Okinawans mourn passing of Teruya Kantoku

On the 15th of April it was announced that retired Representative Teruya Kantoku passed away at the age of 76.

Teruya had a prolific career as a lawyer, politician, and an advocate for the restoration of Luchu (Ryukyu) independence. He worked to oppose the U.S. and Japanese military occupation of Luchu, and is well-known for his famous saying, "Uchinaanchu will decide the future of Uchinaa!"

Over two thousand people attended the first day of his memorial service on April 19th. 

Opening day of memorial services for Teruya Kantoku

"Representative Teruya Kantoku is a hero of Luchu," said Robert Kajiwara, president of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition. "His contributions for Luchu are innumerable. I will always be thankful for Mr. Teruya's help in February 2019, when he rescued me after I was wrongfully detained by the government of Japan. I will greatly miss his presence at Luchu independence conferences, and will remember his decades of work in helping advocate for Luchuan rights. Mister Teruya's passing is a great loss for Luchu, but we will complete his work of restoring Luchu's rightful independence. Mister Teruya - ukaji deebiru (it is all thanks to you)."

Ryukyu Shimpo - Teruya Kantoku, "Uchinanchu decide the future of Uchinaa!"