Category Archives: Okinawa Peace Theory

The karate of the “Pechin Class”

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Andreas Quast

A colleague just argued that “karate” came from the Pēchin class of Okinawa. I think this is a oversimplification, and it is also one of those stories based on guesswork and premature conclusions. According to censuses of 1873 and 1880 … Continue reading →

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Karate ni sente nashi

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Andreas Quast

For Okinawa karate circles, imperialism and militarism are extremely difficult issues. This is because they are seemingly irreconcilable with Okinawa’s postwar karate narratives, its notional philosophies, related marketing campaigns in tourism, and most of all, the recent endeavors to list … Continue reading →

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In 1939, Okinawan young men excel at bayonet fencing

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Andreas Quast

In 1938, a physical strength department was newly established in the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and a “physical strength proficiency test” as well as a “national physical strength law” were enacted to improve the citizens’ physical strength. The “physical … Continue reading →

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The “Weaponless Kingdom”

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Andreas Quast

[This article was first published in: Quast, Andreas: Karate 1.0. 2013] One-hundred and fifty years after the visit of William Adams and his troupe to Okinawa in 1614-15, the Hungarian baron Benyowsky managed to escape his exile in Siberia. Benyowsky … Continue reading →

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The First Western Eyewitness Account of Okinawa

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Andreas Quast

[This article was first published in: Quast, Andreas: Karate 1.0. 2013] The first Western eyewitness accounts of Okinawa originate from Richard Wickham and William Adams (1564–1620).[1] The latter was later provided an estate and samurai status by shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu, … Continue reading →

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Offices and Craftsmen for Ryukyuan Weaponry

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Andreas Quast

Recently, I have written about the Ming Dynasty’s need for sulfur and horses to produce gunpowder and to pull cannons to the battlefield. Ryūkyū was able to supply both (Takara 1996: 46). According to the Minshu (Book of Fujian), the … Continue reading →

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Fly the Flag – Did Ryukyu Adopt the Banner of Sea Adventurers and Pirates?

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Andreas Quast

The military equipment during the 1st Dynasty of Ryūkyū included armor, helmets, bows and arrows, spears, shields, and there were also many short, regular, and long swords decorated with gold and silver, which were imported from Japan. There were also … Continue reading →

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Warfare and Deception – How Shō Hashi Established the 1st Ryukyu Dynasty

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Andreas Quast

King Shō Hashi, described as the “Hometown Hero” for Okinawans, is the main character of the musical named after him. “For Okinawans, King Sho Hashi was the first historical figure to have a truly positive impact on the country. I want … Continue reading →

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Sulphur and Horses – The Military Origin of Okinawa’s Tribute Trade with China

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Andreas Quast

Last year, under participation of ten grand masters of Okinawa karate and kobudō, a museum and memorial monument related to Ryūkyū horses have been erected in Naha City. The topic is embedded within the peace theory of Okinawa and the … Continue reading →

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Karate as an Intangible Cultural Property

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Andreas Quast

Below is a translation of “Mukei bunkazai to shite no karate“, published in “Okinawa Karate Kobudō Jiten,” 2008. A quarter century after the first designation, Okinawa Prefecture works on having karate designated an intangible cultural heritage with the UNESCO. Yes, … Continue reading →

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