关键词: 佐藤荣作, 日本, 琉球, 冲绳

Abstract: Eisaku Sato visited the U.S. three times during his administration, and pushed the U.S. to give up Ryukyu islands administrative power gradually. These summits exemplified Sato Ryukyu's policy approach to resolve the Ryukyu issue. In fact, the forces behind the scenes were from people in Ryukyu and mainland Japan (especially the opposition parties) advocating “return”, and Sato's Ryukyu policy was more a response to their attitude. Their attitude was changing gradually.Sato considered how to solve the Ryukyu issue from the perspective of Far East security, and formulated countermeasures based on these attitudes without harming the functions of the Ryukyu base. Sato's basic guideline for dealing with the Ryukyu issue is trial, vagueness, and gradual progress. The main reason for adopting such a strategy is his domestic political status and the unequal alliance between Japan and the United States. The Ryukyu issue is closely connected with the JapanUS alliance. At the time, it was a sensitive issue that could cause political turmoil and even division in Japan. If it is not handled properly, it may not only endanger Japan's domestic politics, but may also lead to the deterioration of the Japan-US alliance. Either situation is sufficient to end Sato's political life.

Key words: Sato Eisaku, Japan, Ryukyu, Okinawa