Ryu·kyu Islands (r -  ky , ryky) An island group of southwest Japan extending about 1,046 km (650 mi) between Kyushu and Taiwan. The archipelago was incorporated into Japan in 1879 and returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1972 after occupation by U.S. forces following World War II. |
Ryukyu Islands [rɪˈuːkjuː]
pl n
(Placename) a chain of 55 islands in the W Pacific, extending almost 650 km (400 miles) from S Japan to N Taiwan: an ancient kingdom, under Chinese rule from the late 14th century, invaded by Japan in the early 17th century, under full Japanese sovereignty from 1879 to 1945, and US control from 1945 to 1972; now part of Japan again. They are subject to frequent typhoons. Chief town: Naha City (on Okinawa). Pop.: 1 318 000 (2000 est.). Area: 2196 sq. km (849 sq. miles)
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | Ryukyu Islands - a chain of 55 islands in the western Pacific to the to the southwest of Japan (returned by United States to Japan in 1972) Nihon, Nippon, Japan - a constitutional monarchy occupying the Japanese Archipelago; a world leader in electronics and automobile manufacture and ship building Okinawa - the largest island of the central Ryukyu Islands |
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