Dampak Eksistensi American Village terhadap Anak Muda Jepang di Okinawa Nihon No Okinawa No Wakamono Ni Taisuru Amerikanbirejji No Sonzai No Eikyou

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the impact of the existence of the American Village on young Japanese people in Okinawa. The focus of the research is about the impact, the development of the American Village tourist town in Okinawa will have on young Japanese people in the region. This research limits its scope to young Japanese people living in Okinawa with an age range of 13-30 years. In this research, researchers use sociological theory to deepen their understanding of the lives of Okinawan people and young Japanese people in Okinawa. In addition, impact theory is used to understand the effects that the presence of the American Village has on young Japanese people in the area. Using two research methods, namely the interview method conducted with residents of Okinawa, Japan on October 18 2023 when the researcher had the opportunity to visit Japan, and the literature study method using several references related to the American Village and Okinawa, Japan. The research results show the positive impact of the existence of the American Village on young Okinawans, including opening up job opportunities and improving English language skills through interaction with American citizens and military officers. However, there are also negative impacts such as changes in attitudes and the adoption of deviant culture that follows the American lifestyle. This research provides insight into how the existence of the American entertainment complex affects Okinawan youth socially and culturally. The implications of these findings include the importance of awareness of the influence of external culture on local identity and the need to develop strategies to promote cultural awareness and local values amidst globalization.