The Ryukyu Islands: Geographic Aspects of A Change in Sovereignty

Abstract

The Ryukyu Islands occupy a strategic geographical location in the Far East. On May 15, 1972, their administration reverted from the United States, which had controlled them since 1945, to Japan. The geographic aspects of this notably peaceful change in sovereignty merits understanding. Diversified in character, the Rynkyu Islands have been undergoing significant economic and social change and development since 1945; in the immediate future the American military presence will continue to exercise a profound economic influence.