Okinawa : What is Shuri Castle, the historical building destroyed in a fire yesterday?

On the morning of October 31st, 2019, a fire completely devastated the main building and caused heavy damage to one of Japan's most famous castles, on the Okinawa archipelago in Naha : the Shuri-jo. This tragic event takes place in the middle of the festival dedicated to the historical building. It has been on the World Heritage List since 2000.

The Shureimon Gate after its 1958's renovation
 

This castle was already destroyed several times, especially by the Americans during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 during the Pacific War. It was then completely restored in 1992. Originally, Shuri Castle was built when Okinawa was still the kingdom of Ryukyu, shared between 3 large territories directly related to China, starting with the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century. Indeed, China could only enjoy the benefits in terms of maritime agreements of this kingdom ideally located geographically.

It is unknown when Shuri Castle was first built, but it seems that it was in this context that it was constructed at the end of the 14th century. It was the place of accession to the throne of Ryukyu kings, where at each investiture were present more than 500 representatives of the Emperor of China who would come straight after a long boat trip. Very old documents describe very precisely the role of each building of the castle and the rituals which were practiced there during the royal ceremonies.

As the restoration work is carefully following the original construction plans, the stones surrounding the building are the original ones. Unfortunately, like many other historic buildings in Japan, its wooden structure is fragile but it will be carefully rebuilt just as the Kinkakuji temple in Kyoto was or the Kumamoto castle still under renovation after the 2016 earthquake. It will be once again the reminder of a kingdom that no longer exists. Nowadays we can still find remains of this ancient kingdom in the culture of Okinawa, through certain dances (dance Eisa) or dress.

 

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