Okinawa Island
(Okinawa-hontō, or Okinawa-jima) is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, and is home to Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. The island has an area of 1,201.03 square kilometers (463.7 square miles).

History

It was the site of much of the land part of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, where American forces attempted to capture the island so it could be used as a springboard for the planned invasion of Japan. During this 82 day battle 100,000 Japanese and 12,000 American soldiers were killed, in addition to between 42,000 and 150,000 civilians, approximately one quarter of the civilian population of the island.

During the American occupation of Japan, following the Imperial Japanese surrender after WW II, the United States controlled Okinawa Island (and other parts of Okinawa), which remained under U.S. governance until June 17, 1972.

Since then, United States Armed Forces personnel have remained on Okinawa Island by invitation of the Japanese government as part of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan.

Population

In 1990, the total population of Okinawa Island was an estimated 1.22 million people, comprising Ryūkyūans (especially native Okinawans), Japanese people, and expatriates, as well as American military personnel and their families.

Whereas northern Okinawa Island is largely unpopulated, the south is markedly urbanized—particularly the city of Naha, and the urban corridor stretching north from there to the city of Okinawa. The island also houses six gusuku, Okinawan fortresses most of which now lie in a state of ruin.

Geography and climate

The southern end of the island consists of uplifted coral reef, whereas the northern half has proportionally more igneous rock. The easily eroded limestone of the south has many caves, the most famous of which is Gyokusendō in Nanjō. An 850 m stretch is open to tourists.

The island's subtropical climate supports a dense northern forest and a rainy season occurring in late spring.