Okinawa History/World Heritage Series b – Shunten-Eiso

Shunten through Eiso

The Shunten line only lasted 73 years, passing through his son Shunbajunki, and grandson Gihon. Although Shunten`s line was short, it marked a significant role in the self identity of the Ryukyu people and relations with the state of Yamato, or Japan.

The reason for this is because of a love interest between an Ozato warlord`s daughter and Tametomo Minamotono, a legendary Japanese Samurai of (imperial Japanese decent).

During the reign of Gihon, there was a great famine and plague. It was so bad in fact that half the population past on. Perhaps taking this travesty as a sign from heaven, or being a sign of weak resolve, King Gihon made a choice; On his direct orders, similar to a Cinderella story, which took a glass slipper in search of a queen, the court of Gihon searched for another of great virtue. They searched for a new king.　　From the district of Urasoe, in the village of Iso, they found Eiso, whose nickname was `the Young Sun`. King Gihon imidiately put the 25 year old Eiso to work as regeant of the kingdom in his stead. Not only did the famine and plague stop, but a bumper harvest was recorded. Seven years later, King Gihon finally retired to Kunigami, abdicating the throne to Eiso. The year was 1259.

In 1260, Iheya Island, Kume Island, as well as the Kerema Island group became part of the Kingdom. Amami Ooshima was included in the kingdom three years later. King Eiso, was introduced to Buddism by Zenkanzo, a monk from Kamakura, that period`s military capital of Japan. He was very impressed and became a convert. In Urasoe, he built Houdara Yamagokurakuji Temple. This is the first Buddism temple built in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Other significant happenings during Eiso`s reign include;

1) 1291, When Chinese imperial forces of Emporer Fubirai consisting of 6,000 men attempted to invade Okinawa but were repelled.

2) Three years later with 2,000 men, Chinese forces of the new Emperor attacked and were repelled for a second time. This time however, 130 Ryukyuan people were taken prisoner back to China.

After 40 years on the throne, and saving his country many times in many ways, King Eiso, the Young Sun, passed on. The year was 1299.

Eiso`s dynasty lasted for a total of 5 generations; Eiso, Taisei, Eiji, Tamagusuku, and the boy king Seii.

On to King Tamagusuku in part ④