Arthur Hoffman ‘26

Winter Term 2024

Interviewing Okinawan Hip-Hop Artists

During Arthur’s four weeks in Okinawa he was able to attend more than a dozen events, interview a total of 12 people, and talk on a more casual level with many more. Politically those he talked to expressed a wide range of opinions, however three concepts seemed to stick out in relation to the concepts of Okinawan identity and culture that impacted political thought. These can roughly be summed in the words “地元” (hometown), “地元プライド” (hometown pride), and “ルーツ” (roots). Those he talked to often referenced that within Okinawa an individual's “地元” or hometown, where they were born and raised was likely to have a formative influence on their political opinions and style of hip hop. “地元プライド” or local pride, was evident in how everyone he engaged with talked about their connection to their home, on a prefectural and sub-prefectural level, and the love they had for Okinawan culture and language. With the diverse heritage of those involved in the scene “ルーツ” or roots, and the unique cultural background of individual Okinawans was something that many believed is what gave birth to the wide variety of unique and powerful art found there, including hip hop. All of this was mixed and mashed in the unique manner of Okinawa’s “チャンプルー” or melting pot culture, which directly opposes any attempts to draw sweeping generalizations about this enigmatic island.