The late 20th century witnessed unprecedented impacts of globalization. One big issue in the era is the fate of sovereignty. Some scholars suggest the dissolution or the end of nation-states with the rise of regional economies. But the argument overlooks the relationship of transnationalism and sovereignty in the ideological realm, I will address the resilient nature of the latter from the case of early Manchukuo. The history of Manchukuo affords an excellent example for exploring the complexity of sovereignty. It is complex in that it is actually given from outside. Manchukuo is not a sovereign country in that it did not attain international recognition. But it is sovereign, in that it many times resisted Tokyo. Also, the sovereign state form was convenient as a shield against international accusation. At the same time, it was inconvenient to Japanese residents, since it did not officially guarantee their privilege. Manchukuo was a pioneering place of transnationalism in the Asian context. Its transnationalism was produced through several historical paths such as the idealism of the young officers of the Kwantung Army, regionalism of Manchuria, Asianism, and Confucian outlook. The claimed racial harmony and unity has substantial meaning in many realms. But transnationalism was skillfully manupulated by sovereignty. Or the former worked to the extent that it was pardoned by the latter. Early Manchukuo shows us the resilience of sovereignty. Transnationalism was many times nationalized or exploited for domestic use against the rivals of its sovereignty. This suggests a very different prediction from the strong version of globalization, foretelling its demise.