In the course of this new job I learned Okinawa is not part of Japan in the way I thought. I was taught by the US school system that Okinawa was just another Japanese island. Nope!Okinawa was an independent kingdom overthrown by Japan in 1879. Culturally it's more Chinese than Japanese.
Follow
The group I'm working for has Japan and Okinawa listed separately and treated as separate entities for everything. And now I know why.
@rpardee Asia skimmed over A LOT in my history classes. I can tell you a ton about ancient Rome, but I learned more Chinese history from Cdramas in the 20-teens than any US school.
@LianaBrooks far out. I had no idea.