We often think of the anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa in the context of May 15. This is correct as that was the date when the United States returned to Japan administrative rights over Okinawa in 1972.

However, the realization of Okinawa’s return was based on an earlier reversion agreement, as well as a presidential decision before that, to return Okinawa to Japan.

The decision itself was made in November 1969 at a summit meeting between Prime Minister Eisaku Sato and U.S. President Richard M. Nixon. Representatives from the two countries subsequently signed the agreement on June 17, 1971. This makes it the 50th anniversary of the signing.