaganda, many Westerners having hard time or literally dont want to accept the truth that (1) Taiwan has always been part of China and (2) Many East Asian cultural things and icons that they are fascinating with were actually influenced by Chinese or originated from China. Ryukyu, like other East Asian nations were also heavily influenced by China. Many Ryukyu customs, practices...were actually inspired, adopted and imported from Chinese culture. Even Bruce Lee also said in his famous interview : "Chinese Kung Fu was the ancestor of Karate".

[@The_Art_of_AI_888]

Historically, Ryukyu and China had a very close and win-win tributary relation, Ryukyu regonized and respected China as "big brother" of the region, offering China some "made in Ryukyu" goods and in return China gifted back A LOT of Chinese luxury goods and wealth to this royal little guy for showing respect and then Ryukyu traded those Chinese luxury goods with other nations and accquired wealth for their kingdom.

[@yanyanz3011]

I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@jeromebesson]

@jasonjean2901 Taiwan neither gained independence nor became Chinese upon the surrender of Japan. In the San Francisco Peace Treaty article 2(b), the government of Japan only “renounced all right, title and claim to Taiwan," an inalienable part of Japan since April 1, 1945. Neither China, any China by whatever acronym it fancies calling itself, nor the native population received the sovereignty of Taiwan from Japan. Although the US took great care to conceal its role on post-WWII Taiwan, legally speaking, on April 28, 1945, Japanese Formosa became American Taiwan, a protectorate of the US concealed under the rags and tatters of Chinese Nationalism. Since Chiang Kai-shek, the Chinese “zongtong” (總統) of rebel Chinese territory Kinmen & Matsu is the agent of the US executive on American Taiwan. We know that since President Chen Shui-bian spilled the beans on his fraught relationship with AIT. American Taiwan includes Taiwan and Penghu and some other minor islands but does not include Chinese Kinmen & Matsu and the Pratas atoll. Hidefumi Sai (Japanese: 蔡英文, Sai Hidefumi)’s 2023 American Taiwan is in the same predicament as Manuel Quezon’s 1934-46 American Philippines. As things are shaping up, her successor might be Kiyonori Rai (Japanese: 賴清德, Rai Kiyonori). Real Taiwanese first names are actually Japanese first names hiding under a Chinese pronunciation.

[@The_Art_of_AI_888]

@@jeromebesson Stop spreading absurd lies, misinformation and propaganda. Are you Japanese or a Weeb? Respect the history and the truth, can you?. Everyone who want the truth can do some research and fact checks abt Taiwan: 1) Unlike people in Ryukyu/Okinawa, who had their own independent kingdom, with culture very distinct from Japanese (Yamato), people in Taiwan have always been Han Chinese living along with aboriginal people on the island since ancient time. 2) Dutch came and colonized the island, then got kicked out of the island by Ming China officals, then replaced and officially under controled by Qing China authority. 3) Japan invaded Qing China and colonized the island 4) Japan surrendered and had to given back all the territories that they invaded and occupied to their originally countries ans rightful owners. 5) Just because Japan didn't mention in some treaties that they gave back to which specifically country, doesn mean those territories were not belong to their originally country. 6) Using San Francisco treaty as claim for Taiwan are not part of Chinese nation is a joke, because it didnt invole and under agreement of the Chinese govt at the time (Republic of China). You can't decide other country territories without their involvement ans agreement. 7) Imagine China attacked Japan, occupied Tokyo for some years, then later surrendered and gave back Tokyo, but didn't menton to which country specifically, so Tokyo not part of Japan now?

[@firstcynic92]

Interesting video. Will you also make one about the Ainu people of Hokkaido & Sakhalin islands?

[@KingsandGenerals]

We have one

[@brokenbridge6316]

This was a lovely n informative video to watch. Great job K&G.

[@shehansenanayaka-n1o]

THIS VIDEO IS AWESOME. WE ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK TOWRDS THESE VIDS . I LOVE ASIAN HISTORY AS WELL AS EUROPE. THNK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO. YOUR HUGE FAN FROM SRI LANKA.

[@joalexsg9741]

Amazing wealth of historical information, thank you so much.

[@urphakeandgey6308]

I'm a native of Okinawa. As a few fun facts: I still have relatives here that are vehemently racist against Japanese people. They refuse to see themselves as Japanese. Likewise, I have other relatives (often the younger generations) that don't understand this kind of thinking at all. As an Okinawan that is fully fluent in American English, I have to agree with the ones that refuse to see themselves as Japanese. Most of the younger generation just can't fathom Japanese sources lying or leaving out information like that. I can read American sources and compare them to the Japanese ones. They aren't fooling me. Both sides were brutal, but one won't take on the honor of owning up to themselves.

[@daveacbickford]

Fantastic video series mate, an absolute triumph!!

[@lordMartiya]

Nitpick: Okinawan martial arts and Kobudo predate the Satsuma invasione. The occupation only meant they had to get creative in hiding them.

[@晴空一鶴-x7s]

When japan and ming conflicted, the capital has already been moved northward to Beijing for more than 100 years. 14:43

[@mr.notsonice]

Even the term ryukyu is a Japanese pronunciation of 琉球 which is pronounced Ruu Chuu in Uchinaguchi (okinawan) and Luu Chuu in Mandarin.

[@IzumiKaya]

OMG😱So wrong😭💦Okinawan dialect derives from the Jomon & Yayoi languages as the Japanese main islanders do. Very old usages remain there. Linguistically, hostirically, it’s a Japonic language, while Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language with completely opposite grammar systems. As a main islander Japanese, if majority of Okinawan people want independence, it’s fine. We respect their free will. We aren’t stopping them or threatening them with missiles to stop that. But I’ll upload a real meaning of Okinawa in my future video. Too many people don’t know it😅The name Okinawa / Akonawa is actually much older than the name Ryukyu琉球. Ryukyu 琉球 is the name exists from 15th century, while Okinawa/ Akonawa is how Okinawan people have called themselves from the 7th century. It’s Uchina-うちなーin Okinawan dialect. O in standard Japanese becomes U in Okinawan dialect, KI becomes CHI, and WA becomes a prolonged sound in Okinawan dialect. For another example. Yakimono / yakimon in standard Japanese becomes Yachimun in Okinawan dialect. So many people are ignorant of this language system in Japonic language… I wonder why… Ughhhhhhhhhh 😓

[@churasannoo]

I’m Ryukyuan from Yaeyama and I was skeptical when I saw this video. I clicked on this intending to tell you everything you got wrong about my community. Thank you for being well-informed. My only critique is that I wish you covered the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu’s in more depth, as it isn’t possible to understand our current predicament as a doubly-colonized population without assessing the adverse impact of the United States

[@DeepTalkWithT]

Y’all are amazing. Thank you.

[@minoru-kk]

Brilliant as always. K&G always f show us hidden pages in world history from Western perspective! Adding two tiny points. Satsuma clan hadn't bann weapons other than guns so there were many Ryukyuan masters of the swords or bows, and current Ryukyuan people speak Creole, a mixture of Japanese, Ryukyuan, and some English words

[@蝦夷人民共和国]

同じあいこん❤

[@justinnamuco9096]

These guys were contemporaneously noted in the Philippines for trading with the kingdom of Manila. Pigafetta, who accompanied Magellan in 1521, mentioned the commerce between Ryukyuans and Luzonians while Magellan's fleet were in Cebu without even seeing either.

[@babangteo2853]

Okinawan word for eating is same as Tagalog one. くゎいん vs Kain.

[@Ccdddttt]

Such a great video!! Ive had the pleasure of working with folks from Japan in New York City at some of the fanciest restaurants where money flowed freely. The level of product was unbelievable. I signed an invoice one morning for blue fin tuna straight from Tsukiji Fish Market that totaled $14,000.

[@houckola84]

What a fascinating corner of history! I never knew any of this. Super cool!

[@andersschmich8600]

Would be cool to see a video on the Tibetan Empire! Or a deep dive into the Yayoi and Jomon whose synthesis created Japan.

[@Kili2807]

Yeah Tibetan empire is fascinating

[@jologamos9902]

Ryukyu and Ancient Philippines have a good relationship hope you will continue the Philippines Series specifically The Pre colonial era and the many Kingdoms at fiefdoms of the archipelago

[@r.a.v.a.3843]

It's like you can read my mind, I always wanted to know more about this kingdom.

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you as always for the video and information

[@AyubuKK]

The Ryukyu Kingdom is very underrated in Japanese history.

[@烏梨師斂]

It's not Japanese

[@nirvana4165]

⁠Ryukyu belong to Japonic language

[@烏梨師斂]

@@nirvana4165 English belongs to Germanic language family. Doesn't mean English history belongs to Germany

[@KamalasFakePolls]

​@@烏梨師斂it's been Japanese for well over a century now.

[@Liliphant_]

​​​​@@KamalasFakePolls in other words, its history was not Japanese. It was forced to become Japanese, as the video explains

[@MichaelSmith-ij2ut]

As an Okinawan karate turtle myself, I really appreciated this video

[@saidtoshimaru1832]

Hahahahahaa!!!

[@randywarren7101]

When my dad was in the United States Army,he was stationed on the island of Okinawa. I have two souvenirs of his time there , two sets of salad sets,one dark green and the other blood red. Both sets include 4 bowls,main mixing bowl and salad utensils for mixing and serving. He got these in the mid 1950's but I don't know when they were made!

[@robbabcock_]

What a fascinating video on a little-covered corner of world history.

[@shingshongshamalama]

"I've got it! We'll just take over the Sho Dynasty, then we'll pretend nothing happened and keep paying taxes to the Ming Emperor." "Brilliant, sir. Ingenious. Outstanding."

[@xELITExKILLAx]

Ryukyu has one of my favorite flags in the world

[@deanzaZZR]

I get it. This is a maritime history that is worthy and little known. I do have to wonder about comparing Ryukyu to Venice and using phrases like "leviathan of mercantile dominance at sea". It would be informative to compare shipping volumes and value with ports such as Quanzhou and Guangzhou on the Chinese mainland. Chinese and Champa trading vessels were very active during this same era.

[@ianhomerpura8937]

Yep. Champa was very active in maritime trade, and even contributed to the founding of the sultanates in Aceh and Sulu.

[@Strategikos]

I got the same feeling. The video is interesting, but I feel it might be a bit overhyped so to speak. Also, trade aside, Venice had a powerful navy as well as advanced intelligence and diplomatic services. Was it the case for the Ryukyu Kingdom, especially when it comes to the navy?

[@my_other_side473]

Im Filipino and weve been Trading with Ryukyu since Pre-colonial Times : They buy specialized Jars for brewing Tea in Luzon.

[@roryokane5907]

The dialect card thing in schools is strikingly reminiscent of the Victorian “Welsh Knot” they used to make school children in Wales speak for speaking Welsh in school, at roughly the same time too!

[@nowthenzen]

Thanks! keep up the great work!

[@Gen.berseker25]

The Ryukyu Kingdom is a great topic!

[@MetaalArbeider]

Fascinating video of a kindom and people I barely knew anything about!

[@tetsu1000]

11:00 the illustration is Prince Shōtoku from the 7th century 15:19 Toyotomi Hidetada lol

[@oblivious116]

That's funny, I literally made a research paper about the Ryukyu Islands just a few days ago lol

[@Werner4voss]

Hope we will have a video on Koreas Three Kingdoms as well

[@anthonyfrench3169]

I've known about the Ryukyu kingdom in bits and pieces...but you had me laughing when you came right out front with my childhood memories...and by the way good job to the artist who drew the turtles and the Karate Kid.

[@yasintamer1547]

Another interesting historical theme...Bravo gentlemen, bravo 🤝🏻

[@ethanoyamawang]

Excellent vide again!

[@vertigq5126]

This was excellent, thank you so much for sharing this with us! And I’m seconding the suggestion for more Southeast Asian documentaries- the mentions of the vast Ming trade network make me want to hear more about the region!

[@sierra5360]

I’d love if there was Spanish versions so I could show my family these videos

[@Kagekatsu1]

15:25 It’s actually Tokugawa Hidetada, FYI.

[@YuichiSakata]

As a Japanese Ryukyu islands are one of the most attractive places of Japan. These islands are near to each other but very isolated so they have not mutually intelligible languages. I would like to learn some of these languages!

[@pingq2081]

Free Ryukyu!!! It seems Japanese had killed almost all native people or have them killed as shield from attack of US before the fall of Tokyu during WW2.

[@yanyanz3011]

Ryukyu was not part of Japan, Japanese invaded and annexed Ryukyu. I support Ryukyu independence. Let's fight for independence, free Ryukyu.

[@18890426]

@@yanyanz3011 Chinese bot🤣

[@YuichiSakata]

@@yanyanz3011 Then Let’s make Uyghur, Tibet free!

[@yanyanz3011]

@@YuichiSakata yeah, just do it. It doesn't have any relation with me.

[@-C0mr4d3_C0VID]

All the history we never learned in school... thank you.

[@duanewolfe9966]

The "weapons were taken by the Japanese so the Okinawans created karate and kobudo" story has been disproven long ago.

[@grimkupid8478]

Well done, I found this to be really informative

[@Peripepp]

Trivia: the house of Shō survived to this day. They were forcibly relocated to Tokyo and were granted the kazoku peerage as an exchange for their loss of temporal authority. The current head of the family, or some nerds might fancy as pretender to Ryukyuan throne, is Shō Mamoru.

[@dannylo5875]

So nerds always win!? He can call himself Japanese royalty but wonder if they would consider him one or maybe his branch or cadet was cut off from the royal family who currently is on the throne. Becoming extinct in the process...wonder if the Japanese government keeps track of these extended people's distant relatives or relations to ensure the royal throne as it's dying out.

[@nocturnalforsaken4519]

more on south east asia kingdom so much treasure trove of history in there

[@madmaldito773]

Im proud of my Ryukyan Grandma. She was a strong person and carried our family as an immigrant.

[@roloduarte3100]

Awesome documentary.

[@robwalsh9843]

This peasant guy really loves his bo-staff lifts. Good dedication.

[@Max_Flashheart]

I loved this especially as soneone that has studied martial arts for decades

[@patriciospamer1995]

Great video thank you