Ryukyu Stamps From Post-World War II U.S. Occupation The Ryukyu Islands are located between Japan and Taiwan.  Under Japanese rule until 1945, the islands were then captured by the United States after some of the fiercest fighting of World War II.  From 1948 until May 1972, when the islands were returned to Japan, the U.S. issued Ryukyu stamps.  These stamps feature many aspects of Ryukyu’s culture – yet they are historical reminders of the U.S. victory in WW II.  Send for these intriguing stamps today.