Recognizing the 125th anniversary of organized Okinawan immigration to the United States.
This is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of organized Okinawan immigration to the United States. Introduced in January 2025 and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, it recounts key historical milestones—starting with Keizo Kawatsu’s arrival in 1889 and the first organized group of Okinawan contract laborers arriving in Honolulu in 1900—to highlight the long-standing contributions of Okinawan Americans in government, business, the military, education, and culture. The resolution emphasizes the ongoing cultural identity and ties between the United States and Okinawa, notes wartime contributions (including service by Okinawan Americans in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and MIS translators during the Battle of Okinawa), and points to ongoing sister-city and sister-state relationships. It calls on the American people to honor the anniversary through programs and activities and reaffirms the people-to-people links with Okinawa. As a commemorative measure, the resolution is primarily symbolic and does not authorize funding or impose new requirements. It reflects bipartisan encouragement to recognize history, celebrate cultural heritage, and foster ongoing U.S.–Okinawa relations.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes and marks the 125th anniversary of organized Okinawan immigration to the United States, highlighting historical arrivals in 1889 and 1900 and the long-standing Okinawan diaspora, especially in Hawaiʻi.
- 2Describes the substantial presence and contributions of Okinawan Americans (estimated 100,000 people in the U.S., with about half in Hawaiʻi) across government, business, the military, education, and other sectors; notes notable individuals and leadership roles.
- 3Highlights wartime service and humanitarian efforts, including Okinawan Americans’ involvement in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 552d Field Artillery Battalion, the Military Intelligence Service, and postwar humanitarian aid to Okinawa.
- 4Emphasizes preservation of Okinawan culture and language, recognition by UNESCO, and the spread of karate styles to Hawaiʻi, the U.S., and the world; acknowledges Okinawan Kenjinkai community organizations in many states.
- 5Documents and commemorates sister-state/city relationships between Okinawa and various U.S. jurisdictions, and urges the American people to honor the anniversary with appropriate programs and activities.