The largest island of the Ryukyu chain in southern Japan, known for coral reefs, U.S. military bases, and its distinct Ryukyuan culture.
Geography
Okinawa lies roughly midway between Kyushu and Taiwan. The island has a humid subtropical climate, fringing coral reefs, and the dense Yambaru rainforest in its northern half.
Battle of Okinawa
The 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War, killed about 240,000 people including roughly a third of the civilian population. U.S. forces occupied the island until 1972.
Culture
The Ryukyu Kingdom ruled Okinawa from 1429 to 1879 as a tributary state of China. Karate originated here as a synthesis of Chinese martial arts and Ryukyuan combat traditions.
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Okinawa starts with O and ends with A. Browse other islands along the same letter.
Islands that contain a letter from "Okinawa":