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Visions of Ryukyu
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Visions of Ryukyu Hardback - 1999

by Gregory Smits

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From the publisher

Between 1609 and 1879, the geographical, political, and ideological status of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (modern Okinawa) was characterized by its ambiguity. It was subordinate to its larger neighbors, China and Japan, yet an integral part of neither. A Japanese invasion force from Satsuma had conquered the kingdom in 1609, resulting in its partial incorporation into Tokugawa Japan's bakuhan state. Given Ryukyu's long-standing ties with China and East Asian foreign relations following the rise of the Qing dynasty, however, the bakufu maintained only an indirect link with Ryukyu from the mid-seventeenth century onward. Thus Ryukyu was able to exist as a quasi-independent kingdom for more than two centuries--albeit amidst a complex web of trade and diplomatic agreements involving the bakufu, Satsuma, Fujian, and Beijing. During this time, Ryukyu's ambiguous position relative to China and Japan prompted its elites to fashion their own visions of Ryukyuan identity. Created in a dialogic relationship to both a Chinese and Japanese Other, these visions informed political programs intended to remake Ryukyu.

In this innovative and provocative study, Gregory Smits explores early modern perceptions of Ryukyu and their effect on its political culture and institutions. He describes the major historical circumstances that informed early modern discourses of Ryukyuan identity and examines the strategies used by leading intellectual and political figures to fashion, promote, and implement their visions of Ryukyu.

Early modern visions of Ryukyu were based on Confucianism, Buddhism, and other ideologies of the time. Eventually one vision prevailed, becoming the theoretical basis of the early modern state by the middle of the eighteenth century. Employing elements of Confucianism, the scholar and government official Sai On (1682-1761) argued that the kingdom's destiny lay primarily with Ryukyuans themselves and that moral parity with Japan and China was within its grasp. Despite Satsuma's control over its diplomatic and economic affairs, Sai envisioned Ryukyu as an ideal Confucian state with government and state rituals based on the Chinese model. In examining Sai's thought and political program, this volume sheds new light on Confucian praxis and, conversely, uncovers one variety of an East Asian "prenational" imagined political/cultural community.

Details

  • Title Visions of Ryukyu
  • Author Gregory Smits
  • Binding Hardback
  • Pages 224
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher University of Hawaii Press
  • Publication date 1999-01-01
  • Features Dust Cover
  • ISBN 9780824820374 / 0824820371
  • Weight 1.06 lbs (0.48 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.32 x 6.27 x 0.92 in (23.67 x 15.93 x 2.34 cm)
  • Reading level 1460
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: Asian - General
    • Cultural Region: East Asian
    • Cultural Region: Asian - Japanese
    • Ethnic Orientation: Asian - General
  • Category History - General History
  • Library of Congress subjects Ryukyu Islands - History
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 98-38468
  • Dewey Decimal Code 952.29

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Visions of Ryukyu : Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics
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Visions of Ryukyu : Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics

by Smits, Gregory

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University of Hawaii Press. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics

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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics
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University of Hawaii Press, 1999-01-01. hardcover. New. 6.50x0.75x9.50. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics

by Smits, Gregory

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hardcover. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
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Visions of Ryukyu

Visions of Ryukyu

by Gregory Smits

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Hardcover. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; Smits explores early modern perceptions of Ryukyu (modern Okinawa) and their effect on its political culture and institutions. He describes the major historical circumstances that informed discourses of Ryukyuan identity and examines th
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-modern Thought and Politics

Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-modern Thought and Politics

by Gregory Smits

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Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780824820374 / 0824820371
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics
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Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics

by Smits, Gregory

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  • Hardback
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Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780824820374 / 0824820371
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University of Hawaii Press, 1999-01-01. Hardcover. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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