1st Generation Immigration Genealogical Reference Service(English)
<Announcement: November 18, 2022.>
Thank you for reaching out to our genealogical reference service.
Recently, we have received a large number of requests from Japan and from overseas.
The researches are done one by one in the order it is received, including the translation of the report.
At the moment, it would take more than six months to start your research.
However, the requests by those who are coming to visit Okinawa in person within six months will be prioritized.
We would appreciate your understanding.
Okinawa Migration Record Database is now available online in multiple languages. The database includes migration records between 1900 and 1941. It would be the first step of your family research for Okinawan immigrants.
1st Generation Immigration Genealogical Reference Service
Okinawa Prefecture Library has been providing a genealogical reference service with foreign Uchinanchu people in order to confirm their Uchinanchu identity since 2016 when the 6th Uchinanchu Taikai was held. Now, you are able to take advantage of this service through the Internet.
HOW TO APPLY
Please fill in the application Google form below as completely as possible. It is necessary to fill out the name and destination of the 1st generation immigrant as well as your contact information.
The more information you provide, the more possibility and accuracy there is that we can find information about a migrant. You can note whether you are sure or unsure about the information you provide.
You can use below PDF or Excel forms and email to*
opl.ref.imm@gmail.com
FORM-EN.pdf (PDF：229.8 KB)
[Q&A]
Q) How much does it cost for OPL research?
A) The service is free and is provided year-round.
Q) Can I email OPL in English/Spanish/Portuguese?
A) Yes, there are a few staffs who are literate in English and Portuguese(Spanish).
Q) Can OPL provide research about a migrant who traveled after 1945?
A) OPL's service basically focus on migrants abroad before 1941. OPL owns some records of migrants who did to Latin American countries after 1945.
Q) What kinds of information do I obtain from OPL research?
A) Depending on what was recorded, it is possible to find out the kinds of information listed on the application form (ie: passport number, date passport approved, date traveled, company that processed the immigration paperwork, residence before immigrating, photos of the relative, biography, map, etc.) and more from 300,000 titles of publications on Okinawan Studies.
However, we do not guarantee to be able to find out any information on the 1st generation relative. There may be a lack of records, the relative's name was recorded differently (ie: spelling or name changed) upon reaching the destination, or insufficient information is provided on the application form in order for the library staff to conduct research.
Q) How do you find your missing relatives in Okinawa?
A) OPL does not have information on relatives and their offspring (ie: 2nd generation, 3rd generation, and so forth). To find out other relatives related to your migrant, OPL would refer to a local community center or city hall to do. Therefore, OPL might ask you to submit documents to show the relationship to your 1st generation migrant.
Local community centers do not also have records on relatives and their offspring. By using face to face community network, they would help you find relatives.
Q) How long does it take for OPL research?
A) Depends on cases. Normally, it takes a month to research information from our collection and translate a result. There are some cases that take more than a month.
OPL can probably find out 1st generation immigration records such as the name in kanji, birthplace(domicile address at that time), travel date, and even his/her biography or photos if copies including those records were published.
If you have questions, please send us a mail. (English available)
opl.ref.imm@gmail.com
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