It was not until the tail end of the 19th century that Okinawa formally became part of Japan and Okinawans have long felt distinct from the rest of Japan. Sentiments of neglect and abandonment from Tokyo — and, by extension, Japan — still rage to this day. Historically, Okinawa was its own kingdom, and although it was heavily influenced by its powerful neighbors it enjoyed a great degree of sovereignty over internal affairs. Since that time, the island chain has endured comprehensive political, economic and social transformations in order to be recognized as being just as authentically "Japanese."