Islands Between Taiwan and Japan: The Ryukyu Arc

The island chain stretching between Taiwan and the Japanese home islands is the Ryukyu Islands (Nansei Shotō)—a 1,000 km arc of 150+ islands administered as Okinawa Prefecture. Three major subgroups define the region:

1. Okinawa Islands (Central Ryukyus)

• Okinawa Island — Largest (1,206 km²), population ~1.4M, prefectural capital Naha
• Kume, Kerama, Ie, Izena, Iheya, Aguni, Tonaki islands
• Hosts ~70% of US military facilities in Japan
• Subtropical; coral reefs, limestone caves, WWII battle sites

2. Miyako Islands (Southern Ryukyus)

• Miyako-jima — Largest (158 km²), city of Hirara (now part of Miyakojima City)
• Irabu, Shimoji, Kurima, Minna, Tarama islands
• Renowned for limestone geology, crystal-clear waters, no rivers (rainwater percolates)
• Distinct Miyako language (UNESCO endangered)

3. Yaeyama Islands (Westernmost Ryukyus)

• Ishigaki-jima — Largest (229 km²), city of Ishigaki, transport hub
• Iriomote (90% jungle, Iriomote cat), Taketomi (traditional Ryukyuan village), Yonaguni (westernmost Japan, underwater "monument")
• Hateruma (southernmost inhabited), Yubu (water buffalo carts)
• Unique culture: sanshin music, Yaeyama language, textile weaving (minsā)

Geopolitical Context

The Ryukyus were the independent Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879), tributary to both China and Japan. Annexed by Meiji Japan (1879 → Okinawa Prefecture). US administration 1945–1972. Reversion to Japan 1972, but US bases remain under SOFA.

Strategically, the chain forms the "first island chain" in Western Pacific security architecture—controlling access between Philippine Sea and East China Sea.

Travel Note

Naha (OKA) is the main gateway. Ishigaki (ISG) and Miyako (MMY) have direct flights from Tokyo/Osaka. Ferries connect island groups. Typhoon season: July–October.