[Originally published in: Quast, Andreas: Karate 1.0 – Parameter of an Ancient Martial Art. 2013.]
A major administrative tool for stabilizing newly established Okinawa Prefecture from early on was a policy called “Preservation of Old Customs” (Kyūkan onzon seisaku), in effect from 1879-1903. It was the Meiji government’s answer to strong complaints from among the gentry and former officials who were about to being deprived of their privileges, just as in all other prefecture of Japan I might add. Major issues were the anti-Japanese stubborn party and the exiles who sought assistance from China. Naturally, these were considered enemies of the state. Sometimes Okinawans just wanted to continue to reap the advantages they previously had under the royal administration of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. For instance, when the new prefectural police informed former regional officials about their dismissal, the former officials gathered village residents at the sacred groves and shrines, had them pledge allegiance to the king of Ryūkyū and to seal an oath with blood (keppan), and a new government official was killed (Sanshi-jiken, or Supporter-Incident).
The Preservation of Old Customs policy geared towards such sentiments. Its effect was bases on the continuation of the tax system as previously under the Ryūkyū Kingdom. That is, based on local government and with payment of tax in kind according to land allotted to the farmers. In this way, the hereditary family stipends of royals and senior gentry were ensured and continued. In addition, the gentry enjoyed the privilege of tax exemption.
After witnessing the miserable state of the farmers and despotism by former gentry and new officials, a reform proposal was made by 2nd Provincial Governor Uesugi Mochinori (1844-1919, in office 1881-83), but was rejected: the gentry class had priority over the rest of the Okinawan people. In this way, commoners and farmers kept laboring under the former gentry much as they had to during kingdom times.
3rd Provincial Governor Iwamura Michitoshi (1840-1915, in office 1883) enforced the involvement of the former gentry and local officials in the prefectural government. Stipends for the high-ranking gentry were continued to be paid until 1909, which shows the crucial importance of this measure.
Non-stipended lower ex-rank-holders received economic aid, such as seed money to start businesses. The lower stratum encountered some problems in finding employment within the government, but were able to work as schoolteachers and the like. In addition, Iwamura’s policy brought back many of the self-exiled gentry from China, further weakening anti-Japanese sentiments by allowing Ryūkyūan royals and gentry to “continue to reap the blessings of the former system.”
By this simple measure, the pro-Japanese enlightenment party (kaikatō) was strengthened. As opposed to gankotō or stubborn, obstinate party, kaikatō denotes the process of becoming civilized, or to have laws and culture. This kaikatō group of progressive aristocrats and former rank-holders willingly aligned with Japan’s demands to modernize Okinawa. Inevitably they approved the annexation of Ryūkyū and supported the rapid integration of Okinawa to Japan. The strengthening of the kaikatō particularly helped preventing further Ryūkyūans from joining or supporting the stubborn party and to exile to China appealing for military assistance. Finally, in 1884, the last king Shō Tai himself temporarily returned to Okinawa and called for deference to Japan! Shō Tai’s appeal and the protection of stipends were pivotal in strengthening the pro-Japanese party, which in turn was crucial for the overall assimilation policy.
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