Okinawan People

The people of the Okinawa Island chain south of the Japanese Islands have a slightly different culture than their northern counterparts. Okinawan people have had heavier cultural influence from China than the rest of Japan has. Elements of both cultures blended at this crossroads creating a new one. The islands has remained independent of Japan for most of the civilization's history, but were formally annexed by Japan after the Meiji Restoration. After this occurred a strong attempt to purge the non-Japanese aspects of Okinawan culture commenced and the language, religion, and customs of the people was suppressed. Even now an Okinawan who has not fully assimilated is treated as lesser by most Japanese.