Ryukyuans (Japanese: 琉球民族, Ryūkyū minzoku; Okinawan: ウチナンチュ, Uchinanchu) are the indigenous peoples of the Ryukyu Islands of Japan between the islands of Kyūshū and Taiwan. The generally recognized subgroups of Ryukyuans are Amamians, Okinawans, Miyakoans, Yaeyamans, and Yonagunians. Geographically, they live in either Okinawa Prefecture or Kagoshima Prefecture. Their languages make up the Ryukyuan language family, one of the two branches of the Japonic language family, the other one being Japanese and its dialects. These languages are in fact, very different from Japanese and cannot be understood by a native Japanese speaker without some effort. Okinawan (Okinawan: Ê”ucināguci) is a Ryukyuan language spoken in Japan on the southern island of Okinawa, as well as the surrounding islands of Kerama, Kume-jima, Tonaki, Aguni, and a number of smaller islands located to the east of the main island of Okinawa. ... Location of Ryukyu Islands The Ryukyu Islands, in Japanese called the Nansei Islands ) are a chain of Japanese islands in the western Pacific Ocean at the eastern limit of the East China Sea. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Amami Islands amami shotō) are part of the Ryukyu Archipelago. ... Okinawan may refer to: The languages or dialects of Okinawa (see: Ryukyuan languages, Okinawan language) The people of Okinawa (see: Ryukyuans) Of or relating to Okinawa This is a disambiguation page, a list of pages that otherwise might share the same title. ... There are a few places in Japan known as Miyako. ... Map of the Yaeyama Islands The Yaeyama Islands (八重山諸島 Yaeyama-shotō) are an archipelago in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. ... For the breed of horse, see Yonaguni (horse). ... “Okinawa” redirects here. ... Kagoshima Prefecture ) is located on KyÅ«shÅ« island, Japan. ... The Ryukyuan languages are spoken in the RyÅ«kyÅ« Islands and make up a subfamily of the Japonic family. ... The Japonic languages or Japanese-Ryukyuan languages constitute a language family that is agreed to have descended from a common ancestral language known as Proto-Japonic or Proto-Japanese-Ryukyuan. ...

Ryukyuan ethnic identity and pride

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The culture of Ryukyuans, though closely related to Japanese culture, is nonetheless distinctive in that it historically received much more influence from China and has separate political and religious traditions. The Ryukyuan people's marine environmental protection awareness is very strong. Traditionally, Okinawans have a very tightly-knit family life and enjoy close personal friendships, which contributes to dietary factors that make Uchinanchu among the longest-lived people in the world. Uchinanchu, while almost completely intermixed with Japanese, Chinese and other races, tend to see themselves as bound together by their home island and, especially among older Uchinanchu, will always consider themselves from Okinawa ("Uchinā" in Okinawan) first and Japan second. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the years, from the countrys original Jomon culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. ...

Okinawan food is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Although rice is a staple food, pork, seaweed, rich miso (fermented soybean) pastes, and black sugar all feature prominently in native cuisine. Most famous to tourists is the bitter melon, gōya, which is often mixed into a rice dish called gōya champurū. The taste of goya can best be described as an acquired taste by some, but others will describe its unique flavor as one that is approximated by no other vegetable, as it has the taste of "a demon's bitter toenails."^{[citation needed]} For other uses, see Pork (disambiguation). ... Ascophyllum nodosum exposed to the sun in Nova Scotia, Canada Dead Mans Fingers (Codium fragile) off Massachusetts coast For the band, see; Seaweed (band) For the rock musician, see; Seaweed (musician) Seaweeds are any of a large number of marine benthic algae. ... Miso ) is a traditional Japanese food produced by fermenting rice, barley and/or soybeans, with salt and kōji (the most typical miso is made with soy). ... Binomial name (L.) Merr. ... It has been suggested that Foo qua be merged into this article or section. ...

Native Uchina religion places strong emphasis upon the role of the women in the community, with women holding positions as shamans and guardians of the home and hearth. Shi-shi lion dog statues can often be seen on or in front of houses—this relates to the ancient Uchina belief that the male spirit is the spirit of the outside and the female spirit is the spirit of the inside. To prevent the negative interaction or conquering of the inside spirit by the outside, the male spirits will go into the shi-shi statues while the man is inside and enter him again when he leaves. Most Okinawans are not serious adherents to this religion anymore, but many older Uchinanchu try to teach about the old ways, including dances and the language.

Uchinanchu are known as a peaceful people and have always considered the arts and music as more honorable than combat skills, but if need be they will defend their honour. This can be evidenced by the revelation that, in feudal Japan, it was almost mandatory to show martial awareness by keeping a daishō (matched pair of large and small swords) in the tokonoma (living room alcove), but Uchinanchu always had a sanshin (a sort of Asian guitar or lute) in their tokonoma. An Edo-era daisho on its stand. ... An Okinawan sanshin The sanshin (三線, literally meaning three strings) is an Okinawan musical instrument, and precursor of the Japanese shamisen. ...

In modern times, the old dances and songs are making a resurgence as young Uchinanchu and even foreigners with mixed blood get more into their unique culture. Once again the sanshin and chants can be heard over fires at the festivals.

During the occupation by Japan in the mid-15th–16th centuries, the Uchinanchu were completely disarmed of all bladed weapons by the Japanese (who feared revolt). The techniques of self-defense and using farm tools as weapons against armed opponents—called Karate by today's martial artists—was created totally by Uchinanchu who probably incorporated some gong fu and native techniques from China into a complete system of attack and defense known simply as Te (literally meaning "hand(s)," but with a strong connotation of "manoeuvre(s)"). These martial arts varied slightly from town to town, and were named for their towns of origin, examples being Naha-te (currently known as Goju-Ryu), Tomari-te and Shuri-te. These martial arts are also making a resurgence in Okinawa as young people once again look to their ancient past for a proud tradition of self-defense and inner calm. For other uses, see Karate (disambiguation). ...

The kamekōbaka is the traditional Ryukyuan family tomb

Kamekoubaka, Traditional Ryukyuan Tomb I took this photograph and contribute it to the public domain. ... Kamekoubaka, Traditional Ryukyuan Tomb I took this photograph and contribute it to the public domain. ...

History

Main article: History of Ryukyu Islands

The Ryukyu islands were unified by the Ryukyuan Kingdom in the 12th century. The islands paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty of China, and later to the Qing Dynasty. In the early 17th century, however, the Ryukyuan Kingdom was conquered by the Satsuma-han of Kyūshū. The Satsuma domain kept the kingdom nominally alive because of the benefit from trade with China, although the Amami Archipelago came under the full control of Satsuma. During the Meiji period, the kingdom was formally abolished and Okinawa prefecture was established. This article is about the history of the Ryukyu Island chain southwest of the main islands of Japan. ... Brief History of the Ryukyus Before 1945 Large parts of this history come from George Feifers history of the Battle of Okinawa (references). ... For other uses, see Ming. ... Flag (1890-1912) Anthem Gong Jinou (1911) Territory of Qing China in 1892 Capital Shengjing (1636-1644) Beijing (1644-1912) Language(s) Chinese Manchu Mongolian Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1636-1643 Huang Taiji  - 1908-1912 Xuantong Emperor Prime Minister  - 1911 Yikuang  - 1911-1912 Yuan Shikai History  - Establishment of the Late... The Satsuma domain (Satsuma Han è–©æ‘©è—©) of Kagoshima, led by the daimyo of the Shimazu family was a major factor in the Meiji Restoration and in the Meiji period government. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture Amami ÅŒshima is one of the RyÅ«kyÅ« Islands (also known as Nansei Islands). ... The Meiji period ), or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji, running, in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July 1912. ... “Okinawa” redirects here. ...

After World War II, the Ryukyus, like the rest of Japan, were occupied by the U.S., but the U.S. maintained control of Okinawa even after the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco, which went into effect on April 28, 1952. Many soldiers stationed in the Ryukyu islands during World War II took aboriginal brides with them once the war ended. Twenty years later, in 1972, the Ryukyus were returned to Japan. Perceived discrimination against Ryukyuans by mainland Japanese is the cause of some resentment.^[1] Furthermore, due in part to the intense fighting in the islands during World War II, many Ryukyuans are strongly anti-military. Okinawa comprises just 0.6% of Japan's total land mass, yet U.S. military bases use about 10% of all the land in the Ryukyus, including 18.8% of the land on Okinawa Island itself. Many feel that they bear more than their fair share of the U.S.-Japan security alliance, and the presence of the military remains an issue in local politics. Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Prime Minister Yoshida Shigeru gives a speech on reconciliation and rapport ) at the San Francisco Peace conference. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This box:      Most broadly, discrimination is the discernment of qualities and rejection of subjects with undesirable qualities. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

First documentation and origins of Ryukyuan people

Chinese historical writings first mentioned the Ryukyus during the 6th-7th centuries (the Sui Dynasty). The Ryukyu Islands were inhabited early in historical times, perhaps by sea-faring Austronesian peoples whose horticulture and navigation technologies spread from what is now the southeastern coast of China to Taiwan, the Philippines, the Malayo-Indonesian islands, Polynesia, Melanesia, and Madagascar. While there is evidence of early habitation, the current population of the Ryukyus is of the same basic genealogical stock as other Japanese, though with a relatively higher contribution of Jōmon elements. Location of Ryukyu Islands The Ryukyu Islands, in Japanese called the Nansei Islands ) are a chain of Japanese islands in the western Pacific Ocean at the eastern limit of the East China Sea. ... The Sui Dynasty (Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 581-619[1]) followed the Southern and Northern Dynasties and preceded the Tang Dynasty in China. ... The Austronesian people are a population group in Oceania and Southeast Asia who speak or had ancestors who spoke one of the Austronesian languages. ... Indonesia is an archipelago made of 18,108 islands, according to satellite images. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... Map showing Melanesia. ... Characters for Jōmon (Cord marks). The Jomon period ) is the time in Japanese pre-history from about 10,000 BC to 300 BC. Most scholars agree that by around 40,000 BC glaciation had connected the Japanese islands with the Asian mainland. ...

The kinship between the Ryukyuan languages and the Japanese language suggests a common origin in the language of immigrants from continental Asia to the archipelago. See the articles on the Yayoi and Kofun cultures for more. The Ryukyuan languages are spoken in the Ryūkyū Islands and make up a subfamily of the Japonic family. ... Not to be confused with the Javanese language. ... This article is about a Japanese historical era. ... Kofun period (Japanese: 古墳時代, Kofun-jidai) is an era in the history of Japan from around AD 250 to 538. ...

Further reading

• Kreiner, J. (1996). Sources of Ryūkyūan history and culture in European collections. Monographien aus dem Deutschen Institut für Japanstudien der Philipp-Franz-von-Siebold-Stiftung, Bd. 13. München: Iudicium. ISBN 389129493X
• Ota, Masahide. (2000). Essays on Okinawa Problems. Yui Shuppan Co.: Gushikawa City, Okinawa, Japan. ISBN 4-946539-10-7 C0036.

An excellent collection of essays by a peace activist and former governor of Okinawa. Among the issues it discusses are those affecting the development of Ryukyuan identity.

• Ouwehand, C. (1985). Hateruma: socio-religious aspects of a South-Ryukyuan island culture. Leiden: E.J. Brill. ISBN 9004077103
• Pacific Science Congress, and Allan H. Smith. (1964). Ryukyuan culture and society: a survey. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
• Sakiyama, R. (1995). Ryukyuan dance = Ryūkyū buyō. Naha City: Okinawa Dept. of Commerce, Industry & Labor, Tourism & Cultural Affirs Bureau.
• Yamazato, Marie. (1995). Ryukyuan cuisine. Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture: Okinawa Tourism & Cultural Affairs Bureau Cultural Promotion Division.

References

See also

• Ryukyu independence movement
• List of active autonomist and secessionist movements
• Okinawan Samurai
• Okinawa prefecture
• History of Ryukyu Islands
• Ryukyuan religion
• Ryukyu Independent Party
• Ethnic issues in Japan
• Government of the Ryukyu Islands
• Jōmon people
  • Ainu people
• Yayoi people
  • Yamato people
• Battle of Okinawa
• Ethnocide

Ryukyu Independence Party flag The Ryukyu independence movement (琉球独立運動) can refer to a number of different movements, in Okinawa Prefecture, in the rest of Japan, and abroad, emerging at different times and with different goals, in relation to the history of the RyÅ«kyÅ« Islands. ... This is a list of currently active autonomist and secessionist movements around the world. ... Pechin(Satunushi) The Pechin ) is the Okinawan/Ryukyuan equivalent of the Japanese Samurai. ... “Okinawa” redirects here. ... This article is about the history of the Ryukyu Island chain southwest of the main islands of Japan. ... Ryukyuan religion is the indigenous belief system of the Uchinanchu people of Okinawa and the other Ryukyu Islands. ... Ryukyu Independence Party flag. ... In 2005, a United Nations report expressed concerns about racism in Japan and that government recognition of the depth of the problem was not total. ... The Government of the Ryukyu Islands(ja琉球政府) or U.S. Military government of the Ryukyu Islands(ja 琉球軍政府) is the government in Okinawa, Japan after the World War II until 1972. ... Ainu IPA: /ʔáınu/) (also called Ezo in historical texts) are an ethnic group indigenous to Hokkaidō, northern HonshÅ«, the Kuril Islands, much of Sakhalin, and the southernmost third of the Kamchatka peninsula. ... The Yayoi period (Japanese: 弥生時代, Yayoi-jidai) is an era in Japan from 300 BC to AD 250. ... The Yamato people ) are the dominant native ethnic group of Japan. ... Combatants  United States  United Kingdom  Canada  Australia  New Zealand Empire of Japan Commanders Simon B. Buckner â€  Joseph W. Stilwell Ray Spruance Mitsuru Ushijima â€  Isamu Cho â€  Strength 548,000 soldiers, 1,300 ships,  ? aircraft 100,000 regulars and militia,  ? ships,  ? aircraft Casualties 12,513 dead or missing, 38,916 wounded, 33... Ethnocide is a concept related to genocide; unlike genocide, which has entered into international law, ethnocide remains primarily the province of ethnologists, who have not yet settled on a single cohesive meaning for the term. ...

External links

• Okinawa Peace Network of Los Angeles, featuring information about Ryukyuan culture worldwide
• Inside Story: JAPAN, THE NEW BATTLE FOR OKINAWA (Asia Week)
• The Politics of Uchinau