War

War is one of the three major, dominant, and over-arching themes of the Tomiko Higa's autobiographical account of war-torn Okinawa, "The Girl with the White Flag". It influences every single aspect of the book, and helps to drive on events that are out of Tomiko's control.

When Tomiko begins her account, Okinawa is untouched by war, except for the presence of Japanese troops. Life is splendid and simple, and the island is beautiful. The villages are peaceful, and citizens come and go. But despite the idyllic setting, the people know that war is coming. Sooner or later, there will be fighting on the island. The civilians of the island are organized into a defense force. Tomiko's father has the assignment of bringing food and supplies to the signal corps station. Tomiko's father also carefully instructs Tomiko on how to pick vegetables, and what sorts of plants can be...