1. GEOGRAPHY LESSON
Okinawa is the largest island in a string of islands known as the Ryukyu Islands. These islands are located on the southwestern tip of Japan. Note the proximity to China, Taiwan, and Korea. The location of Okinawa made it an important trade stop for the shipping industry in the 1600s.
This illustration was taken from a 1945 U.S. Government publication. It was a pocket guide for American GIs assigned to the pending invasion of Okinawa. During WWII, Okinawa again is brought to the forefront of battle due to its strategic location.
