SA 2023-03-24

This is FANTASTIC.... 😍😍😍😍

Shurijo Castle, the majestic center of politics, diplomacy, and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

In the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Shurijo Castle was left in ruins but in 1992, commemorating the 20th year since Okinawa’s reversion to Japan, Shurijo Castle was restored and opened as a national park.

Noted for its cultural and historical significance in the distinctive archeological style that combined the structural cultures of both China and Japan, as well as the high skills in the stonework, Shurijo Castle was registered as Japan’s 11th World Heritage Site in December of 2000.

The stately appearance of Shurijo Castle with its brilliant vermilion color speaks of the great history and culture of the proud kingdom, and symbolizes Okinawa.

SHURIJO CASTLE

A World Heritage Site that Speaks of the Flourishing Ryukyu Kingdom

Shurijo Castle symbolizes the history and culture of Okinawa, and its history is that of the Ryukyu Kingdom itself.

Shurijo Castle is situated on a small hill, surrounded by curving castle walls that protect numerous structures and facilities within. On the premises are numerous open squares and many scared sites. These features are not limited to Shurijo Castle, but can also be seen at other castles in Okinawa, called Gusuku. The other Gusuku in Okinawa were defeated and ruined in their rivalry with Shurijo Castle, while Shurijo maintained the features of Gusuku and continued to flourish.

Shurijo Castle was the royal residence for the king and his family, and at the same time, it functioned as the Shuri Royal Government, a governing institution of the kingdom. It also was the core of religious networks that operated the rituals and ceremonies of the kingdom, executed by the priestesses dispatched at various locations throughout the land. In addition, performance arts and music flourished at Shurijo Castle and its surrounding areas, with many experts in the arts and crafts fields displaying and honing their skills. Shurijo Castle played was also the center of cultural arts in the kingdom.