Due to its geographical location, Okinawa’s own unique culture was fostered by influences from various regions, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. At the same time, being caught between various powers, it has also endured a number of complex political experiences.
Here, we’ll provide a brief overview of Okinawan history.
Prehistoric Period (~12th Century)
Evidence suggests that humans have inhabited the Ryukyu Islands since approximately 32,000 years ago. The skeletal remains of the Minatogawa Man, from the Paleolithic era, were discovered in the town of Yaese, Okinawa Prefecture. From shell mounds, we know that the people of that time lived a life centered on fishing and gathering.
Gusuku Period (Around the 12th century)
Around the 12th century, local rulers called Aji began to build castles known as Gusuku and vied for power. During this time, full-scale agriculture began, and trade with China and Southeast Asia flourished.
Ryukyu Kingdom Period
In the later Gusuku Period, Okinawa Main Island was divided into three spheres of influence: Hokuzan, Chūzan, and Nanzan. This era is commonly referred to as the “Sanzan Period”. Afterward, in 1429, Shō Hashi of Chūzan unified the three kingdoms and established the Ryukyu Kingdom with Shuri Castle as its base. The kingdom prospered as a trading hub in East Asia, fostering its own unique culture.
The Impact of the Satsuma Domain’s Invasion (1609~)
In 1609, a 3,000-strong Satsuma army invaded Ryukyu and occupied Shuri Castle. As a result, Ryukyu became a subordinate state of both the Satsuma Domain and the Tokugawa Shogunate. Despite this complex situation, the Ryukyu Kingdom maintained its own distinct culture while also paying tribute to China.
Modern and Contemporary Okinawa (1879~)
In 1879, the Meiji government forced the king to abdicate from Shuri Castle and declared the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture. This event, known as the “Ryukyu Disposition,” marked the end of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its integration into Japan.
Later, at the end of the Pacific War, the Battle of Okinawa resulted in a fierce ground war that claimed many precious lives and led to the annihilation of the prefecture. After the war, Okinawa was placed under U.S. administration, entering an era called “America-yuu” (America’s time) until its reversion to Japan in 1972.
