Satsunan Islands

The whole island group belongs to Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

The Amami Islands paid tribute to the Ryukyu Kingdom to the South until they were put under direct control in the late 16th century, but were conquered in 1609 by the Satsuma Domain.

In 1879, the Amami Islands became Ōshima District of Kagoshima Prefecture.

After World War II, the Tokara and Amami Islands were put under United States military occupation, which formed the Government of the Northern Ryukyus.

The Japanese government fiercely contested the Amami Islands being affiliated with the word "Ryukyu", believing that it would lead to a later return of the islands to their control.