Ryukyu Kingdom

Ryukyu no kuni

# Description

The Ryukyu Kingdom is an island nation that is composed of a group of islands (including the main island of Okinawa). The Ryukyu Kingdom is a vassal state of the Empire of Japan (as the Ryukyu Kingdom is part of the Japanese sphere of influence). The Ryukyu Kingdom is a very small nation (with its total territory numbering only a few hundred square miles). The Ryukyu Kingdom is also a very poor nation, with its economy being based on subsistence farming (and very limited industrial production). The economy of the Ryukyu Kingdom is heavily dependent on the Japanese empire for trade and aid.

## Information

The official languages of the Ryukyu Kingdom are Japanese and Ryukyuan (which are the two most common languages spoken in the Ryukyu Kingdom). The demonyms for the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom are Ryukyuan (with the former being the most common). The government of the Ryukyu Kingdom is a feudal monarchy (with the monarchy being ruled by a king who is considered to be the supreme authority in both political and military matters). The largest city in the Ryukyu Kingdom is Naha (the capital of the country). The GDP of the Ryukyu Kingdom is very low (as the majority of the country follows a subsistence farming model). However, the Kingdom does have a very small urbanized section (with the island of Okinawa being home to a number of important cities). The economic activity in the urbanized section of the Ryukyu Kingdom is mainly focused on trade and tourism (as the country is a very popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty).

## Navy

The naval forces of the Ryukyu Kingdom are very small, with its most powerful ship being a small coastal patrol ship that possesses a 40mm gun and two 20mm cannons as its main armament. The naval forces of the Ryukyu Kingdom are mainly responsible for coastal defense, with their main task being to defend the coast of the Ryukyu Kingdom from foreign threats (such as the Tungning Kingdom). The naval forces of the Ryukyu Kingdom are also equipped with a small number of anti-aircraft batteries that can be used to help defend against foreign air attacks.

## Tungning Raids

the Ryukyu Kingdom faces a series of devastating raids and bombings from the Kingdom of Tungning, a powerful state located on the island of Taiwan. These attacks are motivated in part by the Ryukyu Kingdom's status as a vassal state of the Empire of Japan, which is seen as a rival power by the Tungning government.

The raids begin in the early 17th century, when Tungning forces launch a surprise attack on the island of Miyako, which is located to the northeast of Okinawa. The Miyako Islanders are caught off guard and many are killed or taken captive, while the island's infrastructure and agricultural resources are heavily damaged.

In response to this attack, the Ryukyu Kingdom sends a delegation to Tungning to negotiate a peace treaty and secure the release of the Miyako captives. However, the negotiations break down when Tungning demands that the Ryukyu Kingdom break its vassalage to Japan and establish diplomatic relations with Tungning instead.

The Ryukyu Kingdom refuses this demand, and the raids and bombings continue over the next several decades. The Tungning forces target not only military installations and government buildings, but also civilian populations and infrastructure. Many Ryukyuans are killed or displaced by the attacks, and the kingdom's already fragile economy is further weakened.

Despite this ongoing conflict, the Ryukyu Kingdom manages to maintain its independence and its ties with Japan. Over time, the kingdom develops a stronger sense of national identity and cultural pride, as its people struggle to survive and rebuild in the face of adversity.

## Japanese Annexation

Japan seizes the opportunity to annex the kingdom and make it a part of its expanding empire.

The annexation is met with mixed reactions from the Ryukyuan people. Some see it as a necessary step towards modernization and development, while others view it as a violation of their cultural and national identity. The Ryukyuan monarchy is abolished, and the islands are incorporated into the Japanese prefecture system.

Under Japanese rule, the Ryukyu Islands undergo significant changes in terms of politics, economics, and culture. The Japanese government invests heavily in infrastructure and industry, bringing new technologies and resources to the islands. However, the Ryukyuan people also face discrimination and marginalization within the Japanese system, as they are viewed as a distinct and subordinate ethnic group.

Despite these challenges, the Ryukyu Islands continue to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity and resilience.