History of the Ryukyu Islands, Ancient archipelago between Kyushu and Taiwan, Japan.
The history of the Ryukyu Islands tells of an archipelago stretching 1100 kilometers (about 680 miles) between Kyushu and Taiwan, divided into three main groups: Amami, Okinawa and Sakishima. This island world combines coral reefs with volcanic terrain and forms a separate geographic space in the western Pacific.
Between 1429 and 1879 the Ryukyu Kingdom formed an independent trading state that maintained relations with China while coming under growing Japanese influence. In World War II the Battle of Okinawa turned the islands into a battlefield where one third of the civilian population died and many historical records were lost.
The name Ryukyu comes from the Chinese Liuqiu and describes an island world that stood between Chinese and Japanese culture for centuries. Today this blend shows in building styles, crafts and local festivals that feel different from the rest of Japan.
Most places on the islands are connected by roads today, though some smaller islands can only be reached by ferry. The best time to visit is between April and November when the weather is mild and typhoons are less likely.
Sweet potatoes play a special role in daily life and were once even used to make liquor. In some villages you can still see traditional stone storehouses built to protect against typhoons and humidity.
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