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Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawa History
A new book by historian Kurayoshi Takara explores the history and resilience of the Ryukyu people and region with insights into today's Okinawa. The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawa History (March 2025) is essential reading for anyone interested in East Asian history, maritime diplomacy, and indigenous identity. Available in both English and Japanese, Kurayoshi Takara's work is both a tribute to the resilience of the Ryukyuan people and a reminder of the enduring legacies of cultural encounter and adaptation. It is a vital contribution to the growing body of literature that seeks to restore Ryukyu to its rightful place in regional and global history. I first met the author, Kurayoshi Takara, in 2000. It was around the time Okinawa Prefecture was preparing to help host that year's G8 Summit, as it was then called. It was the fourth time for Japan to host the annual gathering of leaders of the major democratic industrial nations. However, it was the first time the summit was held outside the capital city of Tokyo. As a regular visitor to Okinawa and playing a minor role in some of the events, I vividly recall the excitement. Shuri Castle, Naha, Okinawa. Takara, then a professor at the University of the Ryukyus, was closely involved with the local preparations. One event was a dinner at Shuri Castle. He had played a major role in its reconstruction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after its destruction in the Battle of Okinawa. The summit was widely seen as a success, despite the passing of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who had chosen Okinawa as the main site shortly before. I next met Takara in 2013, after he had retired from the university. He was serving as vice governor of the prefecture, and I was oneral Une of sevited States Marine Corps officials briefing him on an issue of mutual concern. We sat directly across from one another, two scholars-turned-public officials seeking to bridge the gap. Whether as a scholar or an appointed official, I always found Takara, who has authored more than 20 books and countless reports, to be fair, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. His love for Okinawan history and culture is sincere and deep. And so is his ability to penetrate to the heart of the matter while respecting other opinions. A native of Izena Island, Takara has always been an independent thinker when it comes to his studies of Okinawan ー or Ryukyuan ー history. He asks questions, not knowing where the answers and documents will take him. This takes enormous courage and confidence. As a result, he has been able to develop his own theories on the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its tributary and semi-suzerainty relationship under Japan. He makes clear that Okinawa was never a part of China. "Pines and Waves at Ryudo" from the series, "Eight Views of the Ryukyu Islands" by Hokusai (Urasoe Art Museum via Wikimedia Commons) Previously, Takara was a specialist at the Okinawa Historical Materials Editorial Office. He was also director of the Urasoe City Library, chief examiner at Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, and executive director of the Okinawa History Research Society. In his new book, he examines the formation of Ryukyuan identity over the course of nearly 200 pages. The book was originally published in 1993, after the opening of Shuri Castle and the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan following 27 years of US occupation and administration. It is divided into seven chapters, including an Introduction and Conclusion, accompanied by a number of smaller essays. (Book cover) ForewordPreface to the English EditionIntroductionI Discovering the KingdomII Ancient RyukyuIII Ryukyu in AsiaIV The Kingdom of WritsV The Organization of the KingdomConclusion Postscript Takara also includes a helpful 10-page historical timeline, which compares events in Okinawa to those of mainland Japan and the rest of the region, including China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In the meantime, he has been busy at work on the restoration of Shuri Castle after a tragic fire destroyed most of it in 2019. The book offers a sweeping yet accessible chronicle of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived from the 15th to the 19th century before its annexation by Japan in 1879. Takara traces the kingdom's development from its early formation under King Shō Hashi to its role as a tributary state to both Ming/Qing China and Tokugawa Japan. One of the central themes is the kingdom's unique position as a maritime hub. It is a small island polity that skillfully navigated the regional power dynamics of East Asia. This history is particularly accessible because Takara and his colleagues carefully gathered documents throughout Okinawa and other parts of the world over the years. Takara personally visited homes in remote locations to uncover writs of appointment to analyze how the Ryukyuan Kingdom was administered. He also traveled to Southeast Asia starting in 1974, and China beginning in 1981, to see how overseas trade developed. As a fellow "boots on the ground" type of writer, I also understand the time, work, and money involved in that kind of research. As such, it would not be an exaggeration to say that without Takara's efforts, much of what we know about Okinawan history would be unknown or long since forgotten. Or worse, it would be misrepresented and misappropriated by China. At the same time, Takara also does not shy away from the more painful aspects of Ryukyuan history. He critically examines the annexation by Meiji Japan and the subsequent erasure of Ryukyuan identity, language, and autonomy. This adds a further poignant layer to the book, inviting readers to reflect on the legacy of colonization and cultural survival in modern Okinawa. US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma reclamation work also continues in Oura Bay off the coast of Henoko, Nago City, in Okinawa. August, 2024. The writing is clear and elegant, with an outstanding translation by Lina J Terrell that retains the nuance of the original Japanese. The inclusion of historical documents, maps, and artwork enriches the text and also offers a more immersive reading experience. Readers will certainly enjoy and benefit from this book, which came out in 2025 on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa. Title: The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawa History Author: Kurayoshi Takara Translator: Lina J Terrell Publisher: Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture (JPIC International) Versions: Hardcover and E-book, English and Japanese ISBN: 9784866582580 For additional information: Visit the publisher's website or any online bookseller. Reviewed by: Robert D Eldridge, PhD Dr Eldridge is a former political advisor to the US Marine Corps in Japan and author of numerous books on Japanese political and diplomatic history. Previously, he was a 2024 Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fellow at Tamkang University and is a consultant on a broad spectrum of Japan-related matters.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Takara Sake USA Announces Partnership With the San Francisco Giants Through 2028 Season
BERKELEY, Calif., March 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Takara Sake USA Inc. (Takara) has become an official sponsor of the San Francisco Giants, bringing together two powerhouses from the Bay Area. This marks Takara's second partnership with an MLB franchise, following its recent sponsorship announcement with the New York Mets. "As longtime neighbors from Berkeley, we are excited to be partnering with our hometown team," said Kaoru Hasumi, Takara's President and CEO. "The Giants are one of the oldest and most successful teams in baseball history and a great source of local pride. It is fantastic to join forces with another storied organization from the Bay Area, and we hope fans will enjoy the unique opportunity to try Japanese beverages at the premier venue that is Oracle Park." Erik Zmara, GM of Takara's U.S. sales division and Strategic Partnerships Manager, commented, "We are extremely proud to become part of the Giants family with the start of the 2025 season. With our brewery located nearby in Berkeley, the Giants are a natural fit for reaching sake fans old and new. We can't think of a better synergy than partnering with another deeply rooted Bay Area institution." While Takara's Berkeley brewery boasts a wide variety of premium sake, Takara will introduce instead two of their iconic beverages from Japan to Oracle Park to tie in with the Giants' "Sparkling Moments" social media campaign. MIO Sparkling Sake was the first of its kind when it was developed in 2012 by Sho Chiku Bai – Shirakabegura, Takara's craft brewery in Nada, Japan, and now occupies over 75% of the market share of sparkling sake in Japan. Takara CHU-HI is the ready-to-drink version of Japan's beloved "chu-hi," or "shochu highball" cocktail, a sparkling concoction typically made with shochu, fruit juice and club soda and popularized in Japan by Takara. The Lemon and White Peach flavors will be featured at the ballpark. Through Takara's website ( fans can plan a visit to their newly updated tasting room, sake museum, and gift shop in Berkeley or learn more about their history of sake brewing in the Bay Area and other products. About Takara Sake USA Inc. Established in 1983 in Berkeley, CA, Takara Sake USA Inc. is the nation's leading producer of award-winning premium sake, mirin, and plum wine. As industry pioneers, Takara has been Defining the Art of Sake Brewing for over forty years, laying the foundation for the growing category that sake is today in the U.S. Takara's portfolio includes products under the flagship Sho Chiku Bai brand, as well as HANA Flavored Sake, Takara Mirin, Kinsen Plum Wine and many more. Takara also supplies sake to food manufacturers, and exports sake to Asia, Europe, and South America. In addition, Takara Sake USA imports artisanal sake, shochu, and specialty products from its sister breweries and distilleries in Japan, including Sho Chiku Bai – Shirakabegura, the celebrated craft brewery in Nada. To learn more about Takara Sake USA Inc. and its products, please visit View source version on Contacts Erik Zmara, Strategic Partnerships ManagerEmail: erik@ Phone: 510-387-3555 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Takara Sake USA and the New York Mets Renew Partnership Through 2028 Season
BERKELEY, Calif., March 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Takara Sake USA Inc. (Takara) and the New York Mets have renewed their partnership with a four-year deal. This follows the 2024 season in which Takara was named as the first official sake sponsor of the franchise. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the New York Mets, who are coming off of a thrilling and historic season," said Kaoru Hasumi, Takara's President and CEO. "We are eagerly anticipating another great year for the Mets and are gratified to be a part of their journey." Erik Zmara, General Manager of Takara's U.S. sales division and Strategic Partnerships Manager, added, "After a very successful 2024 campaign, we're very happy to have extended our partnership with the Mets through the 2028 season. We are proud to be part of the Mets family and as a Queens native and lifelong Mets fan, I'm excited about our chances to bring a World Series championship back to Flushing soon." MIO Sparkling Sake, the global sensation from Takara's craft brewery Sho Chiku Bai – Shirakabegura in Nada, Japan, was a hit when it was featured at Citi Field during the 2024 season and will be served again at the ballpark in 2025. Additionally, Citi Field will see a new item, Takara CHU-HI Fuji Apple, a ready-to-drink version of the iconic Japanese "shochu highball" cocktail and popularized in Japan by Takara. The flavor choice is a nod to the Mets' beloved Home Run Apple and to the nickname of New York City itself. About Takara Sake USA Inc. Established in 1983 in Berkeley, CA, Takara Sake USA Inc. is the nation's leading producer of award-winning premium sake, mirin, and plum wine. As industry pioneers, Takara has been Defining the Art of Sake Brewing for over forty years, laying the foundation for the growing category that sake is today in the U.S. Takara's portfolio includes products under the flagship Sho Chiku Bai brand, as well as HANA Flavored Sake, Takara Mirin, Kinsen Plum Wine and many more. Takara also supplies sake to food manufacturers, and exports sake to Asia, Europe, and South America. In addition, Takara Sake USA imports artisanal sake, shochu, and specialty products from its sister breweries and distilleries in Japan, including Sho Chiku Bai – Shirakabegura, the celebrated craft brewery in Nada. To learn more about Takara Sake USA Inc. and its products, please visit View source version on Contacts Erik Zmara, Strategic Partnerships ManagerEmail: erik@ Phone: 510-387-3555 Sign in to access your portfolio
