United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands


The United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands, or "USMGR", was the government in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan from 1945 to 1950, whereupon it was replaced by the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands.

Background

The first prolonged American presence in the Ryukyu Islands commenced with the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in May 1853, on Okinawa. A bit more than one year later this presence ended when Perry left. Perry had hoped to use Okinawa as a springboard to opening up relations with Japan during the Bakumatsu period. Almost 100 years later Americans returned to the islands, beginning in April 1945, after the last battle of World War II came to an end. Again, the American presence was as a stepping stone to Japan.

Government system

The government was headed by the Military Governor and his second-in-command, the Chief Military Government Officer. They were assisted by the Deputy Commander of the Military Government.

Governors