Why are We in Okinawa? A History of Violence is by far the best history in English of Okinawa's long-running and continuing militarization. It is rigorously researched, containing lengthy endnotes and bibliography to enable readers to further explore the issues raised. At the same time, the book is eminently readable and accessible for a non-academic audience.

Steve Rabson, Professor Emeritus of East Asian studies at Brown University, Asia-Pacific Journal

Mitchell traces, with calm and incisive authority, the centuries of subjugation and dominance forced on the Pacific's Okinawa Islands by its neighbour to the north.

ArtReview Asia

In Why Are We in Okinawa?, Jon Mitchell wields the tools of investigative journalism with precision and grace, exposing a century and a half of military secrecy, exploitation, and abuse. Mitchell gathers facts as one might gather flowers, which is to say with quiet devotion. This book is a gift - first and foremost to the people of Okinawa, who have endured unspeakable violence and suffer mightily still, but also to all of us stubborn enough to believe that this broken world is still worth saving.

Julian Aguon, No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies: A Lyric Essay

The people of Okinawa, whose lives are endangered by the excessive burden of military bases imposed through joint colonization by Japan and the United States, have long raised their voices as a means of survival. Jon Mitchell's reporting has been a strong driving force in this struggle. His distinguished research and data collection have revealed the truths that the authorities have concealed in order to maintain the bases, and the voices that have gone unheard. With this book, readers will witness Okinawans' tormented historical experiences along with their unwavering determination and refusal to give up. For Okinawans who continue to fight – even though they sometimes feel alone – this book offers guidance like the North Star or Ninufabushi, which helped ancient Ryukyu sailors to traverse the oceans. It connects the people of Okinawa with others around the world.

Naomi Jahana, University of the Ryukyus, Japan

A remarkable, page-turning book, based in sources unearthed from the US government, Why Are We in Okinawa? is a must-read for anyone concerned with justice movements, geopolitics in Asia and the Pacific, and US military policy and behavior. It details the devastating effects and future risk of the US military occupation of Okinawa for its people, as well as the islanders' deeply inspiring resistance over many decades.

Catherine Lutz, Co-founder of the Costs of War project