Abstract: After being annexed by Japan, the Ryukyua Islands underwent a series of colonial assimilation policies imposed by the Japanese government. These included political military occupation and administrative control, economic capitalist transformation, and cultural and educational initiatives aimed at “Japanization”. These measures systematically deconstructed the inherent identity system of Ryukyu, weakening the national pride and subjectivity of the Ryukyuan people. After the war, the American occupation of Ryukyu and the “reversion movement” following Ryukyus “return” to Japan facilitated the reshaping of Ryukyuan identity to some extent. This involved seeking political recognition, cultural revival, striving for indigenous rights, awakening national consciousness, and pursuing autonomy etc. The future trajectory of Ryukyuan identity reconstruction remains highly uncertain, as the Japanese government continues to assert its rule over Ryukyu, the U.S. military remains stationed in Ryukyu, and the influences of colonialism remain deeply entrenched, continuing to affect the identity of the Ryukyuan people. It is essential to deeply study the specific mechanisms of how Japanese colonial rule impacts Ryukyuan identity, to better understand the complexity of Ryukyuan social culture and promote theoretical research on Japans implementation of “colonial assimilation”.

Key words: Ryukyu, Japan, colonial assimilation policies, ethnic culture, identity reconstruction