Ryukyu Islands: Approaching Deadline

RYUKYU ISLANDS

History of Okinawa reveal distinguished record of conquerors.

We have honor to be subjugated in fourteenth century by Chinese pirates, In sixteenth century by English missionaries, In eighteenth century by Japanese warlords, And in twentieth century by American Marines.

— The Teahouse of the August Moon.

Unlike previous conquerors, the U.S. has always declared its intention to hand Okinawa and the rest of the 73 islands it administers in the Ryukyu chain back to Japan. The question is, when? During 23 years of occupation, the U.S. has turned Okinawa into an American...

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