Kip Kyburz's Reviews > Okinawa

One of deepest, most heartfelt graphic novels I have ever read. Susumu Higa chronicles the story of Okinawa from harrowing stories during the war to the long aftermath of US occupation. Selecting a handful of stories during the war, including that of his own parents, Susumu consistently highlights the intense danger that Japanese civilians were in, even while American troops were doing what they could to not harm civilians. As the novel progresses, time passes and Susumu highlights the transforming and various viewpoints on the American bases occupying Okinawa. How they have aided the people of Okinawa while largely (VERY LARGELY) serving as a detriment. The most consistent theme can be summarized as a juxtaposition of strong Okinawan traditions being trampled by various modern advances and the citizens that fight with everything to keep those traditions alive.