The Kingdom of the Ryukyus grew to be one of the leading trading countries in East Asia and was well known throughout the region. While no more than a small island country, it made its tributes to the Ming Dynasty an axis for developing a transit trade, and through adapting to the unique diplomatic regimes of the various countries and regions in East Asia developed into a successful trading state. I believe an understanding of the history of the Ryukyus can provide hints for Japan’s international relations.

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