605AD  Ryukyu is first mentioned in Chinese historical records. This is the first recorded mention of the islands now known as Okinawa although it should  be noted that in ancient times the "Ryukyus/Loochoos" included what is now Taiwan as well as Okinawa. Archaeological evidence shows the existence of human habitation some 32,000 years ago.

12thCentury  An upper class evolves (Aji) and castles (Gusuku) are built around the
Island

Zakimi castle in Yomitan

14th Century  Three powerful regimes develop. Nanzen (south), Chuzan (center) and Hokuzan (north). Envoys are first sent to 'Loochoo' (Chinese name for the Ryukyu Islands) by Ming Dynasty. Trading with China begins. Sugarcane is introduced from China.

1429  Chuzan ruler Sho Hashi unifies the three kingdoms and moves his castle
from Urasoe to Shuri. The next 400 years see the development of Ryukyuan arts, music, poetry, dance and karate.

Shuri castle.

1471  Trade is developed with missions to Korea, Siam, Malacca and Java.

1609  Invasion of Ryukyu kingdom by Satsuma clan from mainland Japan. They
allowed the Ryukyus to continue trading under their control (and heavy taxation)

1650  Chuzanseikan -the first history book of the Ryukyus- is compiled.

1853  US Commodore Matthew Perry visits The Ryukyus on his way to Japan.
Various sites were surveyed for possible coal deposits which were needed to fuel the Navy's fleet of blackships and also American whaling ships.

1868  Meiji Restoration. The King of the Ryukyus dethroned and sent to Tokyo.

1879  Ryukyu Kingdom abolished. Okinawa prefecture established.

1945  Okinawa is invaded by US forces April 1st. The largest land-sea-air
offensive in history lasts 3 and a 1/2 months. Japanese surrender on June
23rd. 12,000 Americans, 110,000 Japanese and somewhere between
120-160,000 Okinawans were killed. (Figures vary according to source)
Okinawa would remain under US control for 27 years.

1972  Okinawa returned to Japan. Okinawan's hopes that reversion to Japan would alleviate their economic ills have been seen to be false with Okinawa still footing the table as poorest prefecture in Japan. The economy of Okinawa is still heavily subsidized in the form of Public works projects and Base related payments. A viable self sustaining economy must be achieved if Okinawa is ever to attain any degree of autonomy.