The islands of Okinawa Prefecture are sprinkled with the remains of gusuku: massive stone-walled castles that are in some ways similar to, and yet in many other ways different from, the classic Edo Period castles of the Japanese mainland. Whilst none are as well preserved (or at least as well rebuilt) as Shuri Castle inContinue reading “Field Report: Nakijin Castle, Okinawa, Japan (07 May 2018)”
Tag Archives: Gusuku
Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part Two (06 and 09 May 2018)
Our exploration of Naha’s iconic Shuri Castle continues from my previous post – though we’ll be spending more time outdoors on this occasion. Let’s have a look at some of the outlying structures that played an important role in the spiritual, ceremonial, and official affairs of those who once resided within these walls.
Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part One (06 May 2018)
Before Okinawa was Okinawa, it was the Kingdom of Ryūkyū: an independent nation with its own system of government and unique way of life. That realm was once ruled from within the stately confines of Shuri Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the prefectural capital of Naha – a royal residence whose architectureContinue reading “Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part One (06 May 2018)”
Within striking distance 