ABSTRACT
The Battle of Okinawa was a significant event during the Second World War, and this undeniably affected the locals who had to endure hardships during this time. Upon Japan’s defeat, the archipelago was occupied by the Allied Forces, led by the United States, from 1945 to 1952. Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture, was occupied for 20 more years, lasting until 1972. Amid socio-cultural, economic, and political changes, this period saw intermarriages occurring between local women and men of the Allied Forces such as servicemen and civilian base workers. Most of these women found work on and around the military bases where they met their future partners. This event created a new form of Japanese female migrants commonly known as “war brides” or sensō hanayome.
