View source for Okinawa Prefecture

{{Short description|Prefecture of Japan}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name = Okinawa Prefecture
| native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ja|沖縄県}}}}
| settlement_type = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| translit_lang1 = Name
| translit_lang1_type = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]
| translit_lang1_info = {{lang|ja|沖縄県}}
| translit_lang1_type1 = [[Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji]]
| translit_lang1_info1 = {{lang|ja-Latn|Okinawa-ken}}
| translit_lang1_type2 = [[Okinawan language|Okinawan]]
| translit_lang1_info2 = {{lang|ryu|Uchinaachin}}
| image_skyline = {{Multiple image
| border             = infobox
| perrow             = 1/2/2
| total_width        = 280
| caption_align      = center
| image1             = Naha Okinawa Japan Shuri-Castle-01.jpg
| caption1           = [[Shuri Castle]]
| image2             = Onna Okinawa Japan Cape-Manzamo-01.jpg
| caption2           = [[Cape Manzamo]]
| image3             = Kabira-Bay-Kabira-park-2019.jpg
| caption3           = [[Kabira Bay]]
| image4             = 竹富島の水牛車 2.jpg
| caption4           = [[Bullock cart]]s on [[Taketomi Island]]
| image5             = Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium 2.jpg
| caption5           = [[Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium]]
}}
| image_flag = Flag of Okinawa Prefecture.svg
| flag_size = 100px
| image_blank_emblem = Emblem of Okinawa Prefecture.svg
| blank_emblem_size = 80px
| blank_emblem_type = Emblem
| anthem = {{Nihongo|"[[Song of Okinawa Prefecture]]"{{br}}|沖縄県民の歌|Okinawa Kenmin no Uta}}
| image_map = {{Switcher|[[File:Map of Japan with 47 Okinawa prefecture.svg|upright=1.2|frameless]]|Show location in Japan|[[File:Map of Okinawa Prefecture.svg|upright=1.3|frameless]]|Show location in the Ryukyu Islands|default=1}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|26|30|N|128|0|E|type:adm1st_region:JP-47|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Japan}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kyushu]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of islands of Japan|Islands]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Okinawa Islands|Okinawa]], [[Daitō Islands|Daitō]], [[Miyako Islands|Miyako]], [[Yaeyama Islands|Yaeyama]], and [[Senkaku Islands|Senkaku]]
| seat_type = [[List of capitals in Japan|Capital]]
| seat = [[Naha]]
| parts_type = Subdivisions
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[Districts of Japan|Districts]]: 5
| p2 = [[Municipalities of Japan|Municipalities]]: 41
| leader_title = [[List of governors of Okinawa Prefecture|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Denny Tamaki]]
| area_total_km2 = 2281
| area_water_percent = 0.5
| area_rank = [[List of Japanese prefectures by area|44th]]
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 1466944
| population_as_of = September 1, 2024
| population_rank = [[List of Japanese prefectures by population|29th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=2020年度国民経済計算（2015年基準・2008SNA）: 経済社会総合研究所 – 内閣府 |url=https://www.esri.cao.go.jp/jp/sna/data/data_list/kakuhou/files/2020/2020_kaku_top.html |access-date=May 18, 2023 |website=内閣府ホームページ |language=ja}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Total
| demographics2_info1 = [[JP¥]]4,462 billion<br />[[US$]]32.9 billion (2022)
| iso_code = JP-47
| website = {{URL|https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=Yes
| country  = Japan
| bird     = [[Okinawa woodpecker]] (''Sapheopipo noguchii'')
| fish     = [[Pterocaesio|Banana fish]] (''Pterocaesio diagramma'', "takasago", "gurukun")
| flower   = Deego (''[[Erythrina variegata]]'')
| tree     = ''[[Pinus luchuensis]]'' ("ryūkyūmatsu")
}}
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Okinawa Prefecture'''|沖縄県|Okinawa-ken|lead=yes|{{IPA|ja|o.kʲi.na.wa(ꜜ.keɴ)|pron}};<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典|publisher=NHK Publishing|editor=NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute|date=May 24, 2016|lang=ja}}</ref> {{langx|ryu|ウチナーチン|Uchinaachin}}<ref>{{cite web |title=ちん【県・縣】: chin |url=https://www.jlect.com/entry/2354/chin/ |website=JLect |access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref>}} is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of [[Japan]].<ref>Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Okinawa-shi" in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|''Japan Encyclopedia'', p. 746–747|page=746}}</ref> It consists of three main island groups—the [[Okinawa Islands]], the [[Sakishima Islands]], and the [[Daitō Islands]]—spread across a maritime zone approximately 1,000 kilometers east to west and 400 kilometers north to south. Despite a modest land area of 2,281 km<sup>2</sup> (880 sq mi), Okinawa's territorial extent over surrounding seas makes its total area nearly half the combined size of [[Honshu]], [[Shikoku]], and [[Kyushu]].<ref name="menseki">{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/sugata/ichi/menseki.html |title=沖縄の面積 (Okinawa's Area) |access-date=August 29, 2020 |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175259/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/sugata/ichi/menseki.html |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> Of its 160 [[Island|islands]], 49 are inhabited.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kikaku/chiikirito/ritoshinko/ritou-gaikyou.html |title=離島の概況について (Overview of Remote Islands) |access-date=August 29, 2020 |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175247/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kikaku/chiikirito/ritoshinko/ritou-gaikyou.html |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> The largest and most populous island is Okinawa Island, which hosts the capital city, [[Naha]], as well as major urban centers such as [[Okinawa (city)|Okinawa]], [[Uruma]], and [[Urasoe, Okinawa|Urasoe]].<ref>Nussbaum, "Naha" in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|p. 686|page=686}}</ref> The prefecture has a [[subtropical climate]], characterized by warm temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year.<ref>{{cite book |author=竹内理三 |title=角川日本地名大辞典 47 沖縄県 (Kadokawa Nihon Chimei Daijiten 47: Okinawa Prefecture) |year=1986 |publisher=角川書店 |location=Tokyo |isbn=4-04-001470-7 |language=ja}}</ref> People from the [[Ryukyu Islands|Nansei Islands]], including [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], the [[Sakishima Islands]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=ホーム{{!}}石垣市 |url=https://www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp/index.html |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=沖縄県 |title=八重山地域の概要｜沖縄県公式ホームページ |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/shigoto/shinkooroshi/1011448/1024245/1011460/1024372/1010571.html |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=沖縄県公式ホームページ |language=ja}}</ref> and parts of [[Kagoshima Prefecture]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=鹿児島県奄美市公式ホームページ |url=https://www.city.amami.lg.jp/ |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=www.city.amami.lg.jp}}</ref> are often collectively referred to as [[Ryukyuans]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2023 |title=全ゲノム配列解析により見えてきた沖縄島と宮古諸島の集団の形成過程 {{!}} 琉球大学 |url=https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/news/47334/ |access-date=May 13, 2025 |language=ja}}</ref> However, there are significant cultural and customary differences between individual islands and even between local communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=南九州・薩南諸島・奄美諸島における琉球系民俗芸能の研究: 境界領域における民俗的異文化イメージの形成と伝承 {{!}} NDLサーチ {{!}} 国立国会図書館 |url=https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000009332755 |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=国立国会図書館サーチ（NDLサーチ） |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2022 |title=沖縄本島・宮古島・石垣島は、同じ沖縄県でも「違う国」｜石垣島フォトグラファー小倉智之 |url=https://note.com/tomoyuki_ogura/n/nc0cefe8d5fc5 |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=note（ノート） |language=ja-JP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=十島村公式サイト |url=http://www.tokara.jp/profile/gaiyou/ |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=www.tokara.jp |language=ja}}</ref>

Historically the center of the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]], Okinawa long served as a maritime trading hub and cultural gateway; the kingdom participated in the [[tributary system of China|Chinese tributary system]]—maintaining formal tribute relations with the [[Ming dynasty|Ming]] and [[Qing dynasty|Qing]]—and retained distinct statehood until it was incorporated into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture in 1879 following the [[Ryukyu Disposition]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryukyu Islands |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ryukyu-Islands |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lin |first=Man-houng |title=The Ryukyus and Taiwan in the East Asian Seas: A Longue Durée Perspective |url=https://apjjf.org/lin-man-houng/2258/article |website=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus |date=October 2, 2006 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> After the [[Battle of Okinawa]] (1945), the islands were under U.S. administration until reversion to Japan in 1972, and today host a large share of U.S. military facilities in Japan (around 70% by area of land exclusively used by U.S. forces), a continuing source of local and national debate.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Information Portal of Military Bases on Okinawa|url=https://dc-office.org/basedata|website=Okinawa Prefectural Government DC Office|access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> A small but persistent [[Ryukyu independence movement|independence movement]] exists, reflecting Okinawa's distinct historical trajectory and identity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In Okinawa, an independence movement finds an unlikely ally|url=https://theworld.org/stories/2024/11/20/in-okinawa-an-independence-movement-finds-an-unlikely-ally|website=The World (PRX)|date=November 20, 2024|access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>

Over time, Okinawa developed its own distinctive traditions, cuisine, and performing arts. Today, [[Okinawan music]], characterized by the distinctive ''[[sanshin]]'' instrument,<ref>{{Cite web |title=沖縄県三線製作事業協同組合 |url=https://okinawa34.jp/sanshin/charm |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=沖縄県三線製作事業協同組合 |language=ja}}</ref> and festivals such as ''[[Eisa (dance)|Eisa]]'' have gained popularity across the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=沖縄県 |title=沖縄の伝統芸能（でんとうげいのう）｜沖縄県公式ホームページ |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/kyoiku/kodomo/1002688/1002691.html |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=沖縄県公式ホームページ |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=港の歴史 －那覇港の歴史－琉球王朝時代 |url=https://www.dc.ogb.go.jp/nahakou/rekishi/01_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321194827/http://www.dc.ogb.go.jp/nahakou/rekishi/01_2.html |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=www.dc.ogb.go.jp |language=ja |url-status=live }}</ref> The islands are also the birthplace of [[karate]], later popularized on the Japanese mainland and worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Karate|url=https://www.britannica.com/sports/karate|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|date=August 23, 2025|access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> The prefectural economy is predominantly service-based, with [[Tourism in Japan|tourism]] and related services as major drivers, while manufacturing plays a comparatively small role.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Okinawa's Continuing Economic Burden: Will Tourism and Construction Provide a Way Forward?|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/a08203/|website=Nippon.com|date=May 20, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Booming Okinawa marks anniversary amid challenges|url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15766979|website=The Asahi Shimbun|date=May 15, 2025|access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|History of the Ryukyu Islands|Historic Sites of Okinawa}}
[[File:Ryukyuan mission in Edo.jpg|thumb|left|A depiction of the 1710 [[Ryukyuan missions to Edo|Ryukyuan mission]] to [[Edo (Tokyo)|Edo]]]]
{{History of Ryukyu}}
=== Prehistoric and ancient history ===
The prehistoric history of Okinawa differs significantly from that of mainland Japan. Prior to written records, it is generally divided into two periods: [[Paleolithic era|the Paleolithic era]] and [[Shellmidden Period|the Shellmidden period]] (Kaizuka period).<ref name="rekishi">{{cite book |author1=安里進 |author2=高良倉吉 |author3=田名真之 |author4=豊見山和行 |author5=西里喜行 |author6=真栄平房昭 |script-title=ja:沖縄県の歴史 |trans-title=History of Okinawa Prefecture |year=2004 |publisher=Yamakawa Publishing |location=Tokyo |isbn=4-634-32470-9 |language=ja}}</ref>{{rp|14}} The earliest evidence of human activity in Okinawa includes the [[Yamashita Cave Man]], dating back approximately 32,000 years, and the [[Minatogawa Man]] from around 18,000 years ago.<ref name="rekishi" />{{rp|14}} In 2012, the world's oldest known fishhook was discovered in the [[Sakitari Cave]] site in [[Nanjō|Nanjo]] City, Okinawa Prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/files/attach/31/31818/22515_1_%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E7%9C%8C%E5%8D%97%E5%9F%8E%E5%B8%82%E3%82%B5%E3%82%AD%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AA%E6%B4%9E%E9%81%BA%E8%B7%A1%E7%99%BA%E6%8E%98%E8%AA%BF%E6%9F%BB%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A%E6%9B%B8.pdf |title=Excavation Report of the Sakitari Cave Site, Nanjo City, Okinawa |publisher=National Research Institute for Cultural Properties |access-date=August 29, 2020 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829164831/https://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/files/attach/31/31818/22515_1_%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E7%9C%8C%E5%8D%97%E5%9F%8E%E5%B8%82%E3%82%B5%E3%82%AD%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AA%E6%B4%9E%E9%81%BA%E8%B7%A1%E7%99%BA%E6%8E%98%E8%AA%BF%E6%9F%BB%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A%E6%9B%B8.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref>

The [[Shellmidden Period]] in Okinawa roughly corresponds to the [[Jōmon period|Jōmon]] through [[Heian period|Heian periods]] of mainland [[Japan]], with a chronological gap of about 10,000 years from the Paleolithic era.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=沖縄県 |title=沖縄県の縄文時代｜沖縄県公式ホームページ |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/bunkakoryu/bunkageijutsu/1009673/1009695/1009717/1009719.html |access-date=May 12, 2025 |website=沖縄県公式ホームページ |language=ja}}</ref>

At the [[Kogachibaru Shell Mound]], archaeological findings include pottery styles such as [[Sobata style pottery|Sobata]] and [[Ichiki style pottery|Ichiki]], which originate from the [[Kyushu]] region, obsidian from [[Koshidake (Japanese mountain)|Koshidake]] in [[Saga Prefecture]], and jade from [[Itoigawa]] in [[Niigata Prefecture]] used for ornamental pendants. These discoveries indicate that close exchanges with [[Kyushu]] were already taking place during this time.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=古我地原貝塚 – 沖縄県 – 行ってみよう〜全国遺跡・博物館マップ〜 |url=https://kids-kouko.com/historical_site/kyushu_okinawa/pref_okinawa/859/#:~:text=%E5%8F%A4%E6%88%91%E5%9C%B0%E5%8E%9F%E8%B2%9D%E5%A1%9A%EF%BC%88%E3%81%93%E3%81%8C,%E3%81%8C%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8F%E3%82%89%E3%82%8C%E3%81%A6%E3%81%84%E3%81%BE%E3%81%99%E3%80%82 |access-date=May 12, 2025 |website=全国こども考古学教室 |language=ja}}</ref>

However, by the middle of the [[Shellmidden Period]], Okinawan pottery began to exhibit clearly localized characteristics. Examples include the Iha and Ogido pottery styles, which are distinct to the region.<ref name=":0" />

In contrast to the Shellmidden culture of Okinawa Island, which was influenced primarily by mainland Japan, the prehistoric cultures of the [[Miyako Island|Miyako]] and [[Yaeyama Islands]] were shaped more significantly by southern cultures, including those from the [[Philippines]].<ref name="history">{{cite book |author=新城俊昭 |title=琉球・沖縄史 (History of Ryukyu and Okinawa) |publisher=東洋企画 (Toyo Planning) |year=2007 |isbn=978-4-938984-17-5 |location=Okinawa |language=ja}}</ref>{{rp|19}}

=== Gusuku and Sanzan periods ===
[[File:Katsuren Castle ruins.jpg|thumb|right|210px|Ruins of [[Katsuren Castle]]]]

From the 12th century onward, Okinawa entered the [[Gusuku Period|Gusuku period]], characterized by the development of an [[agrarian society]]. During this time, populations moved from coastal dunes to more fertile limestone plateaus, leading to significant population growth and the beginnings of international trade.<ref name="history" />{{rp|24}} Local chieftains, known as [[Aji (Ryukyu)|Aji]], constructed fortified residences called [[Gusuku]] to protect their territories and expand their influence through foreign trade.<ref name="history" />{{rp|26}} Gusuku sites are found throughout the Ryukyu Islands, from the Amami Islands in the north to the Yaeyama Islands in the south, with estimates ranging from 300 to 400 sites in total. Early Gusuku were generally small, covering about 1,000 square meters, but larger fortresses appeared in later periods.<ref name="rekishi" />{{rp|48}}

By the 14th century, Okinawa Island was divided into three polities, marking the beginning of the [[Sanzan period]]. These were the [[Kingdom of Hokuzan]], centered at [[Nakijin Castle]] in the north; the [[Chūzan|Kingdom of Chūzan]], centered at [[Urasoe Castle]] in the central region; and the [[Nanzan|Kingdom of Nanzan]], centered at [[Ōzato Castle]] in the south.<ref name="history" />{{rp|26}}

According to official histories compiled by the royal government in [[Shuri Castle|Shuri]]—such as the ''Chūzan Seikan'', ''Chūzan Seifu'', and ''Kyūyō''—the first royal lineage of Ryukyu was the legendary [[Tenson dynasty]]. After internal conflict during its 25th generation, a local Aji named [[Shunten]] from [[Urasoe, Okinawa|Urasoe]] was supported by the people, quelled the unrest, and was crowned as the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom.<ref name="history" />{{rp|30}} However, these early historical accounts are heavily mythologized, and even if Shunten was a real historical figure, he likely ruled only the Urasoe area as an Aji.<ref name="history" />{{rp|30}} The Shunten dynasty lasted for three generations before being overthrown by the [[Eiso dynasty]], which in turn was replaced by the [[Satto dynasty]] after four generations. By this time, Okinawa Island had effectively split into the three kingdoms of Hokuzan, Chūzan, and Nanzan.<ref name="history" />{{rp|34}}

In 1372, the Ming dynasty of China dispatched an envoy, [[Yang Zai]], to the Kingdom of Chūzan, requesting the king, [[Satto]], to enter into a tributary relationship. Satto agreed, and soon after, the kings of Nanzan (Chōsatto) and Hokuzan (Hanishi) also began paying tribute to the Ming court, bringing all three kingdoms into the [[Chinese tributary system]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|36}}

In 1406, the Aji of Sashiki, [[Shō Hashi]], overthrew King [[Bunei]] of the Satto dynasty and installed his father, [[Shō Shishō]], as king, establishing the [[First Shō Dynasty]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|42}} In 1416, Shō Hashi capitalized on dissatisfaction among the Aji of Hokuzan with their king, [[Hananchi]], and conquered the kingdom. The Kingdom of Nanzan, plagued by internal conflict under the rule of [[Tarumoi]], was defeated by Shō Hashi in 1429, completing the unification of Okinawa Island under the Chūzan Kingdom.<ref name="history" />{{rp|42}}

=== Ryukyu Kingdom period ===
{{main|Ryukyu Kingdom}}

[[File:Enkaku-ji(Shuri)200703.jpg|thumb|left|210px|[[Enkaku-ji (Naha)|Enkaku-ji]], the royal mausoleum temple of the Second Shō Dynasty]]

The [[First Shō Dynasty]] experienced political instability due to the early deaths of several kings. After the death of the fifth king, [[Shō Kinpuku]], a succession dispute known as the [[Shirii-Tumui rebellion]] broke out. Order was eventually restored when [[Shō Taikyū]] ascended as the sixth king.<ref name="history" />{{rp|45}} During his reign, another major conflict, the [[Gosamaru–Amawari rebellion]], occurred, but Shō Taikyū was able to suppress it.<ref name="history" />{{rp|46}} His successor, King [[Shō Toku]], was known as a tyrant. After his death, a coup led by royal officials installed the high-ranking bureaucrat Kanemaru as king.<ref name="rekishi" />{{rp|89}} Kanemaru took the royal name [[Shō En]], founding the [[Second Shō Dynasty]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|48}}

Under the rule of the third king of the dynasty, [[Shō Shin]], a centralized administration was firmly established. Shō Shin relocated powerful regional chieftains (Aji) to the capital of [[Shuri, Okinawa|Shuri]] and appointed state officials to govern the provinces directly. The territorial extent of the Ryukyu Kingdom also expanded, covering the area from the [[Amami Islands]] in the north to the [[Yaeyama Islands]] in the south.<ref name="history" />{{rp|48}} Culturally, this era was a golden age for the kingdom, with significant development in the arts, religion, and architecture.<ref name="history" />{{rp|53}}

By actively participating in the [[Tributary system of China|tribute system]] with the [[Ming dynasty]], the Ryukyu Kingdom received preferential treatment and became a key intermediary trading hub in East Asia. Many of the tribute goods presented to China originated from Japan, while Chinese goods were exported to Japan through Ryukyu.<ref name="history" />{{rp|56}} Southeast Asia, China, and Japan were Ryukyu's primary trade partners,<ref name="history" />{{rp|59}} and the kingdom also maintained trade with the [[Korean Peninsula]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|58}} However, Ryukyu's significance as a trade hub declined in the 16th century with the [[Age of Discovery]], as Portuguese and Spanish merchants entered East Asia, and China gradually relaxed its maritime prohibition policies.<ref name="history" />{{rp|60}}

The [[Miyako Islands]] and [[Yaeyama Islands]] had long been politically fragmented. In 1474, local strongman [[Nakasone Toyomiya]] of Miyako Island submitted to the Ryukyu Kingdom, bringing the island under centralized control.<ref name="history" />{{rp|64}} In 1500, Ryukyuan forces defeated [[Oyake Akahachi]], the ruler of [[Ishigaki Island]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|66}} In 1522, Nakasone Toyomiya conquered [[Yonaguni Island]], completing the unification of the Yaeyama Islands under Ryukyuan rule.<ref name="history" />{{rp|68}} The Amami Islands in the north also came under Ryukyuan control by 1466.<ref name="history" />{{rp|70}}

In 1609, the [[Shimazu clan]] of the [[Satsuma Domain]] invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom in what is known as the [[Invasion of Ryukyu]]. King [[Shō Nei]] surrendered, and the kingdom became a vassal state under Satsuma's control. The Amami Islands were ceded to Satsuma as part of the settlement.<ref name="rekishi" />{{rp|133}} While Ryukyu was partially integrated into Japan's feudal [[han system]], it continued to function as a nominally independent kingdom and maintained its tributary relationship with China.<ref name="history" />{{rp|85}}Ryukyuan sovereignty was maintained since complete annexation would have created a conflict with China. The Satsuma clan earned considerable profits from trade with China during a period in which foreign trade was heavily restricted by the shogunate. Although Satsuma maintained strong influence over the islands, the Ryukyu Kingdom maintained a considerable degree of domestic political freedom for over two hundred years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=琉球王国とは |url=https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/about/186 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=首里城公園 Official Site |language=ja}}</ref>

In the mid-17th century, the Ryukyuan reformer [[Haneji Chōshū]] implemented significant political and social reforms promoting pro-Japanese policies.<ref name="rekishi" />{{rp|152}} In the mid-18th century, [[Sai On]], a statesman and scholar, continued these reforms and greatly improved the internal administration of the kingdom.<ref name="history" />{{rp|101}}

In 1816, two British ships visited Ryukyu but made no demands for trade or missionary activity.<ref name="history" />{{rp|131}} In 1844, France became the first European country to officially request trade with Ryukyu.<ref name="history" />{{rp|132}} In 1853, [[Commodore Matthew Perry]] of the United States [[East India Squadron]] stopped in Ryukyu prior to his negotiations with the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan.<ref name="history" />{{rp|138}}

=== First Okinawa Prefecture period ===
[[File:Okinawa 01.jpg|thumb|right|210px|U.S. troops landing in Okinawa]]

Following the [[Meiji Restoration]], Japan began its modernization process by abolishing the [[han system]] and establishing prefectures in 1871. That same year, the [[Mudan Incident]] occurred when a Ryukyuan ship drifted to [[Geography of Taiwan|Taiwan]] and its crew was killed by local indigenous people. This event became a pretext for Japan to assert control over the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1872, Japan reclassified the kingdom as the [[Ryukyu Domain]], a move known as the [[Ryukyu Disposition]]. To avoid backlash from the [[Qing dynasty]] and Ryukyuan royalty, the Meiji government initially designated Ryukyu as a "domain" rather than a "prefecture", a designation that had already been abolished in mainland Japan.<ref name="history" />{{rp|147}}

In 1874, another Ryukyuan shipwreck incident led to the [[Taiwan Expedition of 1874]] (the [[Botan War]]), in which Japan dispatched troops to Taiwan. During post-conflict negotiations, the Qing acknowledged Japan's actions as "a righteous act of protecting its people." Japan interpreted this as de facto recognition of Ryukyu as Japanese territory and subsequently ordered the Ryukyu Domain to cease its tribute missions to China. This triggered internal division within the Ryukyuan court between pro-Japan and pro-China factions.<ref name="history" />{{rp|151}}

In March 1879, the Japanese government officially abolished the Ryukyu Domain and established Okinawa Prefecture, relocating King [[Shō Tai]] to [[Tokyo]]. Some Ryukyuan nobles and civilians fled to China and appealed to the Qing government to restore the Ryukyu Kingdom. Resistance in the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands was especially strong, culminating in the [[Kōchi Incident]], in which locals killed a Japanese interpreter. However, the rebellion was eventually suppressed.<ref name="history" />{{rp|151}}

The Qing dynasty invited former U.S. President [[Ulysses S. Grant]] to mediate the dispute. Grant proposed a compromise in which the Okinawa Islands would go to Japan, while the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands would be ceded to China. The Qing countered with a plan that would return the Ryukyu Kingdom to the Okinawa Islands, assign the Amami Islands to Japan, and annex the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands to China. Ultimately, the negotiations failed. After the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] (1894–1895), the Qing ceded [[Taiwan]] to Japan and lost influence in the region, silencing calls for the restoration of Ryukyu.<ref name="history" />{{rp|154}}

In the early years of direct Japanese rule, a policy known as the {{nihongo|Old Customs Preservation Policy|旧慣温存政策|Kyūkan Onzon Seisaku}} was implemented, maintaining Ryukyuan land and tax systems, which slowed Okinawa's modernization.<ref name="history" />{{rp|156}} After the First Sino-Japanese War, Japan replaced this policy with an assimilation strategy, accelerating Okinawa's Japanization. However, Okinawa's strategic and economic importance declined, particularly after Taiwan became Japan's new southern frontier and sugar-producing center.<ref name="history" />{{rp|161}}

In the 20th century, Japan undertook major land reforms and prioritized sugar production in Okinawa, though economic development remained far behind mainland Japan.<ref name="history" />{{rp|164}} Transportation infrastructure also modernized, with new roads, railways, and ferry routes to the Japanese mainland established in the early 1900s.<ref name="history" />{{rp|182}} During the early [[Taishō era]], Okinawa briefly prospered as sugar prices soared due to [[World War I]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|187}} However, by the late Taishō and early [[Shōwa era]], the [[Great Depression]] struck, causing widespread famine. Many impoverished farmers resorted to eating the toxic [[cycad]] plant to survive, in what became known as the "Cycad Hell" ({{nihongo|Sotetsu Jigoku|蘇鉄地獄}}).<ref name="100 years">{{cite book |author1=金城正篤 |author2=上原兼善 |author3=秋山勝 |author4=仲地哲夫 |author5=大城将保 |script-title=ja:沖縄県の百年 |trans-title=One Hundred Years of Okinawa Prefecture |publisher=Yamakawa Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=4-634-27470-1 |location=Tokyo |language=ja}}</ref>{{rp|153}} Many Okinawans migrated to mainland Japan or abroad. Between 1923 and 1930, Okinawans accounted for 10% of all Japanese emigrants. Remittances from overseas workers contributed 40% to 65% of the prefecture's annual budget.<ref name="history" />{{rp|190}}

In the 1930s, Japan increasingly pursued a path of militarism. By the 1940s, Okinawa Prefecture was integrated into the wartime regime. The government enforced standard Japanese language use and replaced traditional Ryukyuan name pronunciations with Japanese ones as part of a broader [[Japanization|imperial assimilation policy]].<ref name="history" />{{rp|209}}

In 1943, the Japanese military began seizing land in Okinawa to build airbases. In 1944, the [[Thirty-Second Army (Japan)|32nd Army]] was stationed in Okinawa, requisitioning resources from civilians and initiating evacuations to mainland Japan and Taiwan.<ref name="history" />{{rp|214}} In August 1944, the evacuation ship [[Tsushima Maru]], carrying about 1,700 evacuees, was sunk by an American submarine, resulting in 1,476 deaths.<ref name="history" />{{rp|215}} In October that same year, Naha was bombed in the [[10-10 air raids]], destroying 90% of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nahaken-okn.ed.jp/watashi/sougo/4okinawasen/3kusyu.html |title=The 10-10 Air Raid and the War in Naha City |publisher=Naha City Education Institute |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824072342/http://www.nahaken-okn.ed.jp/watashi/sougo/4okinawasen/3kusyu.html }}</ref>

In 1945, Okinawa became the site of the largest ground battle on Japanese soil during the [[Pacific War]]. The [[Battle of Okinawa]] resulted in the deaths of approximately 12,520 American soldiers and an estimated 200,000 Japanese personnel, including military and civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=総務省｜一般戦災死没者の追悼｜沖縄県における戦災の状況（沖縄県） |url=https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/daijinkanbou/sensai/situation/state/okinawa_04.html |access-date=June 29, 2025 |website=総務省 |language=ja}}</ref>

The [[United States military]] landed on the coast of Yomitan Village, Okinawa Island, on April 1 and quickly secured control over the northern half of the island. The Japanese forces, facing overwhelming American attacks, retreated to the southern part of the island. [[Shuri Castle]], which served as the headquarters of the Japanese command, was destroyed, and on June 23, organized resistance ended with the suicide of Lieutenant General Mitsuru Ushijima, the commanding officer of the Okinawan defense forces, and other high-ranking staff at Mabuni.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NHK |title=「戦争」を学ぶ短編動画｜戦争｜NHKアーカイブス |url=https://www2.nhk.or.jp/archives/movies/?id=D0001500006_00000 |access-date=June 29, 2025 |website=「戦争」を学ぶ短編動画｜戦争｜NHKアーカイブス |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=沖縄市 |title=沖縄戦の実相 |url=https://www.city.okinawa.okinawa.jp/k015/shiseijouhou/gaiyou/hewajigyou/heiwanohi/2524/2526.html |access-date=June 29, 2025 |website=沖縄市 |language=ja}}</ref>

Over approximately three months of intense fighting, a large number of civilians were killed as a result of American [[Naval gunfire support|naval bombardment]] that affected residential areas, extensive [[Airstrike|aerial bombing]], and the use of flamethrowers against natural caves (gama) and civilian air-raid shelters. Additionally, there were numerous instances of group suicides among civilians, driven in part by fear of American capture. It is estimated that one in four residents of Okinawa perished, and the island was left devastated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2023 |title=【そもそも解説】沖縄戦で何が起きた 住民巻き込んだ「地獄」の戦場：朝日新聞 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASQ6P6HHDQ6PTIPE00R.html?iref=ogimage_rek |access-date=June 29, 2025 |website=朝日新聞 |language=ja}}</ref><ref name="history" />

=== Postwar disposition disputes ===
During World War II, the [[Allies of World War II|Allied powers]] engaged in multiple rounds of discussions regarding the postwar status of the Ryukyu Islands. At the [[Cairo Conference]] in 1943, U.S. President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] proactively raised the issue of Ryukyu's sovereignty, suggesting that China might administer the islands after the war. However, Chinese leader [[Chiang Kai-shek]] responded only cautiously, proposing instead a joint occupation and international trusteeship. As a result, the [[1943 Cairo Declaration|Cairo Declaration]] made no explicit reference to the Ryukyus, instead stating that territories such as [[Taiwan]] and the [[Pescadores]]—seized by Japan—should be returned to China. Historians believe Chiang hesitated because he was unsure whether Roosevelt's offer was sincere or a diplomatic probe, and because the wartime [[Nationalist government]] relied heavily on American support and wished to avoid a territorial dispute.

As the Pacific War progressed, the U.S. military increasingly emphasized the strategic importance of the Ryukyus. In 1944, some U.S. officials proposed exclusive control of the islands to serve as a bulwark against Soviet expansion and threats from the Asian mainland. Roosevelt reportedly expressed to [[Joseph Stalin]] his support for returning the Ryukyus to China, but no formal agreements emerged from the Cairo, [[Yalta Conference|Yalta]], or [[Potsdam Conference|Potsdam]] meetings. The [[Potsdam Declaration]] stated only that Japanese sovereignty would be limited to the islands of [[Honshu]], [[Kyushu]], [[Shikoku]], and [[Hokkaido]], while other territories—including the Ryukyus—would be subject to future decisions by the Allied powers.<ref name="houyi">{{cite journal|last=Hou|first=Yi|title=The Post-WWII Disposition of the Ryukyu Issue and the Origin of the Diaoyu Islands Dispute|journal=China's Borderland History and Geography Studies|volume=25|issue=4|date=December 2015|pages=124–132|publisher=Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences|language=zh}}</ref><ref name="anchengri">{{cite journal|last1=An|first1=Chengri|last2=Li|first2=Jinbo|title=On the Formation of U.S. Trusteeship Policy Over Okinawa After WWII (Part 1)|journal=Journal of Beihua University (Social Science Edition)|volume=12|issue=6|date=December 2011|pages=61–66|publisher=Beihua University|language=zh}}</ref>

After the war, the Nationalist government of China recognized the strategic value of the Ryukyu Islands and proposed a joint trusteeship with the United States for a period of five to ten years. Later proposals included allowing the U.S. to establish bases on some islands, indicating a willingness to compromise and an understanding that the U.S. would not readily transfer sovereignty to China. Chinese domestic opinion was divided: some called for an independent Ryukyuan state, others demanded the full incorporation of the Ryukyus into Chinese territory. Most emphasized the islands' strategic importance as a buffer zone and argued they should not fall into the hands of another power.<ref name="houyi"/>

In 1946, the [[United States Department of State]] advocated for the return of the Ryukyus to Japan, citing anti-expansion principles and concerns over economic burdens. In contrast, the U.S. military proposed that the islands be designated as a "strategic trust territory," with Okinawa Island declared a "strategic area." Military leaders argued that the high cost of American lives during the [[Battle of Okinawa]] justified permanent military governance as compensation for their sacrifice. After internal debate, the plan was formalized in SWNCC 59 / 1, which proposed placing Okinawa under U.S. military administration rather than returning it to Japan, using trusteeship arrangements to sidestep sovereignty issues. The directives [[SCAPIN-677]] and [[SCAPIN-841]] established the legal and administrative basis for U.S. jurisdiction south of the 29th parallel north, forming the framework for postwar American control.<ref name="anchengri"/>

===U.S. administration (1945–1972)===
On April 1, 1945, the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] launched an [[Battle of Okinawa|invasion of Okinawa]] with approximately 185,000 troops. They encountered determined and intense resistance from the Japanese defenders, but the U.S. emerged victorious on June 22. During the fighting, approximately one-third of Okinawa's civilian population lost their lives. The dead, of all nationalities, are commemorated at the [[Cornerstone of Peace]].<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ja:平和の礎（いしじ） |url=https://heiwa-irei-okinawa.jp/facility/heiwanoishiji/ |access-date=April 12, 2025 |script-website=ja:沖縄県営平和祈念公園 |language=ja}}</ref>

During the battle of Okinawa, U.S. fleet admiral [[Chester Nimitz]] had issued an order on 5 April 1945, declaring the suspension of the Japanese administration in Okinawa and the establishment of the [[United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands]] (USMGR). The [[United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands]] was later established in 1950 to replace the USMGR, and the U.S. administration of Okinawa was later formalized in 1952, when the [[Treaty of San Francisco]] came into effect.<ref>{{Cite journal |author= 高良 鉄美 |script-title=ja:憲法の「地方自治の本旨」と復帰前の米国民政府と琉球政府との関係 |script-journal=ja:琉大法学 |volume=96 |issue= |publisher=琉球大学法文学部・大学院法務研究科 |date=March 2017 |pages=1-23 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12000/36712}}</ref>

====Continued U.S. military buildup====
During the [[Korean War]], [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress|B-29 Superfortresses]] flew bombing missions over Korea from [[Kadena Air Base]] on Okinawa. The military buildup on the island during the [[Cold War]] increased a division between local inhabitants and the American military. Under the 1952 [[Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan]], [[United States Forces Japan]] (USFJ) have maintained a large military presence.

During the mid-1950s, the U.S. seized land from Okinawans to build new bases or expand currently existing ones. According to the Melvin Price Report, by 1955, the military had displaced 250,000 residents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ryukyu-okinawa.net/pages/archive/price.html|title=The Melvin Price Report|last=Special Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee, House of Representatives|date=1955|website=via Ryukyu-Okinawa History and Culture Website|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806025243/http://ryukyu-okinawa.net/pages/archive/price.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Secret U.S. deployment of nuclear weapons====
Since 1960, the U.S. and Japan have maintained an agreement that allows the U.S. to secretly bring nuclear weapons into Japanese ports.<ref name="NHK01">{{cite web |url= http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/japan/okinawa/okinawa.htm |title= Revelations in Newly Released Documents about U.S. Nuclear Weapons and Okinawa Fuel; NHK Documentary |date= May 14, 1997 |first= Robert A. |last= Wampler |website=George Washington University |access-date= February 11, 2018 |archive-date= January 16, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130116025521/http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/japan/okinawa/okinawa.htm |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="NHK02">{{cite web |title= Memorandum, Ambassador Brown to Secretary Rogers, 4/29/69, Subject: NSC Meeting April 30 – Policy Toward Japan: Briefing Memorandum (Secret), with attached |website=George Washington University |page= 1 |url= https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//japan/okinawa/oki1_a.htm |date= April 30, 1969 |access-date= February 11, 2018 |archive-date= February 13, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021557/https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//japan/okinawa/oki1_a.htm |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="NHK03">{{cite web |title= NSSM 5 – Japan, Table of Contents and Part III: Okinawa Reversion (Secret) |website=George Washington University |page= 22|url= https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//japan/okinawa/oki3_f.htm|year= 1969|access-date= February 11, 2018|archive-date= August 25, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170825014344/http://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/japan/okinawa/oki3_f.htm|url-status= live}}</ref> The Japanese people tended to oppose the introduction of nuclear arms into Japanese territory;<ref name="NHK04">{{cite web |title= Memorandum of Conversation, Nixon/Sato, 11/19/69 (Top Secret/Sensitive) |website=George Washington University |page= 2|url= https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu//japan/okinawa/oki5_b.htm|date= November 19, 1969|access-date= February 11, 2018|archive-date= August 25, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170825011212/http://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/japan/okinawa/oki5_b.htm|url-status= live}}</ref> the Japanese government's assertion of [[Japan's non-nuclear weapons policy|Japan's non-nuclear policy]] and a statement of the [[Three Non-Nuclear Principles]] reflected this popular opposition. Most of the weapons were alleged to be stored in ammunition bunkers at Kadena Air Base.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apjjf.org/2013/11/1/Jon-Mitchell/3883/article.html|title="Herbicide Stockpile" at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa: 1971 U.S. Army report on Agent Orange {{!}} The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus|last=Journal|first=The Asia Pacific|website=apjjf.org|date=January 7, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816141552/https://apjjf.org/2013/11/1/Jon-Mitchell/3883/article.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 1954 and 1972, 19 different types of nuclear weapons were deployed in Okinawa, but with fewer than around 1,000 warheads at any one time.<ref name="NHK05">{{cite journal|last1=Norris|first1=Robert S.|last2=Arkin|first2=William M.|author-link2=William Arkin|last3=Burr|first3=William|author-link3=William Burr|title=Where They Were|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|date=November 1999|volume=55|issue=6|pages=26–35|doi=10.2968/055006011|url=https://www.archives.gov/declassification/pidb/meetings/where-they-were.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623080403/http://www.archives.gov/declassification/pidb/meetings/where-they-were.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=June 23, 2013}}</ref> In fall 1960, U.S. commandos in [[Green Light Teams]] secret training missions carried small nuclear weapons on the east coast of Okinawa Island.<ref>Annie Jacobsen, "Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins", (New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2019), p. 102</ref>

==== Vietnam War ====
[[File:Map of US Military Bases in Okinawa in 1969.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Map of U.S. military bases on [[Okinawa Island]] in 1969]]

Between 1965 and 1972, Okinawa was a key staging point for United States in its military operations directed towards North Vietnam. Along with Guam, it presented a geographically strategic launch pad for covert bombing missions over Cambodia and Laos.<ref>John Morrocco. Rain of Fire. (United States: Boston Publishing Company), pg 14</ref> Anti-[[Vietnam War]] sentiment became linked politically to the movement for reversion of Okinawa to Japan. In 1965, the U.S. military bases, earlier viewed as paternal post war protection, were increasingly seen as aggressive. The Vietnam War highlighted the differences between United States and Okinawa but showed a commonality between the islands and mainland Japan.<ref name="NYT65">{{cite news|first=Robert|last=Trumbull|newspaper=The New York Times|title=OKINAWA B-52'S ANGER JAPANESE: Bombing of Vietnam From Island Stirs Public Outcry.|date=August 1, 1965|url=http://0-www.proquest.com.mercury.concordia.ca/|access-date=September 27, 2009|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209143838/http://0-www.proquest.com.mercury.concordia.ca/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As controversy grew regarding the alleged placement of nuclear weapons on Okinawa, fears intensified over the escalation of the Vietnam War. Okinawa was perceived by some inside Japan as a potential target for China, should the communist government feel threatened by United States.<ref>Mori, Kyozo, Two Ends of a Telescope Japanese and American Views of Okinawa, Japan Quarterly, 15:1 (1968:Jan./Mar.) p.17</ref> American military secrecy blocked any local reporting on what was actually occurring at bases such as Kadena Air Base. As information leaked out, and images of air strikes were published, the local population began to fear the potential for retaliation.<ref name="NYT65" />

Political leaders such as [[Makoto Oda]], a major figure in the [[Beheiren]] movement (Foundation of Citizens for Peace in Vietnam), believed that the return of Okinawa to Japan would lead to the removal of U.S. forces, ending Japan's involvement in Vietnam.<ref name="Havens, T. R. H. 1987 Pg 120">Havens, T. R. H. (1987) Fire Across the Sea: The Vietnam War and Japan, 1965–1975. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Pg 120</ref> In a speech delivered in 1967, Oda was critical of Prime Minister [[Eisaku Satō]]'s unilateral support of America's war in Vietnam, claiming "Realistically we are all guilty of complicity in the Vietnam War".<ref name="Havens, T. R. H. 1987 Pg 120" /> The Beheiren became a more visible anti-war movement on Okinawa as the American involvement in Vietnam intensified. The movement employed tactics ranging from demonstrations to handing leaflets to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines directly, warning of the implications for a third World War.<ref>Havens, T. R. H. (1987) Fire Across the Sea: The Vietnam War and Japan, 1965–1975. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Pg 123</ref>

The U.S. military bases on Okinawa became a focal point for [[Opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War|anti-Vietnam War]] sentiment. By 1969, over 50,000 American military personnel were stationed on Okinawa.<ref>Christopher T. Sanders (2000) America's Overseas Garrisons the Leasehold Empire Oxford University Press PG 164</ref> [[United States Department of Defense]] began referring to Okinawa as the "Keystone of the Pacific". This slogan was imprinted on local U.S. military license plates.<ref>Havens, T. R. H. (1987) Fire Across the Sea: The Vietnam War and Japan, 1965–1975. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press Pg 88</ref>

In 1969, chemicals leaked from the U.S. storage depot at Chibana in central Okinawa, under [[Operation Red Hat]]. Evacuations of residents took place over a wide area for two months. Even two years later, government investigators found that Okinawans and the environment near the leak were still suffering because of the depot.<ref name="APJ2014">{{cite journal|first=Steve|last=Rabson|url=http://www.japanfocus.org/-Steve-Rabson/3884|title=Okinawa's Henoko was a 'Storage Location' for Nuclear Weapons: Published Accounts|journal=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus|volume=11|issue=1(6)|access-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213003429/http://japanfocus.org//-Steve-Rabson/3884|archive-date=February 13, 2013}}</ref>

On May 15, 1972, the U.S. government returned the islands to Japan following the signing of the [[1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ChGQAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA449 |title=Reversion to Japan of the Ryukyu and Daito Islands, official text |access-date=August 5, 2014 |year=1973 |last1=States |first1=United |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101093357/https://books.google.com/books?id=ChGQAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA449 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Post-reversion history (1972–present)===
[[File:US military bases in Okinawa.svg|thumb|U.S. military facilities on Okinawa Island (in red)]]
The U.S. Marine Corps buried a massive stockpile of Agent Orange at the Futenma air station in Okinawa, seriously sickening the base's former head of maintenance and potentially contaminating nearby residents and the ground beneath the base. The barrels were abandoned in Okinawa at the end of the Vietnam War – when the U.S. government banned the dioxin-laden defoliant for health reasons — and were buried at the installation in the city of Ginowan after the Pentagon ignored repeated requests to safely dispose of them, according to the veterans who served at the installation in the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mitchell |first=Jon |date=June 2012 |title=Agent Orange at Okinawa's Futenma Base in 1980s |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/asia-pacific-journal/article/agent-orange-at-okinawas-futenma-base-in-1980s/17858E640CE3B9849C7E3B6349F1B6B7 |journal=Asia-Pacific Journal |language=en |volume=10 |issue=25 |pages=e3 |doi=10.1017/S155746601203269X |issn=1557-4660|doi-access=free }}</ref> The [[1995 Okinawa rape incident|1995 kidnaping, beating, and rape]] of a 12-year-old girl by three U.S. servicemen triggered widespread protests in Okinawa. Reports by the local media of accidents and crimes committed by U.S. servicemen have reduced the local population's support for the U.S. military bases. A strong emotional response has emerged from certain incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2024 |title=US soldier charged in Okinawa for rape of minor |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwwdyye4vgo |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Documents declassified in 1997 proved that both tactical and strategic weapons have been maintained in Okinawa.<ref name="APJ2014" /> In 1999 and 2002, the ''Japan Times'' and the ''Okinawa Times'' reported speculation that not all weapons were removed from Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20020515b9.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606022049/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20020515b9.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |title=Nuclear pact ensured smooth Okinawa reversion |date=May 15, 2002 |work=The Japan Times |first=Eric |last=Johnston }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155511/http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/edi/19990516.html 疑惑が晴れるのはいつか]{{in lang|ja}}, Okinawa Times, May 16, 1999</ref> On October 25, 2005, after a decade of negotiations, the governments of the U.S. and Japan officially agreed to move [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]] from its location in the densely populated city of [[Ginowan, Okinawa|Ginowan]] to the more northerly and remote [[Camp Schwab]] in [[Nago]] by building a heliport with a shorter runway, partly on Camp Schwab land and partly running into the sea.<ref name="economist">{{cite news |date=October 27, 2005 |title=No home where the dugong roam |url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5097132 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905210944/http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5097132 |archive-date=September 5, 2006 |access-date=September 7, 2006 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |quote=some of the bloodiest campaigns anywhere in the second world war were fought in Okinawa, and a third of the civilian population died.}}</ref> The move is partly an attempt to relieve tensions between the people of Okinawa and the Marine Corps.

Despite Okinawa prefecture constituting only 0.6% of Japan's land surface, in 2006 75% of all USFJ bases were located on Okinawa, occupying 18% of the main island.<ref name="economist" /><ref name="USMilitaryBases">[http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/hakusho_data/2006/2006/html/i4262000.html 沖縄に所在する在日米軍施設・区域] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001004730/http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/hakusho_data/2006/2006/html/i4262000.html |date=October 1, 2007 }}{{in lang|ja}}, Japan Ministry of Defense</ref>

In a poll conducted by ''The Asahi Shimbun'' in May 2010, 43% of the Okinawan population wanted the complete closure of the U.S. bases, 42% wanted reduction, and 11% wanted to maintain the status quo. Okinawan feelings about the U.S. military are complex.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2010 |title=asahi.com ī ʹ ҡˡ ŷ ְ ߼ ˡ ̱ ȿ С ī ʹ Ĵ –      |url=http://www.asahi.com/politics/update/0513/SEB201005130037.html |access-date=April 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523062343/http://www.asahi.com/politics/update/0513/SEB201005130037.html |archive-date=May 23, 2010 }}</ref>

In early 2008, U.S. Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] apologized after a series of crimes involving American troops in Japan, including the rape of a young girl of 14 by a Marine on Okinawa. The U.S. military imposed a temporary 24-hour curfew on military personnel and their families to ease the anger of local residents.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/28/japan.usa |title=Rice says sorry for US troop behaviour on Okinawa as crimes shake alliance with Japan |date=February 28, 2008 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |access-date=December 17, 2016 |archive-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308040714/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/28/japan.usa |url-status=live }}</ref> Some cited statistics that the crime rate of military personnel is consistently less than that of the general Okinawan population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20080226zg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305003905/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20080226zg.html |archive-date=March 5, 2008 |title=U.S. military crime: SOFA so good?The stats offer some surprises in wake of the latest Okinawa rape claim |first=Michael |last=Hassett |date=February 26, 2008 |work=The Japan Times}}</ref> However, some criticized the statistics as unreliable, since violence against women is under-reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.genuinesecurity.org/partners/report/Okinawa.pdf |title=Okinawa: Effects of long-term US Military presence |access-date=October 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726082729/http://www.genuinesecurity.org/partners/report/Okinawa.pdf |archive-date=July 26, 2011 }}</ref> Between 1972 and 2009, U.S. servicemen committed 5,634 criminal offenses, including 25 murders, 385 burglaries, 25 arsons, 127 rapes, 306 assaults and 2,827 thefts.<ref name="Guardian110307">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/07/okinawa-japan-military-tension |title=Second battle of Okinawa looms as China's naval ambition grows |date=March 11, 2011 |first=David |last=Hearst |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |access-date=December 17, 2016 |archive-date=August 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801003102/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/07/okinawa-japan-military-tension |url-status=live }}</ref> Yet, per [[Marine Corps Installations Pacific]] data, U.S. service members are convicted of far fewer crimes than local Okinawans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Documents/Ethos.pdf|title=米国海兵隊： 品位と名誉の精神|publisher=Marine Corps Installations Pacific Ethos Data|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223233725/http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Documents/Ethos.pdf|archive-date=December 23, 2016 }}</ref>

In 2009, a new Japanese government came to power and froze the U.S. forces relocation plan but in April 2010 indicated their interest in resolving the issue by proposing a modified plan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Japan moves to settle dispute with U.S. over Okinawa base relocation |first=John |last=Pomfret |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 24, 2010 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/23/AR2010042305080.html |access-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029191659/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/23/AR2010042305080.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A study done in 2010 found that the prolonged exposure to aircraft noise around the Kadena Air Base and other military bases cause health issues such as a disrupted sleep pattern, high blood pressure, weakening of the immune system in children, and a loss of hearing.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cox|first=Rupert|date=December 1, 2010|title=The Sound of Freedom: US Military Aircraft Noise in Okinawa, Japan|journal=Anthropology News|language=en|volume=51|issue=9|pages=13–14|doi=10.1111/j.1556-3502.2010.51913.x|issn=1556-3502|url=https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/the-sound-of-freedom-us-military-aircraft-noise-in-okinawa(bd1a3f91-6c6c-46e5-a214-db1378c92156).html|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-date=March 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311061041/https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/the-sound-of-freedom-us-military-aircraft-noise-in-okinawa(bd1a3f91-6c6c-46e5-a214-db1378c92156).html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, it was reported that the U.S. military—contrary to repeated denials by [[The Pentagon]]—had kept tens of thousands of barrels of [[Agent Orange]] on the island. The Japanese and American governments have angered some U.S. veterans, who believe they were poisoned by Agent Orange while serving on the island, by characterizing their statements regarding Agent Orange as "dubious", and ignoring their requests for compensation. Reports that more than a third of the barrels developed leaks have led Okinawans to ask for environmental investigations, but {{As of|2012|lc=y}} both Tokyo and Washington refused such action.<ref>Jon Mitchell, [http://www.japanfocus.org/-Jon-Mitchell/3838 "Agent Orange on Okinawa – The Smoking Gun: U.S. army report, photographs show 25,000 barrels on island in early '70s"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123192055/http://japanfocus.org/-Jon-Mitchell/3838 |date=January 23, 2013 }}, ''The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus'', Vol 11, Issue 1, No. 6, January 14, 2012.</ref> [[Jon Mitchell (journalist)|Jon Mitchell]] has reported concern that the U.S. used American Marines as chemical-agent guinea pigs.<ref>Jon Mitchell, [http://www.japanfocus.org/-Jon-Mitchell/3868 "Were U.S marines used as guinea pigs on Okinawa?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213121129/http://japanfocus.org/-Jon-Mitchell/3868 |date=February 13, 2013 }} ''The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus'', Vol 10, Issue 51, No. 2, December 17, 2012.</ref>

On September 30, 2018, [[Denny Tamaki]] was elected as the next governor of Okinawa prefecture, after a campaign focused on sharply reducing the U.S. military presence on the island.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/opponent-of-us-military-bases-wins-okinawa-gubernatorial-election/2018/09/30/18f13d5a-c36a-11e8-9451-e878f96be19b_story.html?noredirect=on|title=Opponent of U.S. Military bases wins Okinawa gubernatorial election|first=Simon|last=Denyer|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 30, 2018|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030311/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/opponent-of-us-military-bases-wins-okinawa-gubernatorial-election/2018/09/30/18f13d5a-c36a-11e8-9451-e878f96be19b_story.html?noredirect=on|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Marine Corps Air Station Futenma relocation ====
{{Main|Relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma}}

In 2006, some 8,000 U.S. Marines were removed from the island and relocated to [[Guam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=15356|publisher=DOD|work=American Forces Press Service|author=Steven Donald Smith|title=Eight Thousand U.S. Marines to Move From Okinawa to Guam|date=April 26, 2006|access-date=August 1, 2014|archive-date=September 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924194813/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=15356}}</ref> The move to [[Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz]] was expected to be completed in 2023 but as of January 1, 2025, is still in process. Japan paid for a majority of the cost to construct the new base.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/usa-japan-okinawa-idUKL2E8FR0D920120427 |title=U.S., Japan unveil revised plan for Okinawa |date=April 27, 2012 |newspaper=Reuters |access-date=April 28, 2012 |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620150431/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/04/27/usa-japan-okinawa-idUKL2E8FR0D920120427 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.japan-press.co.jp/2009/2644/USF4.html|title=A closer look at U.S. Futenma base's 'relocation' issue|publisher=Japan Press Weekly|date=November 1, 2009|access-date=July 31, 2016|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113122927/https://www.japan-press.co.jp/2009/2644/USF4.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The U.S. still maintains Air Force, Marine, Navy, and Army military installations on the islands. These bases include [[Kadena Air Base]], [[Camp Foster]], [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]], [[Camp Hansen]], [[Camp Schwab]], [[Torii Station]], [[Camp Kinser]], and [[Camp Gonsalves]]. The area of 14 U.S. bases are {{convert|233|km2|sqmi|0}}, occupying 18% of the main island. Okinawa hosts about two-thirds of the 50,000 American forces in Japan although the islands account for less than one percent of total lands in Japan.<ref name="USMilitaryBases" />

Suburbs have grown towards and now surround two historic major bases, Futenma and Kadena. A sizable portion of the land used by the U.S. military is Camp Gonsalves in the north of the island.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2012/08/19/travel/rumbles-in-the-jungle/#.V53t7COLTZs| title=Rumbles in the jungle| newspaper=The Japan Times Online| date=August 19, 2012| last1=Mitchell| first1=Jon| access-date=July 31, 2016| archive-date=September 10, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910165311/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2012/08/19/travel/rumbles-in-the-jungle/#.V53t7COLTZs| url-status=live}}</ref> On December 21, 2016, 10,000 acres of Camp Gonsalves were returned to Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.war.gov/News/Article/Article/1036252/us-returns-10000-acres-of-okinawan-training-area-to-japan|title=U.S. Returns 10,000 Acres of Okinawan Training Area to Japan|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|first=Jim|last=Garamone|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222192639/https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1036252/us-returns-10000-acres-of-okinawan-training-area-to-japan}}</ref> On June 25, 2018, Okinawa residents held a protest demonstration at sea against scheduled land reclamation work for the relocation of a U.S. military base within Japan's southernmost island prefecture. A protest gathered hundreds of people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/06/58c834fec085-protest-held-in-okinawa-against-landfill-for-us-base-transfer.html|title=Protest held in Okinawa against landfill for U.S. base transfer|publisher=Kyodo News|date=June 25, 2018|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806013452/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/06/58c834fec085-protest-held-in-okinawa-against-landfill-for-us-base-transfer.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since the early 2000s, Okinawans have opposed the presence of American troops [[helipad]]s in the [[Takae]] zone of the [[Yanbaru]] forest near [[Higashi, Okinawa|Higashi]] and [[Kunigami, Okinawa|Kunigami]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://okinawa-takae.org/index.php/takaes-story/ |title=Takae's Story |access-date=July 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220082950/http://okinawa-takae.org/index.php/takaes-story/ |archive-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref> This opposition grew in July 2016 after the construction of six new helipads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2016/07/17/25465/|title=Tensions between protesters and riot police mount over construction of U.S. Marine Corps helipads in Takae|publisher=Ryukyu Shimpo|date=July 12, 2016|access-date=July 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722150749/http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2016/07/17/25465/|archive-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/22/national/politics-diplomacy/central-government-sues-okinawa-futenma-relocation/| title=Okinawa protests erupt as U.S. Helipad construction resumes| newspaper=The Japan Times Online| date=July 22, 2016| last1=Mie| first1=Ayako| access-date=July 31, 2016| archive-date=August 5, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805142651/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/22/national/politics-diplomacy/central-government-sues-okinawa-futenma-relocation/| url-status=live}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{main|Ryukyu Islands}}

===Major islands===
[[File:Map-okinawa-pref.png|thumb|upright=1.7|The islands of Okinawa Prefecture]]

The islands comprising the prefecture are the southern two thirds of the archipelago of the {{nihongo|Ryūkyū Islands|琉球諸島|Ryūkyū-shotō}}. Okinawa's inhabited islands are typically divided into three geographical archipelagos. From northeast to southwest:
* {{nihongo|[[Okinawa Islands]]|沖縄諸島|Okinawa-shotō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Iejima]]|伊江島|Iejima}}
** {{nihongo|[[Kumejima, Okinawa|Kume-jima]]|久米島町|Kumejima-chō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Okinawa Island]]|沖縄島|Okinawa-jima}}
** {{nihongo|[[Kerama Islands]]|慶良間諸島|Kerama-shotō}}
* {{nihongo|[[Miyako Islands]]|宮古列島|Miyako-rettō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Miyako-jima]]|宮古島|Miyako-jima}}
* {{nihongo|[[Yaeyama Islands]]|八重山列島|Yaeyama-rettō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Iriomote Island]]|西表島|Iriomote-jima}}
** {{nihongo|[[Ishigaki Island]]|石垣島|Ishigaki-jima}}
** {{nihongo|[[Yonaguni]]|与那国島|Yonaguni-jima}}
* {{nihongo|[[Senkaku Islands]]|尖閣諸島|Senkaku-shotō}}
* {{nihongo|[[Daitō Islands]]|大東諸島|Daitō-shotō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Minamidaitōjima]]|南大東島|Minami-Daitō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Kitadaitōjima]]|北大東島|Kita-Daitō}}
** {{nihongo|[[Okidaitōjima]]|沖大東島|Oki-Daitō}}

===Natural parks===
Approximately 36% percent of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as [[List of national parks of Japan|natural parks]], namely the [[Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park|Iriomote-Ishigaki]], [[Kerama Shotō National Park|Kerama Shotō]], and [[Yambaru National Park|Yambaru]] National Parks; [[Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park|Okinawa Kaigan]] and [[Okinawa Senseki Quasi-National Park|Okinawa Senseki]] Quasi-National Parks; and [[Irabu Prefectural Natural Park|Irabu]], [[Kumejima Prefectural Natural Park|Kumejima]], [[Tarama Prefectural Natural Park|Tarama]], and [[Tonaki Prefectural Natural Park|Tonaki]] Prefectural Natural Parks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.env.go.jp/park/doc/data/natural/naturalpark_4.pdf |script-title=ja:自然公園都道府県別面積総括 |trans-title=General overview of area figures for Natural Parks by prefecture |language=ja |publisher=[[Ministry of the Environment (Japan)|Ministry of the Environment]] |access-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806004612/https://www.env.go.jp/park/doc/data/natural/naturalpark_4.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The natural parks of Okinawa Prefecture were established to protect the region's tropical landscapes, including coastlines, coral reefs, forests, and island ecosystems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History and Organization_National Parks of Japan [MOE] |url=https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/about/history.html? |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=www.env.go.jp}}</ref>

===Ecology===
The [[dugong]] is an endangered marine mammal related to the [[manatee]].<ref name="CBD">{{cite web|title=Lawsuit Seeks to Halt Construction of U.S. Military Airstrip in Japan That Would Destroy Habitat of Endangered Okinawa Dugongs|url=http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2014/okinawa-dugong-07-31-2014.html|publisher=Center for Biological Diversity|access-date=August 2, 2014|date=July 31, 2014|archive-date=August 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803070141/http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2014/okinawa-dugong-07-31-2014.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Iriomote Island|Iriomote]] is home to one of the world's rarest and most endangered cat species, the [[Iriomote cat]]. The region is also home to at least one [[endemism|endemic]] [[pit viper]], ''[[Trimeresurus elegans]]''. The islands of Okinawa are surrounded by some of the most abundant coral reefs found in the world.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 5, 2013 |title=Establishing World-Class Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring in Okinawa |url=https://www.oist.jp/news-center/press-releases/establishing-world-class-coral-reef-ecosystem-monitoring-okinawa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302155239/https://www.oist.jp/news-center/press-releases/establishing-world-class-coral-reef-ecosystem-monitoring-okinawa |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=February 20, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Coral Reefs |url=http://en.okinawastory.jp/learn/blue_ocean/coral/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302135347/http://en.okinawastory.jp/learn/blue_ocean/coral/ |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=February 20, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau}}</ref> The world's largest colony of rare blue coral is found off [[Ishigaki Island]].<ref>{{cite iucn|title=''Heliopora coerulea''|article-number=e.T133193A3624060|author=Obura, D.|date=2008|access-date=November 11, 2021|author2=Fenner, D.|author3=Hoeksema, B.|author4=Devantier, L.|author5=Sheppard, C.|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T133193A3624060.en}}</ref> The [[sea turtle]]s return yearly to the southern islands of Okinawa to lay their eggs. The summer months carry warnings to swimmers regarding venomous [[jellyfish]] and other dangerous sea creatures.

Okinawa is a major producer of [[sugar cane]], [[pineapple]], [[papaya]], and other tropical fruit, and the [[Southeast Botanical Gardens]] represent tropical plant species.

===Geology===
The island is largely composed of [[coral]], and rainwater filtering through that coral has given the island many caves, which played an important role in the Battle of Okinawa. Gyokusendo<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7106.html |title=Gyokusendo Cave |publisher=Japan-guide.com |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001222651/http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7106.html |archive-date=October 1, 2011 }}</ref> is an extensive [[Limestone cave#Solutional cave|limestone cave]] in the southern part of Okinawa's main island. Nuchishinji-gama (Cave Okinawa) served as a place of refuge during the Battle of Okinawa from American troops.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grieve |first=Paul Sean |date=2023-08-07 |title=Cave Okinawa |url=https://www.okinawaheartbeat.com/cave-okinawa/ |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Okinawa Heartbeat |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Climate===
The island experiences temperatures above {{convert|20|C}} for most of the year. The climate of the islands ranges from [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') in the north, such as [[Okinawa Island]], to [[tropical rainforest climate]] (Köppen climate classification ''Af'') in the south such as [[Iriomote Island]]. Snowfall is unheard of at sea level. However, on January 24, 2016, sleet was reported in Nago for the first time on record.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 25, 2016 |title=沖縄本島で観測史上初のみぞれ 名護 |url=http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASJ1T0352J1SUEHF00F.html |newspaper=The Asahi Shimbun Company |access-date=February 20, 2016 |archive-date=February 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227142117/http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASJ1T0352J1SUEHF00F.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Politics ==
[[File:Naha Okinawa Japan Okinawa-Prefectural-Government-Headquarters-01.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Okinawa Prefectural Government Headquarters]]

Due to its unique historical background, Okinawa has a significantly stronger progressive (left-wing) presence compared to most other Japanese prefectures; this makes it one of the most politically polarized regions in the country. The [[Okinawa Social Mass Party]], a local progressive political party, has played an important role in postwar Okinawan politics.<ref>{{cite book |author=今林直樹 |title=沖縄の歴史・政治・社会 (Okinawa's History, Politics, and Society) |year=2016 |publisher=大学教育出版 (University Education Press) |location=Okayama |isbn=978-4-86429-357-0 |language=ja}}</ref>{{rp|55–71}}

In 2014, various progressive parties such as the [[Social Democratic Party (Japan)|Social Democratic Party]], [[Japanese Communist Party]], [[Democratic Party (Japan)|Democratic Party]], and the Okinawa Social Mass Party formed a cross-party electoral alliance with some conservative figures who also opposed the relocation of the U.S. [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]] to the city of [[Nago, Okinawa|Nago]]. This movement, known as the "All-Okinawa" campaign, achieved electoral victories in the [[2014 Okinawa gubernatorial election]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zenshoren.or.jp/shisaku/senkyo/141013-01/141013.html |title=No New Base – Toward a Peaceful and Prosperous Okinawa Through "All Okinawa" |publisher=National Federation of Merchant and Industrial Associations |language=ja |access-date=May 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321203244/http://www.zenshoren.or.jp/shisaku/senkyo/141013-01/141013.html |archive-date=March 21, 2016 }}</ref> the [[2016 Okinawa prefectural election]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/senkyo/articles/20160606/k00/00m/010/100000c |title=Anti-base relocation bloc wins big in Okinawa assembly election |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja |access-date=November 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024331/https://mainichi.jp/senkyo/articles/20160606/k00/00m/010/100000c |archive-date=November 7, 2017 }}</ref> and others.

Since Japan introduced the [[Single-member district]] system in 1996, Okinawa has been divided into four electoral districts for the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000240093.pdf |title=Okinawa Prefecture Electoral Districts |publisher=Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153121/https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000240093.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref> Among these, Okinawa's 2nd District, which hosts the highest concentration of U.S. military bases, has long been a stronghold for the progressive camp. [[Kantoku Teruya]] of the Social Democratic Party held this seat from 2003 onwards. The other three districts have seen fierce competition between conservatives and progressives, with frequent changes in party control.

In the [[2014 Japanese general election]], all four Okinawan districts elected candidates opposed to the relocation of the Futenma base to Nago. In the 1st District, [[Seiken Akamine]] of the Japanese Communist Party won a seat—marking the JCP's first single-member district victory in Okinawa and its first nationwide in 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/syugi26/syugi26.html |title=2014 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Government |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091056/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/syugi26/syugi26.html |archive-date=April 16, 2020 }}</ref>

In the [[2017 Japanese general election]], the [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] (LDP) won the seat in the 4th District.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/h29syuuinnsenn.html |title=2017 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Government |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091048/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/h29syuuinnsenn.html |archive-date=April 16, 2020 }}</ref> In the [[2021 Japanese general election]], LDP candidates won in both the 3rd and 4th Districts and also gained proportional representation seats in the 1st and 2nd Districts. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party each retained one seat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/senkyo/database/shugiin/2021/47/ |title=2021 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=NHK |language=ja |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101075327/https://www.nhk.or.jp/senkyo/database/shugiin/2021/47/ |archive-date=November 1, 2021 }}</ref> In the [[2026 Japanese general election]], the LDP won a seat in each of Okinawa's four districts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.web.nhk/senkyo/database/shugiin/47/ |title=2026 General Election Results – Okinawa |publisher=NHK |language=ja |access-date=April 8, 2026 }}</ref>

In the [[House of Councillors (Japan)|House of Councillors]], Okinawa is represented by two seats in a single at-large district. Both are currently held by politicians who oppose the Futenma base relocation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54252 |title=Upper House Election: Anti-base candidate Iha wins in 26 municipalities, landslide in Naha |date=July 12, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Times |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175755/https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54252 |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> However, in proportional representation voting, the LDP has consistently received the highest number of votes in Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54253 |title=Proportional Representation: LDP Leads in Okinawa with 160,000 Votes |date=July 12, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Times |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175800/https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/54253 |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref>

Okinawa has also experienced multiple changes in political leadership throughout its gubernatorial history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisenjisseki.pdf |title=Historical Record of Okinawa Gubernatorial Elections |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175756/https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisenjisseki.pdf |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> In 2014, [[Takeshi Onaga]], backed by progressive forces, was elected governor of Okinawa Prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://go2senkyo.com/local/senkyo/6302 |title=2014 Okinawa Gubernatorial Election Candidate Information |publisher=Senkyo Dot Com |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327031518/http://go2senkyo.com/local/senkyo/6302%E3%80%80 |archive-date=March 27, 2018 }}</ref> After Onaga's death in 2018, another progressive candidate, [[Denny Tamaki]], was elected governor in the September 2018 election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisennkaihyoulast.pdf |title=Official Results: 2018 Okinawa Gubernatorial Election |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=October 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020095056/http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/senkan_i/event/tijisen/documents/tijisennkaihyoulast.pdf |archive-date=October 20, 2018 }}</ref> Tamaki was re-elected in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220911/k10013813421000.html |title=Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki Wins Second Term |publisher=NHK |language=ja |access-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912071910/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220911/k10013813421000.html |archive-date=September 12, 2022 }}</ref> However, in recent years, rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait have led to growing unease among Okinawans toward the People's Republic of China, resulting in a loss of momentum for progressive forces.<ref>{{cite web |title=Okinawa Governor Tamaki: "A Disappointing Result" as All-Okinawa Mayor Defeated in Miyakojima |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20250120-HCOSKQNGSFINVKX4UMTJN5ZAG4/ |publisher=Sankei News |language=ja |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 }}</ref>

The [[Okinawa Prefectural Assembly]] consists of 48 members, with the [[Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]] holding the largest number of seats at 22.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/kensei/gikai/1017039/1029763/1029799.html |title=Assembly Members by Party |publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Assembly |language=ja |access-date=April 14, 2025 }}</ref>

In terms of administrative jurisdiction, the disputed [[Senkaku Islands]] (referred to by China and Taiwan as the Diaoyu Islands) are administered by the city of [[Ishigaki, Okinawa|Ishigaki]] in Okinawa Prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/a_o/c_m1/senkaku/page1w_000015.html |title=Senkaku Islands Data |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=ja |access-date=May 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327031518/http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/a_o/c_m1/senkaku/page1w_000015.html%E3%80%80 |archive-date=March 27, 2018 }}</ref>

Okinawa has long experienced social and cultural frictions with mainland Japan. In 2016, controversy erupted when police officers from [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]] Prefecture assigned to duty at U.S. military bases in Okinawa used the derogatory term "dojin" (meaning "savage" or "native") to insult local protestors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sankei.com/west/news/161021/wst1610210068-n1.html |script-title=ja:巡査部長ら２人を懲戒処分　大阪府警「県民侮辱の意図ないが軽率な発言、社会的影響」 |access-date=August 29, 2020 |publisher={{lang|ja|産経ニュース}} |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175837/https://www.sankei.com/west/news/161021/wst1610210068-n1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> According to a 2017 [[NHK]] survey, only 19% of Okinawans felt that people from mainland Japan understood Okinawan sentiments, while 79.6% believed they did not. Additionally, 56.9% reported an increase in discriminatory or derogatory remarks against Okinawans over the past five years.<ref name="yoron">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/research/yoron/pdf/20170516_1.pdf |script-title=ja:「復帰45年の沖縄」 調査 |access-date=August 29, 2020 |publisher={{lang|ja|NHK}} |language=ja |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808193920/http://www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/research/yoron/pdf/20170516_1.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, instances of discrimination against Amerasians (children of mixed Okinawan and American parentage) have also been reported within Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nara-edu.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=12682&item_no=1&attribute_id=17&file_no=1 |script-title=ja:アメラジアン・スクール・イン・オキナワにおける子どもの位置取り |access-date=August 29, 2020 |publisher={{lang|ja|奈良教育大学}} |language=ja |archive-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153146/https://nara-edu.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=12682&item_no=1&attribute_id=17&file_no=1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Okinawa faces chronic fiscal challenges and relies heavily on subsidies from Japan's central government. Its fiscal capacity index is only 0.29—significantly below the national average.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/somu/zaisei/kikaku/documents/h26zaiseinoaramashi.pdf |title=Overview of Okinawa Prefecture's Finances |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175854/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/somu/zaisei/kikaku/documents/h26zaiseinoaramashi.pdf |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref>

=== U.S. military bases ===
[[File:US military bases in Okinawa.svg|thumb|right|150px|U.S. military bases in Okinawa in red]]

While Okinawa comprises only 0.6% of Japan's land area, it hosts approximately 74% of all U.S. military facilities in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/sugata/begunkichi.html |title=U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175900/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kodomo/sugata/begunkichi.html |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> The 33 American bases in Okinawa occupy around 10% of the prefecture's land—up to 18% on Okinawa Island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/02kitinogaikyou01soukatu.pdf |title=Overview of Military Installations |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175904/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/02kitinogaikyou01soukatu.pdf |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> Approximately 47,300 U.S. military personnel and their families reside in the prefecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/syogai/documents/031-1soukastu.pdf |title=Overview of U.S. Military Facilities |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153151/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/syogai/documents/031-1soukastu.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref>

Among the many military issues, the relocation of [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]] has been the most contentious. Due to its proximity to residential areas and repeated accidents, Futenma has been labeled one of the most dangerous military bases in the world. The prefectural government has long called for its relocation outside of Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/6980.html |title=Overview of Futenma Base |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153152/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/6980.html |archive-date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref> In 2010, Japan and the U.S. agreed to relocate the base to [[Camp Schwab]] in Nago,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/zaibeigun/frf/index.html |title=Replacement Facilities for Futenma |publisher=Japan Ministry of Defense |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513205324/https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/zaibeigun/frf/index.html |archive-date=May 13, 2020 }}</ref> sparking widespread protests.

Another key issue is crime involving U.S. military personnel. Between the 1972 reversion and 2015, 5,896 criminal cases involving U.S. forces were reported in Okinawa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/h28toukei14.pdf |title=Crime Statistics Involving U.S. Military |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175925/https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/chijiko/kichitai/documents/h28toukei14.pdf |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref> In 2016, a high-profile rape and murder case involving a U.S. military contractor in [[Uruma, Okinawa|Uruma]] triggered mass protests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/31633 |title=Mass Rally Held Over U.S. Military Crime in Okinawa |date=May 22, 2016 |publisher=Okinawa Times |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816175939/https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/31633 |archive-date=August 16, 2020 }}</ref>

On the other hand, U.S. bases are Okinawa's second-largest source of employment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japan.marines.mil/Economy/ |title=Economic Impact of U.S. Military Presence in Okinawa |publisher=U.S. Marine Corps Japan |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153157/https://www.japan.marines.mil/Economy/ |archive-date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/publicpolicystudies/12/0/12_128/_pdf/-char/ja |title=Economic Effects of U.S. Military Labor in Okinawa |publisher=Public Policy Studies |language=ja |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829153157/https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/publicpolicystudies/12/0/12_128/_pdf/-char/ja |archive-date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref>

According to a 2017 NHK survey, 25.7% of Okinawans wanted the complete removal of U.S. military bases, while 50.6% preferred reducing their presence to levels comparable to mainland Japan. Only 26.5% supported relocating Futenma to Nago, while 62.6% were opposed.<ref name="yoron" />

On February 24, 2019, a prefectural referendum was held on land reclamation in [[Henoko]] for the new U.S. base. With a turnout of 52.48%, 71.74% opposed the project, 18.99% supported it, and 8.70% expressed no clear opinion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kentohyo/documents/touhyoukekkasokuhou.pdf |title=Referendum Results on Henoko Land Reclamation |publisher=Okinawa Prefecture |language=ja |access-date=February 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223915/https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/kentohyo/documents/touhyoukekkasokuhou.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2019 }}</ref>

=== Independence movement ===
{{Main|Okinawan independence movement}}

 [[File:Kariyushi_Club_Headquaters.JPG|thumb|300x300px|Headquarters of the [[Kariyushi Club]], a group advocating for Ryukyuan independence.]]

After Japan annexed the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]] in 1879 during the so-called [[Ryukyu Disposition]], the last king, [[Shō Tai]], was relocated to Tokyo. In the following years, Ryukyuan figures who opposed the new arrangements petitioned the [[Qing dynasty]] for redress, organizing in treaty-port communities such as [[Fuzhou]], [[Beijing]], and [[Tianjin]]. Contemporary sources referred to some émigrés as ''dasshinnin'' (脱清人), who advocated Qing intervention to restore Ryukyuan autonomy or statehood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=George H. |title=Ryukyu Kingdom and Province before 1945 |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Q5IrAAAAYAAJ |publisher=Pacific Science Board, National Academy of Sciences |year=1953 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Jordan R. |title=A Social History of Okinawan Musical Drama |url=https://escholarship.org/content/qt5tb5t54b/qt5tb5t54b_noSplash_4d9ac3a6cb09e307b0361216106f0f82.pdf |publisher=University of California |year=2014 |pages=13–14 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> Diplomatic mediation was even sought from former U.S. President [[Ulysses S. Grant]] in 1879–1880, but negotiations ultimately failed to produce a settlement; the issue receded after the [[First Sino-Japanese War]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryukyu Islands |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ryukyu-Islands |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ulysses S. Grant: International Arbitrator |url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/ulysses-s-grant-international-arbitrator.htm |website=U.S. National Park Service |date=April 30, 2020 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berry |first=Christopher M. |title=Sino-U.S. Relations and Ulysses S. Grant's Mediation in the Ryukyu Dispute |url=https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/ws/send_file/send?accession=osu1397610312&disposition=inline |publisher=Ohio State University |year=2014 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>

Following [[World War II]], the Ryukyu Islands were placed under U.S. administration (1945–1972). During this period, proposals ranging from restoration of Ryukyuan statehood to enhanced local self-government were debated among Okinawan actors and in Japanese civil society. Under the 1971 [[Okinawa Reversion Agreement]], administrative rights returned to Japan in 1972 while U.S. bases remained under the [[Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battle of Okinawa |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Okinawa |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryukyu Islands |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ryukyu-Islands |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Inoue |first=Masamichi S. |title=Japanese Solidarity with U.S.-Occupied Okinawa in the 1950s |url=https://apjjf.org/2022/10/inoue |website=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus |date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>

In contemporary politics, independence advocacy persists alongside broader autonomy movements and base-related activism. Polling generally shows limited support for full independence but greater backing for stronger local autonomy; for example, a 2022 ''[[Okinawa Times]]'' survey reported 3% support for independence, 48% for a "strongly empowered" local government, and 42% for maintaining the status quo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=沖縄が目指すべき姿は「強い権限を持つ自治体」が48％ 「現状を維持」が42％ 「独立」は3％【復帰50年・県民意識調査】 |url=https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/956771 |website=沖縄タイムス＋プラス |date=May 12, 2022 |language=ja |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> Public debate has increasingly extended to digital platforms; Japanese media and academic outlets have reported instances of inauthentic social-media activity linked to foreign information operations concerning Okinawa and independence narratives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2024 |title=「沖縄独立」煽る偽投稿拡散 背後に約200の中国工作アカウント |url=https://www.nikkei.com/telling/DGXZTS00012030S4A900C2000000/ |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=China's 'Malinformation' Comes for Okinawa |url=https://thediplomat.com/2025/03/chinas-malinformation-comes-for-okinawa/ |website=The Diplomat |date=March 2025 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spreading fake videos inciting "Okinawan independence" |url=https://ggr.hias.hit-u.ac.jp/en/2025/07/11/spreading-fake-videos-inciting-okinawan-independencein-japanese/ |website=Hitotsubashi University Global Research Gateway |date=July 11, 2025 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>

==Municipalities==

===Cities===
{{See also|List of cities in Okinawa Prefecture by population}}

[[File:Map of Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|thumb|upright=1.2|Administrative map of Okinawa Prefecture<br />{{legend0|#EAB|City}} {{legend0|#ED9|Town}} {{Legend0|#BFE|Village}}]]

Eleven cities are located within the Okinawa Prefecture:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="5" |Name
! rowspan="3" |Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! rowspan="3" |Population
! rowspan="3" |Map
|-
! rowspan="2" |[[Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji]]
! rowspan="2" |[[Kanji]]
! colspan="2" |Okinawan<ref name="Zaimushō Insatsukyoku-2001">{{Cite book|title=Okinawago jiten|publisher=Zaimushō Insatsukyoku|date=March 30, 2001|language=ja|location=Tōkyō|isbn=4-17-149000-6|oclc=47773506|editor=Kokuritsu Kokugo Kenkyūjo |page=549}}</ref>
! rowspan="2" |other languages [script]
(name in brackets)
|-
!Kana
!Rōmaji
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ginowan, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ginowan, Okinawa|Ginowan]]
|宜野湾市
|じのーん
|''Jinōn''
|
|19.51
|94,405
|[[File:Ginowan in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ishigaki, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ishigaki, Okinawa|Ishigaki]]
|石垣市
|いしがち
|''ʔIshigaci''
|Isïgaksï, Ishanagzï ([[Yaeyama language|Yaeyama]])
|229
|47,562
|[[File:IshigakiCityMap.png|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Itoman, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Itoman, Okinawa|Itoman]]
|糸満市
|いちゅまん
|''ʔIcuman''
|
|46.63
|59,605
|[[File:Itoman in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Miyakojima, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Miyakojima, Okinawa|Miyakojima]]
|宮古島市
|なーく、みゃーく
|''Nāku, Myāku''
|Myaaku ([[Miyakoan language|Miyakoan]])
|204.54
|54,908
|[[File:Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Nago, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Nago]]
|名護市
|なぐ
|''Nagu''
|Naguu [ナグー] ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|210.37
|61,659
|[[File:Nago in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Naha, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Naha]] (capital)
|那覇市
|な[[File:Okinawan_kana_hwa.png|17px]]
|''Nafa''
|
|39.98
|317,405
|[[File:Naha in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Nanjo, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Nanjō]]
|南城市
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_hwe.png|17px]]ーぐ[[File:Okinawan_kana_si.png|17px]]く
|''Fēgusiku''
|
|49.69
|41,305
|[[File:Nanjo in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Okinawa, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Okinawa (city)|Okinawa]]
|沖縄市
|うちなー
|''ʔUcinā''
|
|49
|138,431
|[[File:Okinawa-shi in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Tomigusuku, Okinawa (no text).svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Tomigusuku, Okinawa|Tomigusuku]]
|豊見城市
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_ti.png|17px]]みぐ[[File:Okinawan_kana_si.png|17px]]く
|''Timigusiku''
|
|19.6
|61,613
|[[File:Tomigusuku in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Urasoe, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Urasoe, Okinawa|Urasoe]]
|浦添市
|うら[[File:Okinawan_kana_si.png|17px]]ー
|''ʔUrasī''
|
|19.09
|113,992
|[[File:Urasoe in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Uruma, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Uruma]]
|うるま市
|うるま
|''ʔUruma''
|
|86
|118,330
|[[File:Uruma in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|}

===Towns and villages===
These are the towns and villages in each [[Districts of Japan|district]]:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="5" |Name
! rowspan="3" |Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! rowspan="3" |Population
! rowspan="3" |District
! rowspan="3" |Type
! rowspan="3" |Map
|-
! rowspan="2" |[[Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji]]
! rowspan="2" |[[Kanji]]
! colspan="2" |Okinawan<ref name="Zaimushō Insatsukyoku-2001" />
! rowspan="2" |other languages [script]

(name in brackets)
|-
!Kana
!Rōmaji
|-
|[[File:Flag of Aguni, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Aguni, Okinawa|Aguni]]
|粟国村
|あぐに
|''ʔAguni''
|
|7.63
|772
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Aguni in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Chatan Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Chatan, Okinawa|Chatan]]
|北谷町
|ちゃたん
|''Catan''
|
|13.62
|28,578
|[[Nakagami District, Okinawa|Nakagami District]]
|Town
|[[File:Chatan in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ginoza, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ginoza, Okinawa|Ginoza]]
|宜野座村
|じぬざ
|''Jinuza''
|
|31.28
|5,544
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Ginoza in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Haebaru, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Haebaru, Okinawa|Haebaru]]
|南風原町
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_hwe.png|17px]]ーばる
|''Fēbaru''
|
|10.72
|37,874
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Town
|[[File:Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Higashi, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Higashi, Okinawa|Higashi]]
|東村
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_hwi.png|17px]]がし
|''Figashi''
|Agaarijimaa [アガーリジマー]
([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|81.79
|1,683
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Higashi in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ie, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ie, Okinawa|Ie]]
|伊江村
|いい
|''ʔIi''
|Ii [イー] ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|22.75
|4,192
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Ie Village in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Iheya, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Iheya, Okinawa|Iheya]]
|伊平屋村
|いひゃ、後地
|''ʔIhya, Kushijī''
|
|21.72
|1,214
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Iheya in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Izena, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Izena, Okinawa|Izena]]
|伊是名村
|いじな、前地
|''ʔIjina, Mējī''
|
|15.42
|1,518
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Izena in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kadena, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kadena, Okinawa|Kadena]]
|嘉手納町
|か[[File:Okinawan_kana_di.png|17px]]なー
|''Kadinā''
|
|15.04
|13,671
|[[Nakagami District, Okinawa|Nakagami District]]
|Town
|[[File:Kadena in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kin, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kin, Okinawa|Kin]]
|金武町
|ちん
|''Cin''
|Chin [チン] ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|37.57
|11,259
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Town
|[[File:Kin in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kitadaito, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kitadaitō, Okinawa|Kitadaitō]]
|北大東村
|うふあがりじま
|''{{Lang|ryu|ʔUhuʔagarijima}}''
|
|13.1
|615
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Kitadaito in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa|Kitanakagusuku]]
|北中城村
|にしなかーぐ[[File:Okinawan_kana_si.png|17px]]く
|''Nishinakāgusiku''
|
|11.53
|16,040
|[[Nakagami District, Okinawa|Nakagami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Kitanakagusuku in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kumejima, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kumejima, Okinawa|Kumejima]]
|久米島町
|くみじま
|''Kumijima''
|
|63.5
|7,647
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Town
|[[File:Kumejima in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kunigami, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kunigami, Okinawa|Kunigami]]
|国頭村
|くんじゃん
|''Kunjan''
|Kunzan ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|194.8
|4,908
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Kunigami in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Minamidaito, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Minamidaitō, Okinawa|Minamidaitō]]
|南大東村
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_hwe.png|17px]]ーうふあがりじま
|''{{Lang|ryu|Hwēʔuhuʔagarijima}}''
|
|30.57
|1,418
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Minamidaito in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Motobu, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Motobu, Okinawa|Motobu]]
|本部町
|む[[File:Okinawan_kana_tu.png|17px]]ぶ
|''Mutubu''
|Mutubu ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|54.3
|13,441
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Town
|[[File:Motobu in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Nakagusuku, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Nakagusuku, Okinawa|Nakagusuku]]
|中城村
|なかーぐ[[File:Okinawan_kana_si.png|17px]]く
|''Nakāgusiku''
|
|15.46
|20,030
|[[Nakagami District, Okinawa|Nakagami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Nakagusuku in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Nakijin, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Nakijin, Okinawa|Nakijin]]
|今帰仁村
|なちじん
|''Nacijin''
|Nachizin ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|39.87
|9,529
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Nakijin in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Nishihara, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Nishihara, Okinawa|Nishihara]]
|西原町
|にしばる
|''Nishibaru''
|
|15.84
|34,463
|[[Nakagami District, Okinawa|Nakagami District]]
|Town
|[[File:Nishihara in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ōgimi, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ōgimi]]
|大宜味村
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_u.png|17px]]じみ
|''Ujimi''
|Uujimii ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|63.12
|3,024
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Ogimi in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Onna, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Onna, Okinawa|Onna]]
|恩納村
|うんな
|''ʔUnna''
|Unna ([[Kunigami language|Kunigami]])
|50.77
|10,443
|[[Kunigami District, Okinawa|Kunigami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Onna in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Tarama, Okinawa (no text).svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Tarama, Okinawa|Tarama]]
|多良間村
|たらま
|''Tarama''
|Tarama ([[Miyakoan language|Miyakoan]])
|21.91
|1,194
|[[Miyako District, Okinawa|Miyako District]]
|Village
|[[File:Tarama in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Taketomi, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Taketomi, Okinawa|Taketomi]]
|竹富町
|だき[[File:Okinawan_kana_du.png|17px]]ん
|''Dakidun''
|Teedun ([[Yaeyama language|Yaeyama]])
|334.02
|4,050
|[[Yaeyama District, Okinawa|Yaeyama District]]
|Town
|[[File:Taketomi in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Tokashiki, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Tokashiki, Okinawa|Tokashiki]]
|渡嘉敷村
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_tu.png|17px]]かしち
|''Tukashici''
|
|19.18
|697
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Tokashiki in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Tonaki, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Tonaki, Okinawa|Tonaki]]
|渡名喜村
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_tu.png|17px]]なち
|''Tunaci''
|
|3.74
|406
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Tonaki in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Yaese Okinawa logo type version.JPG|frameless|25x25px]] [[Yaese, Okinawa|Yaese]]
|八重瀬町
|え゙ー[[File:Okinawan_kana_si.png|17px]]
|''Ēsi''
|
|26.9
|29,488
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Town
|[[File:Yaese in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Yomitan, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Yomitan]]
|読谷村
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_'yu.png|17px]]んたん
|''Yuntan''
|
|35.17
|40,517
|[[Nakagami District, Okinawa|Nakagami District]]
|Village
|[[File:Yomitan in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Yonabaru, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Yonabaru, Okinawa|Yonabaru]]
|与那原町
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_'yu.png|17px]]なばる
|''Yunabaru''
|
|5.18
|18,410
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Town
|[[File:Yonabaru in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Yonaguni, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Yonaguni, Okinawa|Yonaguni]]
|与那国町
|[[File:Okinawan_kana_'yu.png|17px]]なぐに
|''Yunaguni''
|Dunan, Juni ([[Yonaguni language|Yonaguni]])
Yunoon ([[Yaeyama language|Yaeyama]])
|28.95
|2,048
|[[Yaeyama District, Okinawa|Yaeyama District]]
|Town
|[[File:Yonaguni in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Zamami, Okinawa.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Zamami, Okinawa|Zamami]]
|座間味村
|ざまみ
|''Zamami''
|
|16.74
|924
|[[Shimajiri District, Okinawa|Shimajiri District]]
|Village
|[[File:Zamami in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|50x50px]]
|}

===Town mergers===
{{main|List of mergers in Okinawa Prefecture}}

==Demographics==
[[File:Okinawa prefecture population pyramid in 2020.svg|thumb|285x285px|Okinawa prefecture population pyramid in 2020]]

=== Ethnic groups ===
The indigenous [[Ryukyuans]] make up the majority of Okinawa Prefecture's population and are also the main ethnic group of the [[Amami Islands]] to the north. Large Okinawan diaspora communities persist in places such as South America<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2015|translator=Mina Otsuka |author= Masayuki Fukasawa|title=Immigration—Missing Link in Japanese History: Why Are There So Many Okinawan Immigrants? – Part 1|url=http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2015/8/18/okinawan-1/|access-date=October 12, 2020|website=Discover Nikkei|language=en|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118165953/http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2015/8/18/okinawan-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Hawaii]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Center for Okinawan Studies|url=https://manoa.hawaii.edu/okinawa/wordpress/?page_id=78|access-date=October 12, 2020|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101095035/http://manoa.hawaii.edu/okinawa/wordpress/?page_id=78|url-status=live}}</ref> With the introduction of American military bases, there are an increasing number of half-American children in Okinawa, including prefecture governor [[Denny Tamaki]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rich|first=Motoko|date=September 25, 2018|title=A Marine's Son Takes On U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/world/asia/okinawa-governor-election.html|access-date=September 28, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207122625/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/world/asia/okinawa-governor-election.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The prefecture also has a sizable minority of [[Yamato people]] from mainland Japan; exact population numbers are difficult to establish, as the Japanese government does not officially recognize Ryukyuans as a distinct ethnic group from Yamatos.

The overall ethnic identity of Okinawa residents is rather split. According to a telephone poll conducted by Lim John Chuan-tiong (林泉忠), an associate professor with the [[University of the Ryukyus]], 40.6% of respondents identified as "{{Nihongo2|沖縄人}} (Okinawan)", 21.3% identified as "{{Nihongo2|日本人}} (Japanese)" and 36.5% identified as both.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Identity Survey of Okinawan Residents |url=http://questionnaire.blog16.fc2.com/blog-entry-416.html |access-date=May 25, 2023 |website=FC2 |archive-date=July 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718071546/http://questionnaire.blog16.fc2.com/blog-entry-416.html }}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}

=== Population ===
<div style="width:33%;float:left"><!-- 1pix=1,000x1.06 -->
Okinawa prefecture [[age pyramid]] {{As of|2003|October|1|lc=y}}<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.stat.go.jp/data/jinsui/2003np/ | place = Japan | publisher = Statistics Bureau (総務省 統計局) | year = 2003 | title = Jinsui | access-date = June 4, 2006 | archive-date = May 19, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060519075755/http://www.stat.go.jp/data/jinsui/2003np/ | url-status = live }}</ref><br />
(per thousands of people)
{|
|-
! Age
! People
|-
|0–4
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 84
|-
|5–9
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] 85
|-
|10–14
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 87
|-
|15–19
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 94
|-
|20–24
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 91
|-
|25–29
|[[File:g100.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 97
|-
|30–34
|[[File:g100.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 99
|-
|35–39
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 87
|-
|40–44
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 91
|-
|45–49
|[[File:g100.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 96
|-
|50–54
|[[File:g100.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 100
|-
|55–59
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 64
|-
|60–64
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] 65
|-
|65–69
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 66
|-
|70–74
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 53
|-
|75–79
|[[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] 37
|-
|80 +
|[[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] 55
|}
</div>
<div style="width:33%; float:left; padding-left: 25px;">
Okinawa Prefecture age pyramid, divided by sex, {{As of|2003|October|1|lc=y}}<br />
(per thousands of people)
{|
|-
! align=right|Males
! align=center|Age
! Females
|-
| align=right|43 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]]
| align=center|0–4
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] 41
|-
| align=right|44 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]]
| align=center|5–9
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] 41
|-
| align=right|45 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]]
| align=center|10–14
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 42
|-
| align=right|48 [[File:g50.png|link=]]
| align=center|15–19
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r05.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] 46
|-
| align=right|46 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]]
| align=center|20–24
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r05.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 45
|-
| align=right|49 [[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]]
| align=center|25–29
|[[File:r50.png|link=]] 48
|-
| align=right|49 [[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]]
| align=center|30–34
|[[File:r50.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] 50
|-
| align=right|43 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]]
| align=center|35–39
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r05.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 44
|-
| align=right|46 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]]
| align=center|40–44
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r05.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 45
|-
| align=right|49 [[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]]
| align=center|45–49
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r05.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 47
|-
| align=right|52 [[File:g50.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]]
| align=center|50–54
|[[File:r50.png|link=]] 48
|-
| align=right|32 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]]
| align=center|55–59
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] 32
|-
| align=right|32 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]]
| align=center|60–64
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 33
|-
| align=right|32 [[File:g30.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]]
| align=center|65–69
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r05.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 34
|-
| align=right|24 [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]]
| align=center|70–74
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] 29
|-
| align=right|14 [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]] [[File:g01.png|link=]]
| align=center|75–79
|[[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] [[File:r03.png|link=]] [[File:r01.png|link=]] 23
|-
| align=right|17 [[File:g10.png|link=]] [[File:g05.png|link=]] [[File:g03.png|link=]]
| align=center|80 +
|[[File:r30.png|link=]] [[File:r10.png|link=]] 38
|}
</div>
{{clear left}}

Per Japanese census data,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.citypopulation.de/Japan-Okinawa.html |title=Okinawa 1995–2020 population statistics |access-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806033605/http://www.citypopulation.de/Japan-Okinawa.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.demographia.com/db-japanpref.htm |title=Okinawa 1920–2000 population statistics |access-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429232102/http://www.demographia.com/db-japanpref.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Okinawa prefecture has had continuous positive population growth since 1960.

{{Historical populations
| 1873 |   166,789
| 1920 |   572,000
| 1930 |   578,000
| 1940 |   575,000
| 1950 |   915,000
| 1960 |   883,000
| 1970 |   945,000
| 1980 | 1,107,000
| 1990 | 1,222,000
| 2000 | 1,318,220
| 2010 | 1,392,818
| 2020 | 1,457,162
|align       = none
| footnote =
}}

==Language==
There remain six [[Ryukyuan languages]] which, although part of the same [[Japonic languages|Japonic language family]], are mutually unintelligible with [[Japanese language|Japanese]]. [[Amami Ōshima language|One of the Ryukyuan languages]] is spoken in [[Kagoshima Prefecture]], rather than in Okinawa Prefecture. These languages are in decline as the younger generation of Okinawans uses Standard Japanese. Mainland Japanese and some Okinawans generally perceive the Ryukyuan languages as dialects. Standard Japanese is almost always used in formal situations. In informal situations, the everyday language among Okinawans under the age of 60 is [[Okinawan Japanese]], which is often mistaken by non-Okinawans as the Okinawan language proper. The actual traditional Okinawan language is still used in traditional cultural activities, such as [[Okinawan music|folk music]] and [[Kumi Odori|folk dance]]. There is a radio-news program in the language as well.<ref>
[http://www.okinawabbtv.com/news/h_news.htm おきなわBBtv★沖縄の方言ニュース★沖縄の「今」を沖縄の「言葉」で！ラジオ沖縄で好評放送中の「方言ニュース」をブロードバンドでお届けします。] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192753/http://www.okinawabbtv.com/news/h_news.htm |date= January 2, 2014 }}. Okinawabbtv.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.
</ref>

==Culture==
Okinawan culture retains strong influences from its historical trading partners. Among these, [[Kyushu]] has maintained the closest economic and cultural ties with Okinawa from ancient times to the present, and the two regions share many cultural traits. Elements of Okinawan culture can be found throughout [[Kyushu]], and vice versa. For instance, Okinawan musical scales appear in [[Kyushu]]'s folk songs, and there are notable similarities in cuisine and language. [[Kyushu]] is also home to a traditional instrument called the ''[[gottan]](ゴッタン)'', which closely resembles the Okinawan ''[[sanshin]]'' ({{lang|ryu|三線}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kyushu & Okinawa {{!}} EU-Japan |url=https://www.eu-japan.eu/eubusinessinjapan/about-japan/regions-prefectures/kyushu-okinawa |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=www.eu-japan.eu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kyushu & Okinawa {{!}} Japan Experience – Japan Rail Pass |url=https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/traveling-japan/kyushu-okinawa |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=www.japan-experience.com |language=en}}</ref>

Furthermore, the customs of the Okinawan islands show strong influences from China, [[Thailand]], and [[Austronesian peoples|Austronesian-speaking regions]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nakajima |first1=Etsuko |last2=Shiota |first2=Junichi |last3=Kawamura |first3=Mitsuru |date=1999 |title=Motor Aphasia in a Polylingual Japanese Male. |journal=The Japan Journal of Logopedics and Phoniatrics |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=209–216 |doi=10.5112/jjlp.40.209 |issn=0030-2813|doi-access=free }}</ref>

One of the most famous cultural traditions of Okinawa is undoubtedly [[karate]]. [[Karate]] is a martial art that originated when [[Chinese martial arts|Chinese kung fu]] was introduced to the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]] and then developed independently within the islands before being brought to mainland [[Japan]]. Today, karate is practiced around the world in various styles, including [[Shotokan]], [[Gōjū-ryū|Goju-ryu]], [[Shitō-ryū|Shito-ryu]], and [[Uechi-Ryū|Uechi-ryu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=沖縄空手の紹介 : 沖縄空手―空手発祥の地 沖縄―: 沖縄政策: 内閣府 |url=https://www8.cao.go.jp/okinawa/okinawakarate/shokai/karate-shokai.html |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=内閣府ホームページ |language=ja}}</ref> [[File:OkinawaPottery.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Awamori]] pots]]

A cultural feature of the Okinawans is the forming of [[Moai (social support groups)|''moais'']]. A {{Nihongo3|||moai}} is a community social gathering and groups that come together to provide financial and emotional support through emotional bonding, advice giving, and social funding. This provides a sense of security for the community members and as mentioned in the Blue Zone studies, may have been a contributing factor to the longevity of its people.<ref>{{cite web|title=Okinawa's Longevity Lessons|url=https://www.bluezones.com/2014/03/okinawas-longevity-lessons/|website=Blue Zones|publisher=Admin|access-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001104107/https://www.bluezones.com/2014/03/okinawas-longevity-lessons/|archive-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref> However, in recent decades Okinawans' life expectancy has fallen significantly (also bringing into question the general validity of the 'Blue Zones' denomination), which often has been blamed on cultural influence from the rest of Japan, as well as foreign influences on Okinawans' lifestyle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan: What's behind Okinawans' falling life expectancy?|url=https://www.dw.com/en/japan-whats-behind-okinawans-falling-life-expectancy/a-62088176|website=DW|access-date=April 16, 2024}}</ref>

Two Okinawan writers have received the [[Akutagawa Prize]]: [[Eiki Matayoshi]] in 1995 for {{Nihongo|''The Pig's Retribution''|豚の報い|Buta no mukui}} and [[Shun Medoruma]] in 1997 for ''A Drop of Water'' (''Suiteki''). The prize was also won by Okinawans in 1967 by [[Tatsuhiro Oshiro]] for ''Cocktail Party'' ({{Nihongo3|||Kakuteru Pāti}}) and in 1971 by [[Mineo Higashi]] for ''Okinawan Boy'' ({{Nihongo3|||Okinawa no Shōnen}}).<ref name="O-times">{{cite news|url=http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/summit/english/2000/20000721_6.html |title=Okinawa Writers Excel in Literature|date=July 21, 2000|work=The Okinawa Times|publisher=Okinawa Times|access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000823030320/http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/summit/english/2000/20000721_6.html |archive-date = August 23, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunshun.co.jp/award/akutagawa/list1.htm|script-title=ja:芥川賞受賞者一覧|year=2009|publisher=Bungeishunju Ltd.|language=ja|access-date=September 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213000347/http://www.bunshun.co.jp/award/akutagawa/list1.htm|archive-date=February 13, 2008}}</ref>

A traditional craft, the fabric named [[bingata]], is made in workshops on the main island and elsewhere.

===Music===
{{main|Okinawan music|Ryukyuan music}}

[[File:Eisa, a traditional Okinawan dance.jpg|thumb|upright|left|''Eisa'' performer in [[Naha]], Okinawa]]

The music of the prefecture contains native and imported influences in both ''koten'' (classical) and ''[[min'yō]]'' (folk) styles. Okinawan instruments include the [[sanshin]]—a three-stringed [[banjo]]-like instrument, closely related to the Chinese [[sanxian]], and ancestor of the Japanese [[shamisen]]. Its body is often bound with snakeskin (from [[Pythonidae|pythons]], imported from elsewhere in Asia, rather than from Okinawa's venomous [[Okinawa habu|habu]], which are too small for this purpose). Okinawan musical cultures integrate dance with music, such as in [[Eisa (dance)|eisa]], a traditional drumming dance.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Trimillos|first=Ricardo D.|date=2009|title=Reviewed Work: ''Drumming Out a Message: Eisa and the Okinawan Diaspora'' Yoshitaka Terada |journal=Asian Music|volume=40|issue=2|pages=161–165|doi=10.1353/amu.0.0035|jstor=25652439|s2cid=191601292|issn=0044-9202}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{main|Ryukyuan religion}}

Okinawan people have inherited a traditional religious belief system known as [[Ryukyuan religion|Ryukyuan Shinto]], which is similar to but distinct from modern [[Shinto|Japanese Shinto]]. This indigenous belief system is animistic in nature, characterized by ancestor worship and a deep respect for the relationships between the living, the dead, and the gods or spirits of the natural world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/15945|title=陶磁器から古の神事（祭祀・儀式）を考える|last=Okinawa Prefectural reserve cultural assets center|date=2006|website=Comprehensive Database of Archaeological Site Reports in Japan|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728031104/https://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/en/15945|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Shamanism|Shamanic]] practitioners, known as '''''[[Yuta (shaman)|Yuta]]''''', continue to play an active role in Okinawan society. They perform ritual prayers, divination, spiritual consultations, and even communicate with the spirits of the deceased. For many people, ''yuta'' serve as important spiritual guides who offer advice and solutions to both supernatural and everyday life problems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=なぜ沖縄にはシャーマンが多く存在するのか？ユタとノロについて {{!}} 舞の道 観音舞 |url=https://mainomichi.com/mblog/okinawa-sherman/#:~:text=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E3%81%AE%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%B3%E3%80%8C%E3%83%A6%E3%82%BF%E3%80%8D,%E3%81%A8%E8%80%83%E3%81%88%E3%82%89%E3%82%8C%E3%81%A6%E3%81%84%E3%81%BE%E3%81%99%E3%80%82 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=舞の道 観音舞 |language=ja}}</ref>

Throughout Okinawa, there are sacred sites known as ''[[utaki]]'', where rituals and ceremonies are performed. Ryukyuan beliefs preserve many elements of ancient Japanese spirituality—such as those from the [[Jōmon period|Jōmon]] and [[Yayoi period|Yayoi periods]]—which have largely disappeared on the Japanese mainland. As such, they are considered important resources in [[comparative mythology]] and religious studies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2019 |script-title=ja:沖縄古来の琉球神道について |url=https://www.okinawa41.go.jp/reports/22572 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=Okinawa41 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ja:琉球神話との比較とは何？ わかりやす |url=https://www.weblio.jp/content/%E7%90%89%E7%90%83%E7%A5%9E%E8%A9%B1%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AE%E6%AF%94%E8%BC%83 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=Weblio}}</ref>

===Cuisine and diet===
{{See also|Okinawan cuisine}}
[[File:沖縄酒場SABANI Okinawa-sakaba SABANI 沖縄そば Okinawa Soba.jpg|thumb|[[Okinawa soba]]]]
The [[Okinawa diet|Okinawan diet]] consists of low-fat, low-salt foods, such as whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, tofu, and seaweed. Okinawans are particularly well known for consuming purple potatoes, also known as Okinawan sweet potatoes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtoearth.org/health/nutrition/okinawan-sweet-potato-purple-powerhouse-nutrition|title=The Okinawan Sweet Potato: A Purple Powerhouse of Nutrition|last=Earth|first=Down to|date=November 11, 2011|website=Down to Earth Organic and Natural|language=en|access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806033443/https://www.downtoearth.org/health/nutrition/okinawan-sweet-potato-purple-powerhouse-nutrition|url-status=live}}</ref> Okinawans used to be known for their [[longevity]] compared to the rest of Japan and the world in general. This particular island is a so-called [[Blue Zone]], an area where people are purported to live longer than most others elsewhere in the world. Possible explanations for this were diet, low-stress lifestyle, caring community, activity, and spirituality of the inhabitants of the island.<ref name="Santrock">{{cite book|author=Santrock, John W. A|title= Topical Approach to Life-Span Development|url=https://archive.org/details/topicalapproacht00john_0|url-access=registration|edition=4|location=New York|publisher= McGraw-Hill|year= 2002}}</ref>{{page needed|date=August 2014}}

A traditional Okinawan product that owes its existence to Okinawa's trading history is [[awamori]]—an Okinawan distilled spirit made from ''indica'' rice imported from [[Thailand]].

===Architecture===
[[File:Naha Shuri Castle20s5s3200.jpg|thumb|right|[[Shuri Castle]] in Naha]]

Despite widespread destruction during World War II, there are many remains of a unique type of castle or fortress known as ''[[gusuku]]''; the most [[Values (heritage)|significant]] are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List ([[Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/972/ |title=Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |access-date=May 29, 2012 |archive-date=May 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513102456/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/972 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, [[List of Cultural Properties of Japan - structures (Okinawa)|twenty-three Ryukyuan architectural complexes]] and [[List of Historic Sites of Japan (Okinawa)|forty historic sites]] have been [[Cultural Property (Japan)|designated for protection]] by the national government.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index_pc.asp |title=Database of National Cultural Properties: 国宝・重要文化財 (建造物): 沖縄県 |language=ja |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |access-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722215103/https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index_pc.asp |archive-date=July 22, 2019 }}</ref> [[Shuri Castle]] in Naha is a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].

[[File:Nakamura House Kitanakagusuku01n3104.jpg|thumb|right|Nakamura House]]
[[File:Tomori Stone Lion 202006 01.jpg|thumb|right|A [[shisa]]]]

Whereas most [[Housing in Japan|homes in Japan]] are made from wood and allow free-flow of air to combat humidity, typical modern homes in Okinawa are made from concrete with barred windows to protect from flying plant debris and to withstand regular [[typhoon]]s. Roofs are designed with strong winds in mind, in which each tile is cemented on and not merely layered as seen with many homes in Japan.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}} The Nakamura House ({{ill|中村家住宅 (沖縄県)|ja|vertical-align=sup}}) is an original 18th century farmhouse in Kitanakagusuki. Many roofs also display a lion-dog statue, called a [[shisa]], which is said to protect the home from danger. Roofs are typically red in color and are inspired by Chinese design.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Chinese and Japanese Influence In Ryukyuan Architecture – Okinawa Prefecture|url=https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-chinese-and-japanese-influence-in-ryukyuan-architecture/ZwLild7YMwcxIg|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=Google Arts & Culture|language=en|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721185501/https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-chinese-and-japanese-influence-in-ryukyuan-architecture/ZwLild7YMwcxIg|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
The public schools in Okinawa are overseen by the [[Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education]]. The agency directly operates several public high schools<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www-edu.pref.okinawa.jp/somu/gakkoichiran/ko.html|title=沖縄県内の高等学校|publisher=Okinawa Prefectural Board Of Education|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121141423/http://www-edu.pref.okinawa.jp/somu/gakkoichiran/ko.html|archive-date=January 21, 2013}}</ref> including [[Okinawa Shogaku High School]]. The U.S. [[Department of Defense Dependents Schools]] operates 13 schools total in Okinawa. Seven of these schools are located on Kadena Air Base.

Okinawa has many types of private schools. Some of them are [[cram school]]s, also known as [[juku]]. Others, such as [[Nova (eikaiwa)|Nova]], solely teach language. There are 10 [[list of universities in Japan|colleges / universities in Okinawa]], including the [[University of the Ryukyus]], the only [[List of national universities in Japan|national university]] in the prefecture, and the [[Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology]], a new international research institute. Okinawa's American military bases also host the Asian Division of the [[University of Maryland Global Campus|University of Maryland University College]].

{{Further|List of junior high schools in Okinawa Prefecture}}

==Sports==

=== Martial arts ===
{{Main|Okinawan martial arts}}

[[Martial arts]], such as [[tegumi]] and [[Okinawan kobudō]] originated among the indigenous people of [[Okinawa Island]]. Due to its central location, Okinawa was influenced by various cultures including [[Japan]], [[China]] and [[Southeast Asia]] in its martial arts culture.

==== Karate ====
[[File:Karate ShuriCastle.jpg|thumb|Karate training with [[Shinpan Gusukuma]] at [[Shuri Castle]], {{circa|1938}}]]
[[Karate]] originated in the Ryukyu Kingdom, under Chinese influence. Over time, it developed into several styles and sub-styles. On Okinawa, the three main styles are considered to be [[Shōrin-ryū]], [[Gōjū-ryū]] and [[Uechi-ryū]]. Internationally, the various styles and sub-styles include [[Matsubayashi-ryū]], [[Wadō-ryū]], [[Isshin-ryū]], [[Shōrinkan]], [[Shotokan]], [[Shitō-ryū]], [[Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan Karate|Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan]], Shorinjiryu Koshinkai, and [[Shōrinji-ryū]].

Following Okinawa's occupation, karate spread to the United States and the rest of the world. It is now popular across the world, and has since been [[Karate at the Summer Olympics|included]] in the Olympic Games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thebka.co.uk/a-brief-history-of-karate/|title=A Brief History of Karate &#124; British Karate Association|work=British Karate Association &#124; The UK's Multi–Style Karate Association |date=October 22, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2022 |title=Motorsport, cricket and karate among sports on shortlist for Los Angeles 2028 |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1126540/cricket-los-angeles-2028 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=www.insidethegames.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2009 |title=History of Okinawan Karate |url=http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/001/001/index.html |access-date=September 16, 2023 |archive-date=March 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302085743/http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/001/001/index.html}}</ref>

=== Association football ===
[[FC Ryukyu]] is a professional football team based on Okinawa. Since 2014 they have competed in the second or third tier in the [[J.League|national league system]].

=== Basketball ===
[[File:沖縄アリーナ.jpg|thumb|right|[[Okinawa Arena]], the home arena of the [[B.League]] team [[Ryukyu Golden Kings]]]]
The [[Ryukyu Golden Kings]] are a professional basketball team that compete in the [[B.League]], the top-tier professional basketball league of Japan. They are successful, having won the national title five times (most recently in [[2022–23 B.League season|2023]]).

The [[Okinawa Arena]] has hosted the [[Japan men's national basketball team|Japanese men's basketball team]] for various [[2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification (Asia)|2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers]]. It was also one of five venues to host the [[2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup]], the other four were in the [[Philippines]] and [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web |date=January 20, 2017 |title=2023年バスケW杯、予選ラウンド開催地に沖縄市が名乗り 1万人アリーナ評価 |trans-title=Okinawa City's 10,000 capacity arena will be evaluated as a potential venue for the preliminary round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. |url=http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/80586 |access-date=October 18, 2017 |work=Okinawa Times}}</ref>

=== Harii ===
'''[[Harii (Japanese sport)|Harii]] (ハーリー)''' is a traditional rowing sport practiced mainly in [[Kyushu]] and Okinawa, [[Japan]].

It is typically held during events such as the Kaijin-sai (海神祭) around the 4th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar (ユッカヌヒー), or near the lunar Obon season.

The sport features a boat race in which dozens of men board a ''harii boat'' and row competitively; the team that reaches the finish line first is declared the winner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=beethoven |date=June 14, 2023 |title=沖縄ハーリー徹底解説！ 各地の開催スケジュールも紹介 – OKINAWA41 |url=https://www.okinawa41.go.jp/reports/20230614 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=www.okinawa41.go.jp |language=ja}}</ref>

Various ''harii'' races are held throughout Okinawa, with the most prominent being the '''[[Naha Harii]]''' in the city of [[Naha]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2018 |title=那覇ハーリー {{!}} 那覇市観光資源データベース |url=https://www.naha-contentsdb.jp/spot/603 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=那覇市観光情報 |language=ja}}</ref>

=== Handball ===
* [[Ryukyu Corazon]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ryukyu-corazon.com/ |title=Ryukyu Corazon |publisher=Ryukyu Corazon |access-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218130153/http://www.ryukyu-corazon.com/ |archive-date=December 18, 2010 }}</ref> ([[Naha, Okinawa|Naha]])

=== Baseball ===
In 2019, BASE Okinawa Baseball Club attempted forming the first-ever professional baseball team on Okinawa, the Ryukyu Blue Oceans. The team was expected to be fully organized by January 2020 with a view to joining the [[Nippon Professional Baseball]] league.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2019/07/24/30779/|title=Ryukyu Blue Oceans: Okinawa's first-ever pro baseball team|website=Ryukyu Shimpo – Okinawa, Japanese newspaper, local news|language=en-US|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725075655/http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2019/07/24/30779/|archive-date=July 25, 2019}}</ref>

However, complications arising from the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] compounded with allegations of financial mismanagement – including reports of unpaid wages to players – resulted in the project being put on hold in November 2022. An exodus of players and staff followed, resulting in management company BASE officially filing for bankruptcy on April 6, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-1690836.html|title=琉球ブルーオーシャンズ自己破産 沖縄初のプロ野球団 コロナで試合できず|date=April 7, 2023|website=琉球新報デジタル}}</ref>

Despite the lack of a local team, various professional baseball teams hold winter training camps in Okinawa as it is the warmest prefecture of Japan, with no snow and higher average temperatures than other prefectures. In 2025, ten teams held such camps across the prefecture, including two teams from the [[KBO League]].<ref>[https://www.okinawatraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/okinawa_guide_250129.pdf 2025 Winter Camp Guide (Japanese)]</ref>
* [[Yomiuri Giants]]
* [[Hanshin Tigers]]
* [[Yokohama DeNA BayStars]]
* [[Hiroshima Toyo Carp]]
* [[Tokyo Yakult Swallows]]
* [[Chunichi Dragons]]
* [[Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters]]
* [[Chiba Lotte Marines]]
* [[Samsung Lions]] (Korea)
* [[Doosan Bears]] (Korea)

=== Golf ===
There are numerous golf courses in the prefecture, and there was formerly a professional tournament called the [[Okinawa Open]].

==Transportation==
===Air transportation===
* [[Aguni Airport]]
* [[Hateruma Airport]]
* [[Iejima Airport]]
* [[Kerama Airport]]
* [[Kitadaito Airport]]
* [[Kumejima Airport]]
* [[Minami-Daito Airport]]
* [[Miyako Airport]]
* [[Naha Airport]]
* [[New Ishigaki Airport]]
* [[Shimojishima Airport]]
* [[Tarama Airport]]
* [[Yonaguni Airport]]

===Highways===
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E58}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E58|dab1=Airport}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|58}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|329}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|330}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|331}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|332}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|390}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|449}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|505}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|507}}

===Rail===
{{See also|Rail transport in Okinawa}}
* [[Okinawa Urban Monorail]]

===Ports===
The major ports of Okinawa include:
* [[Hirara Port]]<ref>[http://www.dc.ogb.go.jp/hirarakou/ 平良港湾事務所] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526002749/http://www.dc.ogb.go.jp/hirarakou/ |date=May 26, 2006 }}. Dc.ogb.go.jp. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* Port of [[Ishigaki Island|Ishigaki]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp/140000/140400/index.htm|title=石垣市建設部港湾課|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170801/http://www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp/140000/140400/index.htm|archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref>
* Port of [[Kinwan]]<ref>{{in lang|ja}} [http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/kowan/kinwan.html 金武湾港] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052641/http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/kowan/kinwan.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Pref.okinawa.jp. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Nakagusukuwan Port]]<ref>[http://www.dc.ogb.go.jp/nakagusukuwankou/ 沖縄総合事務局 那覇港湾・空港整備事務所 中城湾港出張所] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501210023/http://www.dc.ogb.go.jp/nakagusukuwankou/ |date=May 1, 2006 }}. Dc.ogb.go.jp. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Naha Port]]<ref>[http://www.nahaport.jp/pro_us/index.htm Naha port] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060328025939/http://www.nahaport.jp/pro_us/index.htm |date=March 28, 2006 }}. Nahaport.jp. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* Port of Unten<ref>{{in lang|ja}} [http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/kowan/unten.html 運天港] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719040004/http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/kowan/unten.html |date=July 19, 2006 }}. Pref.okinawa.jp. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>

==Economy==
{{See also|Okinawa Island#Economy}}
The island economy is primarily driven by tourism and the U.S. military presence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/okinawas-reinvention-enters-next-phase-1415912139|title=Okinawa's Reinvention Enters Next Phase|last1=Martin|first1=Alexander|date=November 13, 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=May 19, 2016|url-access=subscription|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611025110/http://www.wsj.com/articles/okinawas-reinvention-enters-next-phase-1415912139|url-status=live}}</ref> Other significant contributors to the economy include public utilities and public works, as well as, to a lesser extent, limestone mining, cement production, agriculture, telecommunications ({{ill|Okinawa Cellular Telephone|ja|沖縄セルラー電話}}), and alcoholic beverage production ([[Orion Breweries]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ryukyucement.co.jp/kouzan.htm |title=安和鉱山 琉球セメント |access-date=August 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217112331/http://www.ryukyucement.co.jp/kouzan.htm |archive-date=December 17, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=May 14, 2009|url=http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-144509-storytopic-5.html|title=飲んで元気 アセローラ 本部町が産地をPR|publisher=琉球新報|access-date=August 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623124154/http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-144509-storytopic-5.html|archive-date=June 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=June 30, 2021|url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20210630-50773/|title=Half-century of subsidies hamper Okinawa's path to self-reliance|publisher=The Japan News|access-date=March 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915175015/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20210630-50773/|archive-date=September 15, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 34 U.S. military installations on Okinawa are financially supported by the U.S. and Japan.<ref name=huff/> The bases provide jobs for Okinawans, both directly and indirectly; in 2011, the U.S. military employed over 9,800 Japanese workers in Okinawa.<ref name="huff">{{cite web|first1=Stephen|last1=Nessen|title=Okinawa U.S. Marine Base Angers Residents And Governor|website=[[HuffPost]]|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-nessen/okinawa-us-marine-base-an_b_804460.html|access-date=August 19, 2014|date=January 4, 2011|archive-date=November 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117095535/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-nessen/okinawa-us-marine-base-an_b_804460.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2012}} the bases accounted for up to 5% of the economy.<ref>Hongo, Jun. (May 16, 2012) [http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120516f2.html Economic reliance on bases won't last, trends suggest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530071820/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120516f2.html |date=May 30, 2012 }}. The Japan Times. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> However, Koji Taira argued in 1997 that because the U.S. bases occupy around 20% of Okinawa's land, they impose a [[deadweight loss]] of 15% on the Okinawan economy.<ref>Taira, Koji (1997). [http://www.jpri.org/publications/workingpapers/wp28.html#Taira 'The Okinawan Charade'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010012128/http://www.jpri.org/publications/workingpapers/wp28.html#Taira |date=October 10, 2014 }} Japan Policy Research Institute, Working Paper No. 28</ref> The Tokyo government also pays the prefectural government around ¥10 billion per year<ref name=huff/> in compensation for the American presence, including, for instance, rent paid by the Japanese government to the Okinawans on whose land American bases are situated.<ref name="g2mil.com">[http://www.g2mil.com/okinawa-solution.htm The Okinawa Solution]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626020236/http://www.g2mil.com/okinawa-solution.htm |date=June 26, 2012 }}. G2mil.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref><!---these figures are from a very pov anti-American source---> A 2005 report by the U.S. Forces Japan Okinawa Area Field Office estimated that in 2003 the combined U.S. and Japanese base-related spending contributed $1.9 billion to the local economy.<ref name="JapanTimes">{{cite news|first1=Eric|last1=Johnston|title=Okinawa base issue not cut and dried with locals|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/03/28/national/okinawa-base-issue-not-cut-and-dried-with-locals/|access-date=November 21, 2014|date=March 28, 2006|newspaper=The Japan Times Online|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904010323/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/03/28/national/okinawa-base-issue-not-cut-and-dried-with-locals/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 13, 2015, in response to the citizens electing governor [[Takeshi Onaga]], the national government announced that Okinawa's funding will be cut, due to the governor's stance on removing the US military bases from Okinawa, which the national government does not want happening.<ref name="JapanTimes2">{{cite web|first1=Isabel|last1=Reynolds|first2=Maiko|last2=Takahashi|title=Japan cuts Okinawa budget after election of Anti-base governor|website=[[Bloomberg News]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-14/japan-cuts-okinawa-budget-after-election-of-anti-base-governor|access-date=November 21, 2014|date=January 13, 2015|archive-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427194715/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-14/japan-cuts-okinawa-budget-after-election-of-anti-base-governor|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JapanTimes3">{{cite web|title=Gov't cuts budget for Okinawa economic development|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/govt-cuts-budget-for-okinawan-economic-development|access-date=February 4, 2015|date=January 15, 2015|archive-date=February 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205035920/http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/govt-cuts-budget-for-okinawan-economic-development|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau is exploring the possibility of using facilities on the military bases for large-scale meetings, conferencing, exhibitions events.<ref>{{cite news|title=Okinawa looks to offer more unique venues|url=http://www.ttgmice.com/article/okinawa-looks-to-offer-more-unique-venues/|access-date=November 15, 2012|newspaper=TTGmice|date=September 6, 2012|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115170808/http://www.ttgmice.com/article/okinawa-looks-to-offer-more-unique-venues/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==United States military installations==
{{Main|U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement|United States Forces Japan}}

* [[United States Marine Corps]]
** [[Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler]]
*** [[Camp Courtney]]
*** [[Camp Foster]]
*** [[Camp Gonsalves]] (Jungle Warfare Training Center)
*** [[Camp Hansen]]
*** [[Camp Kinser]]
*** [[Camp McTureous]]
*** [[Camp Schwab]]
*** [[Marine Corps Air Station Futenma]]
* [[United States Air Force]]
**[[Kadena Air Base]]
**[https://web.archive.org/web/20190321171347/https://kadenafss.com/okuma/ Okuma Beach Resort]
* [[United States Navy]]
** [[Camp Lester]] ([[Camp Kuwae]]){{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
** [[Camp Shields]]
** [[Naval Facility White Beach]]
* [[United States Army]]
** [[Fort Buckner]]
** [[Naha Military Port]]
** [[Torii Station]]

==Notable people==
{{div col|colwidth=26em}} <!-- please respect alphabetical order -->
*[[Namie Amuro]], hip hop and pop singer
*[[Yui Aragaki]], actress, singer and model
*[[Awich]], rapper, singer and songwriter
*[[Beni (singer)|Beni]], pop and R&B singer
*[[Zach Bryan]], country musician and singer-songwriter
*[[Michael Carter (running back)|Michael Carter]], [[National Football League]] player
*[[Isamu Chō]], officer in the [[Imperial Japanese Army]]
*[[Byron Fija]], Okinawan-language educator
*[[Gichin Funakoshi]], martial artist, founder of [[Shotokan]]
*[[Gigō Funakoshi]], martial artist
*[[Gackt]], pop rock singer-songwriter, actor and author
*[[Robert Griffin III]], [[National Football League]] player, [[Heisman Trophy]] winner
*[[Hearts Grow]], alternative rock band
*[[Takuji Iwasaki]], meteorologist, biologist and ethnologist historian
*[[Eiki Matayoshi]], novel writer, winner of [[Akutagawa prize]]
*Jin Matsuda, singer, member of [[INI (Japanese boy group)|INI]]
*[[Saori Minami]], [[kayōkyoku]] pop singer
*[[Daichi Miura]], pop singer, dancer and choreographer
*[[Chōjun Miyagi]], martial artist, founder of [[Gōjū-ryū]]
*[[Yukie Nakama]], singer, musician and actress
*[[Rino Nakasone]], professional dancer and choreographer
*[[Rimi Natsukawa]], pop singer
*[[Ui Nema]], [[VTuber]] and cultural ambassador for the Okinawa prefectural government
*[[Orange Range]], rock band
*[[Minoru Ōta]], admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy
*[[Dave Roberts (baseball manager)|Dave Roberts]], [[Major League Baseball]] player and manager
*[[Toshiyuki Sakuda]], professional wrestler
*[[Eisaku Satō]], politician, 61st, 62nd and 63rd [[Prime Minister of Japan]]
*[[Aisa Senda]], singer, actress and TV presenter in Taiwan
*[[Ben Shepherd]], bassist of [[Soundgarden]]
*[[Stereopony]], all-female pop rock band
*[[Noriyuki Sugasawa]], basketball player
*[[Super Shisa]], professional wrestler
*[[Tina Tamashiro]], fashion model and actress
*[[Yuken Teruya]], interdisciplinary artist
*[[Tamlyn Tomita]], actress and singer
*[[Kanbun Uechi]], martial artist, founder of [[Uechi-ryū]]
*[[Mitsuru Ushijima]], general at the [[Battle of Okinawa]]
*[[Kentsū Yabu]], martial artist prominent in [[Shōrin-ryū]]
*[[Chikako Yamashiro]], filmmaker and video artist
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Names of Okinawa]]
* [[Okinawa Prefectural Assembly]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikivoyage|Okinawa}}
{{NIE Poster|Okinawa}}
*[http://dc-office.org/brochure/ Okinawa Prefectural Government Washington DC Office]
*[https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/ Official Okinawa Prefecture website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/chijiko/kohokoryu/foreign/english/index.html Official Okinawa Prefecture website]
*[http://rca.open.ed.jp/web_e/ Ryukyu Cultural Archives]
*[http://www.peace-museum.okinawa.jp/english/ Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601190143/http://www.peace-museum.okinawa.jp/english/ |date=June 1, 2023 }}
*{{OSM relation|3795635}}

{{Okinawa}}
{{Regions and administrative divisions of Japan}}
{{Ryukyu Islands}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Okinawa Prefecture| ]]
[[Category:Blue zones]]
[[Category:Former regions and territories of the United States]]
[[Category:Japan–United States relations]]
[[Category:Kyushu region]]
[[Category:Prefectures of Japan]]
[[Category:Ryukyu Islands]]