Take a look at Okinawa
The Ryukyu Island

BACKGROUND
Southwest of Kyushu, on one of Japan’s main islands, resides a cluster of small islands that make up the contents of the Ryukyu Islands, also known as Okinawa. However, Okinawa’s history before becoming a part of Japan was very vast and meaningful. Like some smaller nations, Okinawa had ties to China. At that time it was not yet called Okinawa. Its history starts as early as Japan’s Paleolithic period (between 100,000BC and 30,000BC). Artistic pottery was popular during this time among the inhabitants. Eventually agriculture became a slow incline between the 8th century and the 12th century. Because of its central location, in the middle of the East China Sea, it became an ideal trading nation for China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. During the Tokugawa period in Japan, Okinawa was invaded by the Satsuma clan of Kyushu’s Prefecture, Kagoshima. Soon after, a tributary agreement was made between the Ryukyus, the Satsuma Prefecture, and the Tokugawa shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration of Japan in 1868, the Ryukyu Islands were annexed by Japan’s military and eventually being renamed Okinawa in 1879. Japan relinquished its hold on Okinawa due to their loss of World War II, but it was returned to them in 1972. Since the Battle of Okinawa and WWII, an American presence became prevalent in Okinawa through numerous military bases. Although not a completely independent country yet, Okinawa still strives to become a nation in its own rite.

GOVERNMENT
Okinawa’s governmental ruling is an interesting piece of knowledge. There did exist quite a few kings that unified the islands prior to Japan’s occupancy. Since the majority of Okinawa’s modern existence, either Japan or the U.S has governed it. It was not until 1968 that Okinawa elected its 1st chief executive, Yara Chobyo. He was the reason why Okinawa was under reversion after 27 years of post-WWII era. This reversion of Okinawa was initially to make Okinawa independent from America and Japan. Unfortunately, full power was not granted to Okinawa, still placing them under Japanese rule through the U.S.’s grace. However, the U.S. still holds a powerful stand through their military bases among the archipelagoes.

GEOGRAPHY
The all-encompassing area that forms the Okinawa Prefecture consists of three major islands. They are the Yaeyama Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Okinawa Islands. Each of these three major locations has individual names for each island. These islands are adjacent to Taiwan. The capital of Okinawa is Naha.

DEMOGRAPHICS
Okinawa has roughly around 1,350,000 people living throughout the archipelago. It is ranked as the 32nd highest population as a Japanese prefecture. The age range for Okinawans is generally similar to mainland Japanese people, but more Okinawans live longer than some Japanese people. Some live up to 100 years of age. A calculation in 2003 stated that roughly 55 thousand people lived to be over 80 years old, with a higher percentage for females. Along with the population, the islands are home to many coral reefs and rare sea creatures. The climate is usually rainy, but mostly around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) for the majority of a year.

CULTURE
Okinawa, like many trading islands, adopted many cultures through their early trading days with China, Thailand, and Austronesia (numerous Southeast Asian countries). One of Okinawa’s most notable imports is the ever-famous martial art, karate, where it was originated. Additionally, traditional music of Okinawa is made with a sanshin, a three-string instrument. Pottery, textile, and glass making is also apart of their tradition. Compared to Asian Architecture, homes built here have a traditional roof statue of a lion or dragon for protection. Most homes are designed to counter the humidity and typhoons. Roofs are usually red, an inspiration of Chinese design.

LANGUAGE
For the most part, Okinawa has its own language, separate and different from Japanese. However, it is common for Japanese to be spoken on the islands as well, because most of the younger generation Okinawans speak formal Japanese.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
At one point, Okinawans came up with a three-term plan to boost their economy after the reversion of Okinawa in the 1970s. The first and second term had a goal to become established, separate from Japan and progress its independence. The third goal was for the area to be rearranged to better the economy. Unfortunately, these goals were placed under construction because there was a period of unemployment among the islands in the 1970s. Oil issues became a global problem, which caused the closing of hotels and souvenir shops for tourists when much was invested into their production. However, Japan supplied millions of yen [Japanese currency] to Okinawa to help them through their deficit in the 1970s.The Ocean Exposition was later created, along with the financial assistance from Japan, to help the economy get back on its feet. Slowly, increasing numbers of tourists came to Okinawa through the decades after. Tourism became a base economy for Okinawa. Today, the islanders do their best to progress into a service economy, which will help their economy grow exponentially.