Ryūkyū Islands facts for kids

The Ryukyu Islands are a long chain of Japanese islands. They stretch between Kyushu (a large island in Japan) and Taiwan. These islands are also known as the Nansei Islands, which means "Southwest Islands."

The people who originally lived on these islands are called the Ryukyuan people. They have their own unique culture and history.

Island History

The Ryukyu Islands have a very interesting past. For a long time, they were home to a special kingdom.

The Ryukyu Kingdom

A kingdom called the Ryukyu Kingdom started in the mid-1300s. This kingdom was very important for trade. It had a special relationship with Imperial China, sending gifts and showing respect. This was called a tributary relationship.

In the early 1600s, the kingdom also started a similar relationship with Japan. Even with these ties to China and Japan, the Ryukyu Kingdom usually kept its independence. Its rulers were able to govern their own lands.

In 1765, a Japanese scholar named Hayashi Shihei wrote about the islands. He described them in his book, Sangoku Tsūran Zusetsu.

Important Dates

Here are some key moments in the history of the Ryukyu Islands:

• 1314: Three smaller kingdoms (Nanzan, Chūzan, and Hokuzan) were formed on the islands.
• 1429: These three kingdoms united to create the Ryukyu Kingdom.
• 1609: The Ryukyu Kingdom was attacked by the Satsuma Domain from Japan.
• 1872: Japan officially created the Ryukyu Domain. This was a step towards making the islands part of Japan.
• 1879: The Ryukyu Domain became Okinawa Prefecture, a regular part of Japan.
• 1945: The Battle of Okinawa took place during World War II. It was a very difficult time for the islands.
• 1972: After World War II, the United States had control of the islands. In 1972, the United States gave the Ryukyu Islands back to Japan.

Island Geography

The Ryukyu Islands are located in an important spot. They are on the eastern edge of the East China Sea. They are also on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean.

The islands are split into two main groups:

• The Northern Ryukyu Islands are mostly around Amami Island.
• The Southern Ryukyu Islands are centered around Okinawa Island.

Sometimes, the Southern Ryukyu Islands are divided even more. They can be split into the Okinawa Islands and the Sakishima Islands. The biggest island in the entire chain is Okinawa Island.

Island Culture

One of the most famous things to come from these islands is Karate. This martial art was created by the local people, especially on Okinawa. The Japanese phrase "Karate-do" means "way of the empty hand." It is a way of fighting and self-defense using only your body.

Related Pages

• Provinces of Japan
• Prefectures of Japan
• List of regions of Japan
• List of islands of Japan
• Ryukyuan languages

Images for kids

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  Satellite photo of the Ryukyu islands (Nansei islands)

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  The last sunset in Japan is seen from Yonaguni.

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  Sea routes used by Japanese missions to Tang China

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  Tanegashima matchlock

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  Okinawa Islands during the Sanzan Period

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  Harimizu utaki (Harimizu Shrine), a Ryukyuan shrine in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture

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  Jōmon Sugi in Yakushima

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  The Yonaguni Monument, a rock formation along the south coast of Yonaguni Island

See also

In Spanish: Islas Ryūkyū para niños