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Information and links in this section cover the time period from 1609, when Ryukyu was conquered by the Satsuma domain of Kyushu, through to the official annexation of Ryukyu by the Meiji Government of Japan in 1879.

If you know of any good information resources or downloadable files that should be included here please let me know (e-mail address at foot of page)


The Conquest of Ryukyu by Satsuma

The Development of Formal Relations with Japan and the Road to the Conquest of Ryukyu by Satsuma [Written by John Michael Purves]

Interlopers from the North: Satsuma Takes Control of Ryukyu [John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Life Under Satsuma - Part One

Life under Satsuma - Part One [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Life Under Satsuma and Qing China through to Annexation by Japan in 1879 [Written by John Michael Purves]

Life Under Satsuma - Part Two

Life under Satsuma - Part Two [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Forest Administration [Forthcoming - John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

WWW resources

The Pechin: the Okinawan/Ryukyuan equivalent of the Japanese Samurai [external Wikipedia website - English - retrieved 16th October 2007]

The Structure of the Royal Government of Ryukyu [external Wikipedia website - Japanese - retrieved 16th October 2007]


the ryukyu-okinawa history and culture website © 1995-2008 john michael purves

 jmpurves@niraikanai.wwma.net