The indigenous Ryukyuan people are the original inhabitants of the Ryukyu Islands, a chain of islands located southwest of Japan. They have a distinct culture, language, and history that sets them apart from the Japanese mainland. The Ryukyuan culture is known for its unique traditions, music, and art, which reflect a blend of influences from China, Southeast Asia, and Japan. The Ryukyuan languages, part of the Japonic language family, include several dialects, such as Okinawan and Amami. These languages are recognized as endangered due to the dominance of the Japanese language. The Ryukyuan people have faced challenges in preserving their cultural identity, especially after the Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by Japan in the late 19th century.