According to international law Loochoo is already an independent country, albeit under prolonged illegal occupation by both the United States and Japan. Thus the objective is not to make Loochoo independent, but to restore Loochoo's de facto independence. Because Loochoo is de jure independent, no other country can legally make decisions for Loochoo, including the building of military bases within Loochooan territory. Restoring Loochoo's de facto independence is the only legal option in accordance with international law.
The question is not "should Ryukyu be independent," nor is it "can Ryukyu survive as an independent country." The proper question is "can Ryukyu survive without restoring its independence?" There is no reason Ryukyu should not restore its independence, and there is no benefit for Ryukyuans to remain under U.S. and/or Japanese control.
The question is not "should Ryukyu be independent," nor is it "can Ryukyu survive as an independent country." The proper question is "can Ryukyu survive without restoring its independence?" There is no reason Ryukyu should not restore its independence, and there is no benefit for Ryukyuans to remain under U.S. and/or Japanese control.
Issues
Democracy & Self-determination
The Ufuagari Islands (Daito Islands) were historically uninhabited until the twentieth century, and were not considered Ryukyuan territory. However, the islands are geographically and economically close to Ryukyu, thus it likely makes sense for both sides to allow the Ufuagari Islands to join Ryukyu.
Ryukyuans believe in democracy, and thus proper democratic procedures should be followed. The people of Ufuagari can vote to decide if they would like to join Ryukyu, and if so, the people of Ryukyu can also vote to decide whether or not to allow Ufuagari to join. If both sides agree, then the Ufuagari Islands can rightfully become part of Ryukyu.
Ryukyuans believe in democracy, and thus proper democratic procedures should be followed. The people of Ufuagari can vote to decide if they would like to join Ryukyu, and if so, the people of Ryukyu can also vote to decide whether or not to allow Ufuagari to join. If both sides agree, then the Ufuagari Islands can rightfully become part of Ryukyu.
Economy
Ryukyu was historically a prosperous country before Japan invaded and illegally annexed it in 1879. Once independence is restored, Ryukyu will once again become a prosperous nation, with the average GDP per capita expected to double or triple, making Ryukyuans one of the richest peoples on earth, similar to Singapore of Liechtenstein.
Foreign trade, finance, self-sustaining agriculture, diplomacy, education, culture, clean tech & manufacturing, and ocean products.
Taxes
Under an independent Ryukyu, property taxes and income taxes can be eliminated, resulting in more money saved by Ryukyuans.
Infrastructure
Health care
Education
Under an independent Ryukyu, education can be made free and available to all Ryukyuans.
Ryukyu currently contains several different colleges and universities, though none are ranked within the top one thousand in world universities. (University of the Ryukyus is occasionally ranked within the top one thousand by some metrics, near the very end.) An independent Ryukyu will be able to significantly invest in its colleges and universities, turning them into world-class centers of learning.
Foreign Affairs
Other than the illegal occupation by both the United States and Japan, Ryukyu has no enemies.
The Peace For Okinawa Coalition has formed and will continue to form peaceful diplomatic relations with numerous countries around the world. These relations will transfer to the government of Ryukyu once independence is restored.
The United Nations and other international organizations will provide for Ryukyu's defense.
Ryukyu can become a center of peace and diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific.
Military Bases
Culture
Environment
The Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands
The Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands are legally and rightfully part of China. Ryukyu has never made a claim to the islands, and historically they were always recognized as belonging to China.
In any case, Ryukyu and China have historically close ties of peace and friendship dating back over 2,300 years, and formal relations for over 500 years. In all that time there has never once been a single instance of conflict or violence between the two countries. China and Ryukyu have always had a relationship of mutual respect and assistance, and that will certainly continue once Ryukyu regains its de facto independence.