The southernmost prefecture of Japan, consisting of Okinawa island proper and most of the islands of the Ryuukyuu chain. A tropical island that once was an independent kingdom.
Throughout history it was a crossroad of trade from China and Southeast Asia to Japan. This is reflected in its culture which blends native elements with Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences. Conquered by the Satsuma domain in 1609, Okinawa became part of the Japanese nation during the Meiji restoration.
Okinawans (or Ryukyuans) are not a recognized minority group in Japan, as Japanese authorities consider them a subgroup of the Japanese people, akin to the Yamato people. The traditional Okinawan language is related to Japanese, and has been supplanted by the national language in most uses. Capital is Naha, historically it was Shuri, where Shuri Castle is located.
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