The present study is a qualitative documentary analysis of Okinawan Youth activism. Through a qualitative documentary analysis of various initiatives raised from the attempt to stop the relocation...Show moreThe present study is a qualitative documentary analysis of Okinawan Youth activism. Through a qualitative documentary analysis of various initiatives raised from the attempt to stop the relocation of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma base to Henoko Bay, Nago, the present study aims to highlight the engagement and key role of young activists in the strive against military bases. The documentaries selected to answer the research question are (i) the documentary “Our Island’s Treasure” (2019) by activist Kaiya Yonamine on the relocation of Futenma base to Henoko, (ii) the book “Occupied Okinawa” (2019) by activist Robert Kajiwara and the website of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition he is director of, (iii) the YouTube channel “Uchina Arinkurin TV” by young activist Yuzo Takayama and the youth statement recently published by University students Yuto Ishikawa, Keigo Nishio, and Kazu Nakamoto. The findings show that Okinawan youth activism represents a form of translocal activism because of its five core tenets: (i) autonomy and self representation, (ii) environmental protection, (iii) postcolonialism and democracy, (iv) decentralisation and spontaneous action, (v) contentious space. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the Okinawan youth is active and engaged in the military base struggle, albeit not having experienced the war personally. Ultimately, the present study sheds further light on the Okinawan activism and its relationship with global protest movements.Show less