The 류큐 왕국, or Ryukyu Kingdom, was an independent kingdom that existed from the 15th to the 19th century in what is now 오키나와 Prefecture, Japan. It was known for its unique culture, language, and trade networks, connecting Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The kingdom's capital was 나하, which served as a major trading hub. The Ryukyu Kingdom was ruled by a series of kings, with the most notable being 쇼 신 (Shō Shin), who unified the islands in the late 15th century. In 1879, the kingdom was annexed by Japan, leading to significant cultural and political changes in the region. Today, the legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom is still evident in 오키나와 culture and traditions.