Quick Bio
Robert Kajiwara is both Native Ryukyuan (Okinawan) and Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter, writer, and human rights activist. He has appeared in over 60 news and media publications in more than 15 countries, including The Associated Press, BBC World, The South China Morning Post, Japan Times, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and many others. He is president of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition. Kajiwara has spoken at numerous venues, including the United Nations, the United States Capitol Hill, the Japan Diet, Yale University, Okinawa International University, University of the Ryukyus, and many more.
Education:
Green River College, Fuller Theological Seminary, University of Ryukyus, Liberty University, Harvard University
Books:
Articles:
Education:
- PhD in History - Manchester Metropolitan University (in progress '21)
- MA in History - University of Nebraska at Kearney ('19)
- Master of Asian International Affairs - University of Hawaii at Manoa (in progress '21)
- BA in History, Asia/Pacific focus - University of Hawaii at Manoa ('15)
- AA in Teaching, Certificate in Global Studies - Leeward Community College ('14)
- BA in History, Asia/Pacific focus - University of Hawaii at Manoa ('15)
Green River College, Fuller Theological Seminary, University of Ryukyus, Liberty University, Harvard University
Books:
- Hawaii, Christianity, and the United States: A Complicated History (2019)
- Occupied Okinawa: The United States of America and Japan's Desecration of Okinawa's Democracy and Environment (2019)
- Ryukyu - Okinawa Impressionism (2018)
Articles:
- "Why Okinawans Are Outraged Over Aegis Ashore Cancellation." July 8, 2020. The Diplomat.
- "New Military Base Increases Calls For Okinawa's Independence." February 20, 2019. Honolulu Civil Beat.
Also known as:
English: Robert Kajiwara
うちなーぐち：比嘉孝昌 (Fija Takamasa)
中文：魏孝昌 (Wei Xiao Chang)
日本語：梶原ロバート (Kajiwara Robaato)
English: Robert Kajiwara
うちなーぐち：比嘉孝昌 (Fija Takamasa)
中文：魏孝昌 (Wei Xiao Chang)
日本語：梶原ロバート (Kajiwara Robaato)
Petition to save Henoko, Okinawa
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Kajiwara has been an outspoken advocate for both Ryukyuan and Hawaiian human rights. On December 8, 2018 he started a petition calling for a halt to the construction work of a new military base at Henoko, Okinawa. The petition quickly garnered international attention, amassing over 100,000 signatures within just 10 days, and currently has over 212,000 signatures, including from many notable celebrities. He has traveled extensively to advocate for the rights of Ryukyuans and Hawaiians.
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Honors and Awards:
- Named "2020 Humanitarian of the Year" by Warlock Asylum International News. (2020)
- Awarded the University of Hawaii at Manoa Asian Studies Program Achievement Scholarship. (2019)
- Named a Special Envoy for Ke Aupuni O Hawaii (the Hawaiian Kingdom). (2018)
- Named a Cultural Representative for Nakagusuku Village, Okinawa. (2017)
- Graduated summa cum laude from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. (2015)
- 2x Awarded the Sunshine Brooks Scholarship. (2013-2014)
- Awarded the University of Hawaii at Manoa Student Scholarship (2013-2015)
- Graduated with honors from Leeward Community College. (2014)
- 3x Member of the Dean's List at Leeward Community College. (2012-2013)
- Nominated to the Golden Key Honors Society. (2015)
- Nominated to the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. (2014)
More Links:
Kaji Music, LLC - www.KajiMusic.net
The Peace for Okinawa Coalition - PeaceForOkinawa.org
Rob's personal blog - Musings of an Earth Alien
Rob Kajiwara's Music Blog - robkajiwaramusic.blogspot.com
Robʻs baseball blog: https://kajiwarabaseball.blogspot.com
Old Blog - https://robkajiwara.blogspot.com