Dissertation Review: Mitsugu Sakihara's "The Significance of Ryukyu in Satsuma Finances During the Tokugawa Period."

Having collected over 1000 academic articles on the history and sociological aspects of Ryukyu and also its martial arts I thought over the coming year or so I will upload a summary of the articles. I think there is so much good research out there but folks researching into Okinawan budo often do not know about it and vice versa. As someone with a keen interest in big history I believe the contextualising of karate and kobudo within the larger event of their time helps correct so many of the misconceptions which remain in the 'dojo universe'.

So on every Friday, just in time for your leisure, I will post a summary of some of the most significant pieces of research out there. First up is a PhD dissertation form 1971 which clearly shows that the Ryukyu Kingdom was a significant player in keeping Japan connected to the outside world during its years of isolation. Moreover, it also help convey more clearly the relationship between the mainland and Okinawa and how it was far, far more complex than the duality of good gu vs bad guy so often portrayed in under researched assertions or works of martial history.

​Mitsugu Sakihara's dissertation, "The Significance of Ryukyu in Satsuma Finances During the Tokugawa Period," submitted in 1971 to the University of Hawaii for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in History, offers a comprehensive examination of the economic relationship between the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Satsuma Domain from the early 17th century to the advent of the Meiji period. This work delves into the intricacies of tribute taxes, monopoly control of Ryukyuan products by Satsuma, and the vital role of the Ryukyu-China trade, all set against the backdrop of Satsuma's financial reforms in the 1830s.

Key Findings and Contributions

1. Economic Misconceptions Clarified: Sakihara challenges prevailing misconceptions about Ryukyu's subjugation and exploitation by Satsuma, particularly in economic terms. He systematically analyzes the nature and impact of tribute taxes, the monopoly on Ryukyuan products, and the bilateral trade between Ryukyu and China.

2. Ryukyu's Economic Contributions to Satsuma: The study underscores Ryukyu's significant economic contributions to Satsuma, especially through trade with China. This trade not only offered substantial profits but also played a crucial role in Satsuma's financial strategies, particularly during the Tempo financial reform period (1830-1848).

3. Tribute-Tax System Evolution: Sakihara provides a detailed account of the evolution of tribute taxes from a minimal beginning in 1611 to a substantial economic burden by the early 18th century. Interestingly, he points out that the actual burden of tribute taxes on Ryukyu decreased over time due to increases in production and efficiency.

4. Monopolistic Exploitation by Satsuma: The dissertation reveals how Satsuma intensified its monopolistic control over Ryukyu's economy, particularly from 1830 onwards, significantly affecting Ryukyu's financial and economic health. This monopolistic control extended to sugar, turmeric, and other local products, as well as the Ryukyu-China trade.

5. Impact of Satsuma's Tempo Reform: Sakihara argues that the financial and economic reforms initiated by Satsuma in the Tempo period were significantly supported by its exploitative economic policies towards Ryukyu. The profits from Ryukyu, especially from trade, were pivotal in Satsuma's recovery from financial distress and its subsequent rise to prominence in the Meiji Restoration.

6. Contribution to Japanese National History: By examining the local dynamics between Satsuma and Ryukyu, Sakihara's work contributes to a broader understanding of the shifts in power dynamics leading to the Meiji Restoration. The study highlights the interconnectedness of regional economies and their influence on national history.

Conclusion

Sakihara's dissertation not only advances our understanding of the complex economic relationships in pre-modern Japan but also highlights the critical role of Ryukyu in Satsuma's economic strategies leading up to the Meiji Restoration. Through meticulous research and analysis, Sakihara presents a nuanced view of the economic history of Ryukyu and its ties with Satsuma, offering new insights into the transition from feudal Japan to the modern Meiji state. This work is a significant contribution to the field of Japanese economic and political history, illuminating the interconnectedness of regional and national narratives in shaping Japan's historical trajectory.

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