The Ryukyuans are an indigenous people from the Ryukyu Islands, a chain of islands located between Japan and Taiwan. They have a distinct culture, language, and history that sets them apart from the Japanese mainland. The Ryukyu Islands were once an independent kingdom known as the Ryukyu Kingdom before being annexed by Japan in the late 19th century. Ryukyuans have their own languages, which belong to the Ryukyuan languages family, and they celebrate unique traditions, music, and dance. Their rich cultural heritage includes traditional crafts, such as Okinawan pottery and textiles, reflecting their historical connections to trade and maritime activities in the region.