| Various theories related to the origin of Gusuku sites exist and continue to be debated. When one sees what remains, castles or fortresses built by regional chieftains naturally come to mind. Another theory arose as research progressed, stating the possibility that they might have functioned as sacred places where people spiritually eased their souls and minds. Excavation led to results suggesting the existence of surrounding villages. Although they each leave behind different stories, one can say that these Gusuku were sites where important Ryukyuan history was made.
Check Point: Witnesses to History |
Monuments, formations, sites and habitats that leave footprints of past
eras exist all over the world. They represent valuable legacies left by our predecessors.
Under the terms of the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Heritage", these legacies are protected and inscribed
on UNESCO's World Heritage List as treasures of significant cultural or natural
importance to the whole world. Here on Okinawa Island, nine historical sites joined
the World Heritage List on December 2, 2000 and became a cultural legacy for the
world to protect. |
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| History reveals that Shurijo Castle, located in Naha City,
became the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom when Sho Hashi (1st Sho Dynasty) defeated
chieftain rivals and unified Okinawa as one kingdom. Construction of the castle
and its surroundings is believed to have started in the mid-14th century and continued
throughout the years under many kings. By the mid-16th century, the castle had
expanded to the size that we see today. Over the course of its history, Shurijo
Castle went through several ordeals of devastating fires, but was rebuilt each
time. Bombing in the Battle of Okinawa (World War II) reduced the castle to rubble
and ashes but again, painstaking efforts were made to restore it, and Shurijo
Castle, rebuilt in all its glory, opened to the public in 1992.
Inside the large walls of Shurijo Castle are a number of gates, buildings and
historical artifacts including steles, investiture tablets, dragon pillars, plaques
and lion-dog figures known as shisa. As you walk the castle grounds,
you cannot help but notice the cultures of other countries creatively blended
to produce its unique design and style. In the center of the castle grounds are
three main buildings. Standing proudly in the middle is the Seiden, the
main stage of the kings. Here in this building, visitors walk corridors to see
the king's thrones, gorgeously decorated with auspicious symbols. The two buildings
standing beside the Seiden are the Nanden and Hokuden halls.
In the kingdom era, the southern Nanden was a building where ceremonies for Japanese
officials were held. Connected to this hall was the Bandokoro, a reception
area that served as an entryway for those who visited with official business.
The northern Hokuden hall functioned as an administrative office where state affairs
were conducted. It also served as a building to receive and entertain foreign
guests such as the Chinese envoys and even Commodore Matthew Perry. At the 2000
Kyushu-Okinawa Summit, the G8 leaders were guests in this hall for a dinner reception
hosted by former Japanese Prime Minister Mori and his wife. These buildings are
now used to house a shop and informative exhibitions on the kingdom's history.
In the vicinity of Shurijo Castle are two stone constructions, which are also listed as World Heritage Sites. One of these is a royal mausoleum known as Tamaudun. In this mausoleum rest the kings and family members of the 2nd Sho Dynasty. Large and distinct in size and appearance, the mausoleum was built by King Sho Shin, the third successor to the throne of the second Sho dynasty. Another World Heritage Site that was constructed during the reign of King Sho Shin is the stone gate of Sonohyan-utaki Shrine. It was a link to the gods, and kings visited this gate to pray for safe journeys before departing the castle. The stone gate is a masterpiece proving the advanced and intricate construction skills the kingdom possessed in those days. Another world heritage site located a short trip away from Shurijo Castle is Shikina-En gardens, the king's second residence. Located to the south of the castle, Shikina-En was also called the "southern garden." The site served as a villa for the royal family and was used to entertain Chinese investiture envoys. On the grounds, one can see traditional building structures, a beautiful artificial pond and stone structures, all skillfully and harmoniously landscaped.
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