Shurijo Castle, pride of the Okinawan people. Shurijo was the control tower of the Shuri Monarchy, which ruled over the Ryukyu Islands and expanded its diplomatic and trading links to China, Japan, Korea and the countries of Southeast Asia. This was also the setting for developments in Ryukyuan culture, which integrated cultural influences from these countries.
SHURIJO
the kingdom of the
ryukyus reborn
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Shiyori mori geraete Build the palace at Shuri Excerpt from "Omoro-soshi," an anthology of sacred and ceremonial songs. These songs came from an age when people held the gods in awe and believed that human deeds were influenced by divine providence. Omoro, a series of songs expressing the spirit of prayer and devotion are compiled in the "Omoro-soshi." |
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| Shurijo Castle, pride of the Okinawan people. Shurijo was the control tower of the Shuri Monarchy, which ruled over the Ryukyu Islands and expanded its diplomatic and trading links to China, Japan, Korea and the countries of Southeast Asia. This was also the setting for developments in Ryukyuan culture, which integrated cultural influences from these countries. |
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| in awe…
If I had only but one word to describe the Shuri Castle, it would be awe-inspiring.Perhaps the most anticipated stop on our tour, Shuri Castle struck me as nothing less than spectacular. As we walked through the castle, I could imagine the royal court of the Ryukyus inhabiting its beautifully ornate rooms. |
After my first visit to Shuri Castle I was able to really appreciate the richness of the Okinawan culture as well as the tenacity of the Okinawan people. Shurijo was reduced to rumble in the Battle of Okinawa (World War II) but through the studies of written documentation and photographs, the castle was completely restored and opened to the public to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the site. Shurijo was partially re-opened on November 3, 1992 as they continued reconstruction of the park.