Kodokai

• Japanese: 公動会 (Koudoukai)
• Founded: 1896
• Dissolved: ?

The Kôdôkai, or "Society for Public Unity", was an organization formed in 1896 by former Ryukyuan prince Shô En and a number of others, in opposition to Japanese assimilationist policies in Okinawa.

The formal founding of the organization was preceded by numerous events of a similar nature, stretching back several decades. In 1875, Japanese statesman Ôkubo Toshimichi suggested that the governorship of Okinawa Prefecture be a hereditary post held by members of the former royal family.

The movement's chief aims were to unite the Okinawan community, and to regain for native Okinawans (in particular, members of the former nobility and royalty) some control over their local affairs. Among other things, they petitioned that Governor Narahara Kogoro recalled to the mainland, and replaced with Marquis Shô Tai, former King of Ryûkyû. Unfortunately for the organization, and for its goals, the movement's positions were taken as highly offensive to the Imperial government. Their petitions were seen as accusations of grave misrule in Okinawa and as attacks on the good judgment of the Emperor. The movement was crushed quite quickly after its formation.

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References

• Kerr, George. Okinawa: the History of an Island People. (revised ed.) Boston: Tuttle Publishing, 2000. p425.