Let's say that because of FDR/Chiang diplomatic buffoonery after V-J Day, Okinawa and the Ryukyus are made independent of Japan. How does it then develop? What strategic role could it have played in the Pacific during the Cold War?
I don't know... Okinawa had been part of Japan for centuries... And Okinawa was pretty much Japanese.
Well, while Okinawans speak a Japonic language (Ryukyuan languages), they are still distinct from the Japanese, historically and culturally.I don't know... Okinawa had been part of Japan for centuries... And Okinawa was pretty much Japanese.
I don't know... Okinawa had been part of Japan for centuries... And Okinawa was pretty much Japanese.
Okinawa was part of independent Ryukyuan Kingdom some centuries. And I think that Japan conquered Ryukyu on 19th century.
It's very possible, actually - but if the U.S. wants it to happen, the price will be having to greatly reduce its military footprint in Okinawa, and greatly increase the political autonomy during the postwar occupation.
Butterflying away the Korean War - and its economic transformation of Japan (which makes Japan more desirable to reintegrate with) - will also help a lot.
Why? Here's a good read on this topic.
Well, while Okinawans speak a Japonic language (Ryukyuan languages), they are still distinct from the Japanese, historically and culturally.
The problem with this is that it being a part of Japan actually makes it easier for the US to maintain large military bases on Okinawa. If Okinawa was independent then whilst small and potentially less powerful they also won't be carrying any guilt over WWII, the opposition to such a large American presence will also make up a very large percentage of the country's population. As part of Japan however the Okinawan population make up just over one percent of the national population so the Japanese government are perfectly happy to have the US bases located well out of the way and distant from the mainland so can merrily ignore the locals attitudes.Let's say a Republic of the Ryukyus is established. The motivation is so the U.S. could essentially have military bases indefinitely, dealing with a less powerful government than Japan, and also to punish that country for WWII (especially on behalf of the native Okinawans, what with the terrible war they waged on behalf of Imperial Japan).