Changes in the Consciousness of the Okinawa Prefectural People during 10 Years after Reversion

昭和58年度科学研究費補助金(一般研究B)研究成果報告書研究概要：The present research was conducted in a scientific method to survey changes in the consciousness of the residents of Okinawa during the 10 years after the administrative reversion of the prefecture in 1972. In analysing the results of the survey, attempts were made, wherever possible, to compare them with those of the research done by a Tokyo University team in 1966 and also of many public opinion polls undertaken by NHK and major newspapers before and after reversion. The sample design chosen to be used was a regional random sample. The prefecture was first divided into five areas,i.e., Naha, central, southern and northern Okinawa areas and Ishigaki city on Yaeyama. Twenty-three localities were further chosen from the areas, and a sample of 920 persons (423 males and 488 females) were randomly picked out from the voter's lists of the sub-areas. A group of trained interviewers individually met the subjects and filled out the precoded questionnaires. A total of 764 questionnaires, or 83.0%, were completed. Salient points of the research can be summarized as follows: (1) While only 38% of all respondents appraised the reversion favorably in a poll conducted by NHK about 10 years ago, the present survey showed the percentage has risen to 57.9%. The greatest factor for this change was the improvement of public facilities. (2) An NHK poll immediately after reversion indicated only 22.9% of the residents supported, and 60.1% opposed, the deployment of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to Okinawa. The current survey shows opposition has declined to 34.0%, while support has increased to 47.9%. As to the status of the U.S. Forces bases In Okinawa, a 1972 poll by the Asahi Shimbun said 19% supported "reduction of bases to the mainland level," while 31 % called for "total removal." The figures have reversed, with 32.5% supporting "reduction" and 27.5% "total removal." (3) Socio-psychological distance between mainland people and residents here has grown even wider, despite increased contact between the two. The 1966 Tokyo University poll said 79.3% approved of marriages between mainlanders and local residents. with only 11.9% against it. The affirmative attitude has dropped to 15.3%, while the negative attitude increased slightly to 20.2%, according to the current survey