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This presentation will consist of a brief overview of the geography and the stamps of
Ryukyu. The Ryukyu Islands extend from Kyushu (the southern part of the Japanese main
islands) south to Taiwan. There are 143 islands and islets separating the East China
Sea from the Pacific Ocean. They are divided into three main groups: the Amami Islands,
the Okinawa Islands, and the Sakishima Islands. They cover some 848 square miles. Its
capital is Naha on the largest island of Okinawa.
The Ryukyus were first invaded by the Chinese in 605 AD. The Japanese conquered the islands in the 17th century, and were first landed on March 26, 1945 by U.S. troops (the 7th Infantry Division). By the time the U.S. had total control on July 2, 1945, 12,500 Americans were dead and 36,650 wounded. On May 15, 1972 the islands were returned to Japan. |
