What do you think some of the reasons are for Okinawa's reversion from American control to Japanese control in 1972? Do you think this choice benefited or put Okinawa at a disadvantage? Why Do you think there was a better option available (such as continued governing by America, independence, or governing by another country)? Why?

There were many reasons why Okinawa reverted to Japanese control in 1972, after 27 years of American control. The aftermath of World War II, the Cold War, Japanese economic recovery, international relations, and the discontent on Okinawa all played a role.
In 1879, Okinawa became a part of Japan. At this time, Japan was expanding its power and influence throughout East Asia, so it was not surprising that the islands came under Tokyo's control. Located just 350 miles from Kyushu, Okinawa was—and remains—a strategic location. Before the Japanese annexed Okinawa, it was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. The region had paid tribute to China before Japan's ascension in the late nineteenth century. The Japanese suppressed Okinawa's culture and language. For instance, children were not permitted to speak their native language in school. Also, tattooing of women as a sign of adulthood was no longer allowed.
During World War II, the Japanese converted Okinawa into a formidable military base. American military forces finally captured the islands in mid-1945 after an extremely bloody campaign. Over 12,000 American and 100,000 Japanese troops died. About one-fourth of the native population also perished. The Battle of Okinawa, decisive in WWII, was also a defining moment in modern Okinawan history. Memories of the bloodshed were not forgotten by the Americans, the Japanese, or the natives of Okinawa. American leaders were convinced that an invasion of Japan itself would be too costly, and this influenced the decision to use atomic weapons.
All of Japan came under US occupation after WWII. Japan regained its independence in 1952, but Okinawa remained under American control. This was unusual because other defeated Axis powers had regained full sovereignty over their territories. Therefore, permanent American control seemed unfair to Japan.
For the first few years after WWII, not much happened on Okinawa. The small American garrison tried to survive typhoons and dusty conditions. But this changed after 1950. By 1950, the Cold War was on in Asia, and Okinawa was on its front line. The US turned Okinawa into a huge military base and used it during the wars in Korea and Vietnam.
The people of Okinawa had few political and economic rights. They were not citizens of either Japan or the US. As Japan's economy boomed in the 1960s, the people of Okinawa felt left out. No Japanese money was sent to Okinawa before 1961 because the US wanted Okinawa to remain dependent on Washington. However, after 1961, the level of Japanese aid steadily increased, and this increased Tokyo's leverage. Discontent with the status quo grew on Okinawa. Leftist Chobyo Yara became the chief executive of Okinawa, and the US worried about potential violence.
By 1970, the Vietnam War had turned into a nightmare for the US. Moreover, America did not want Okinawa to remain a point of contention in its relationship with Japan. Therefore, Washington was ready to agree to relinquish its total control of Okinawa as part of its new posture in Asia. Japan paid hundreds of millions in reversion costs and American nuclear weapons were removed. As the sovereign power, Japan also gained a voice in determining the American troop levels in Okinawa.
Was there an alternative to Japanese reversion? That is difficult to answer, but probably not. Independence was not a real option, and continued American control was problematic. In a sense, Okinawa will always be problematic because of the US bases there. They dominate the region and its economy. They provide jobs but also limit possibilities for economic diversification.