After the Victoria 3 update today, I noticed that Ryukyuan culture has:
- Heritage: Japanese
- Language: Ryukyuan
- Traditions: None
However, cultures like Korean and Vietnamese have the Sinosphere tradition. I think Ryukyuan culture should probably have it too.
Historically, the Ryukyu Kingdom was heavily influenced by China. It was part of the Chinese tributary system for centuries, actively learned from Chinese institutions, and had strong cultural, diplomatic, and intellectual connections with the Ming and Qing courts.
Of course, Ryukyu was not Chinese. Its language belongs to the Japonic family, and it also had strong connections with Japan, especially after Satsuma’s invasion. But that is exactly why I think giving it Japanese heritage + Ryukyuan language + Sinosphere tradition would make sense.
This would better represent Ryukyu’s unique position between Japan and China, instead of making it feel like just another Japanese-related culture with no additional cultural tradition.
It would also make the culture system more consistent, since Korea and Vietnam already receive the Sinosphere tradition despite not being Chinese cultures.
So my suggestion is simple: Ryukyuan culture should keep Japanese heritage and Ryukyuan language, but also receive the Sinosphere tradition.
