The Issue of Okinawa's Reversion to Japan

Abstract

At the end of World War II, following a brutal battle, the Okinawa Prefecture was occupied by American forces and placed under the administration of the United States. In 1951, the U.S. consolidated its position through the “San Francisco Peace Treaty,” according to which Japan officially ceded temporary administrative control of Okinawa Prefecture to the United States.

In November 1969, an agreement was reached between the United States and Japan, and the two countries commenced official negotiations regarding the reversion of the Okinawa Islands. On June 17, 1971, the “Agreement between Japan and the United States of America Concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands” was signed, taking effect on May 15, 1972. As a result, Okinawa Prefecture was reintegrated into Japan after a 27-year separation.

This study will review various circumstances and facts that had a significant impact on the reintegration of Okinawa Prefecture into Japan.