Changes

Records from the time indicate that when the castle was rebuilt in [[1672]], following a [[1660]] fire, the roofs were tiled where they had been previously covered in wooden shingles, as a precautionary measure towards better fire-proofing. [[Sho Shoken|Shô Shôken]] (Haneji Chôshu) directed the construction project at that time.<ref name=shimposhurireki>"Shurijô no rekishi," ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 1 Nov 1992.</ref> Archaeological excavations, however, have found both Korean and Japanese roof tiles dating to before this fire, indicating that at least some sections of the castle bore tiled roofs much earlier<ref name=shimpo>Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia.</ref>. The castle burned again and was rebuilt in [[1690]], [[1709]] (rebuilt [[1712]]), and [[1730]]. It was this 1730 iteration of the castle which stood until World War II. Considerable repair work was done in [[1837]], and again in [[1846]] and [[1851]] with several of the gates being given double- and then triple-doors,<ref>「二重扉」, 「三重扉」 Gallery labels, [[Tamaudun]].</ref> but the castle would not suffer destruction again until 1945.<ref name=loo>Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus 41 (12 Oct 2009).</ref>

Records from the time indicate that when the castle was rebuilt in [[1672]], following a [[1660]] fire, the roofs were tiled where they had been previously covered in wooden shingles, as a precautionary measure towards better fire-proofing. [[Sho Shoken|Shô Shôken]] (Haneji Chôshu) directed the construction project at that time.<ref name=shimposhurireki>"Shurijô no rekishi," ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 1 Nov 1992.</ref> Archaeological excavations, however, have found both Korean and Japanese roof tiles dating to before this fire, indicating that at least some sections of the castle bore tiled roofs much earlier<ref name=shimpo>Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia.</ref>. The castle burned again and was rebuilt in [[1690]], [[1709]] (rebuilt [[1712]]), and [[1730]]. It was this 1730 iteration of the castle which stood until World War II. Considerable repair work was done in [[1837]], and again in [[1846]] and [[1851]] with several of the gates being given double- and then triple-doors,<ref>「二重扉」, 「三重扉」 Gallery labels, [[Tamaudun]].</ref> but the castle would not suffer destruction again until 1945.<ref name=loo>Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus 41 (12 Oct 2009).</ref>

The kingdom was abolished and replaced with [[Ryukyu han|Ryûkyû han]] in [[1872]]; the abolition of Ryûkyû ''han'' in turn and establishment of [[Okinawa prefecture]] in [[1879]] was the final nail in the coffin for the Ryûkyû Kingdom. The castle was occupied by [[Imperial Japanese Army|Imperial Japanese forces]], specifically the [[Kumamoto Garrison]]<!--熊本鎮台分遣隊兵営-->, immediately upon being vacated by the former king and his court.

The restoration of the palace buildings after the 1660 fire is said to have been particularly difficult, and to have taken twelve years, because of the royal court's financial situation at the time. Lumber was sourced in some significant part from Kumejima for this restoration. The restoration following the 1709 fire, by contrast, took only three years; lord of Kagoshima domain [[Shimazu Yoshitaka]] donated more than 19,500 logs to contribute to this restoration effort.<ref>"Shurijô zenshô - Saiken e no michisuji"「首里城全焼　再建への道筋」, ''Gendai kôron'' 現代公論 (Spring 2020), 12-13.</ref>

The Kumamoto Garrison was removed from Shuri castle in [[1896]], and [[1899|three years later]], Shuri Ward petitioned the national government to convert the castle grounds into leisure space, citing the then-popular Victorian idea of the association of public leisure space with social progress. The petition argued that Okinawa Prefecture had failed to provide public leisure space in accordance with policies being implemented throughout mainland Japan, and that it would be most regrettable if the castle were to sink into further disrepair and delapidation due to abandonment. Shuri Ward requested ownership/administration of the castle grounds, but was refused. The following year, the [[Home Ministry]] agreed to sell the castle buildings to the Ward, but only leased the land for a thirty-year period, retaining control/ownership. Shuri Ward was finally permitted to buy the land outright in [[1909]].<ref name=loo/> Even so, the castle continued to fall into ever worse disrepair.<ref>Mire Koikari, “Rethinking Okinawa and Okinawan Studies: Three Perspectives. 40 Years since Reversion: Negotiating the Okinawan Difference in Japan Today," ''The Journal of Asian Studies'' 76:3 (August 2017): 796.</ref>

The kingdom was abolished and replaced with [[Ryukyu han|Ryûkyû han]] in [[1872]]; the abolition of Ryûkyû ''han'' in turn and establishment of [[Okinawa prefecture]] in [[1879]] was the final nail in the coffin for the Ryûkyû Kingdom. The castle was occupied by [[Imperial Japanese Army|Imperial Japanese forces]], specifically the [[Kumamoto Garrison]]<!--熊本鎮台分遣隊兵営-->, immediately upon being vacated by the former king and his court. The Seiden and Yosoeden became sleeping quarters for the troops, the Nanden and Shoin quarters for the officers, and the Sasunoma the commander's quarters. The Unaa plaza in front of the main hall was used for drills.<ref name=beni>"Beni no ugushiku"「紅の御城(うぐしく)へ」, ''Momoto Special Issue: Shuri, Ryûkyû no miyako o aruku'' モモト　別冊：首里・琉球の都をあるく (2013/8), 52.</ref>

Around 1925, with the considerable contributions of architect [[Ito Chuta|Itô Chûta]], the castle was converted into "[[Okinawa Shrine]]", a [[Shinto shrine]] within the national networks of [[State Shinto]]. This was done so that the castle could be designated a [[National Treasure]], which it was that same year, in order for considerable national funds to be diverted to funding restoration and preservation efforts. This transformation of the castle into a shrine was necessary because at the time, up until 1932, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples were the only sites which could be declared National Treasures.<ref name=loo/> The Seiden (as "Okinawa Shrine") was designated a National Treasure in 1929; the Shureimon, Kankaimon, Zuisenmon, and a number of other structures were named National Treasures in 1933.<ref name=shimposhurireki/> All lost the designation after being destroyed in 1945.

 

 

Around 1925, with the considerable contributions of architect [[Ito Chuta|Itô Chûta]], the castle was converted into "[[Okinawa Shrine]]", a [[Shinto shrine]] within the national networks of [[State Shinto]]. The core of the shrine itself (''honden'') was constructed behind the Yosoeden, in an area known as the Kanegura 金蔵; the Seiden was then made the main worship hall, or ''haiden'', of the shrine.<ref name=beni53/> This was done so that the castle could be designated a [[National Treasure]], which it was that same year, in order for considerable national funds to be diverted to funding restoration and preservation efforts. This transformation of the castle into a shrine was necessary because at the time, up until 1932, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples were the only sites which could be declared National Treasures.<ref name=loo/> The Seiden (as "Okinawa Shrine") was designated a National Treasure in 1929; the Shureimon, Kankaimon, Zuisenmon, and a number of other structures were named National Treasures in 1933.<ref name=shimposhurireki/> All lost the designation after being destroyed in 1945.

===Destruction and Restoration===

===Destruction and Restoration===

Extensive repairs were made to Shuri castle in 1928-1931, while retaining the form it held since 1712.<ref>Interview with Matayoshi, 107.</ref> An underground headquarters for the 32nd Army was constructed below the castle in 1944, however, leading to its destruction in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa. The University of the Ryukyus was then established on the former site of the castle and remained there for many years, until, after decades of popular movements and pushes to see the castle rebuilt, the university moved and reconstruction finally began on the castle in 1992, on the 20th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese sovereignty following the US Occupation.  

Extensive repairs were made to Shuri castle in 1928-1933, while retaining the form it held since 1712.<ref>Interview with Matayoshi, 107.</ref> These were overseen by [[Ministry of Education]] engineer [[Sakatani Ryonoshin|Sakatani Ryônoshin]]<!--阪谷良之進-->, with the construction work itself led by ''[[miya daiku]]'' (shrine/temple carpenter) [[Yanagita Kikuzo|Yanagita Kikuzô]].<!--柳田菊造--> An underground headquarters for the 32nd Army was constructed below the castle in 1944, however, leading to its destruction in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa.<ref>Construction began in March 1944, but the underground headquarters was actually only used for a brief period in 1945. The 32nd Army began using it as their primary headquarters in March 1945. Some 1,000 officers, soldiers, student conscripts (the Iron & Blood Corps), and civilians came to live together in the underground headquarters at that time. However, only two months later, on May 22, 1945, the military command decided to withdraw to Mabuni in the south of the island, as a stalling tactic to attempt to delay any potential Allied invasion of mainland Japan. Much of the rooms and tunnels were intentionally caved-in as the army abandoned the headquarters on May 27. Allied forces gained control of Shuri on May 31. Explanatory plaques, Shurijô Castle Park.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/49599089013/sizes/k/]</ref> The University of the Ryukyus was then established on the former site of the castle and remained there for many years, until, after decades of popular movements and pushes to see the castle rebuilt, the university moved and reconstruction finally began on the castle in 1992, on the 20th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese sovereignty following the US Occupation.  

 

 

This was a long process, however. The Shureimon gate was the first portion of the castle to be restored, in 1958. Ten years later, in 1968-69, the main gate at the nearby [[Engaku-ji]] temple, along with the Benten-dô (Benten Hall) and Tennyo-bashi (Tennyo Bridge) at the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan Pond]] were restored. The Ryukyu Government<ref>The civilian government of Okinawan elected representatives governing alongside the US military government during the Occupation.</ref> decided upon a plan in 1970 to restore the castle and various cultural assets (artifacts) lost in the war. The same year, the national government of Japan reached a cabinet decision regarding the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese authority (i.e. the end of the Occupation), and made clear its support for the restoration of the castle and cultural assets. The following year, funds were explicitly set aside for the restoration project within the budget of the Ministry of State for Okinawa and the [[Northern Territories]]. In 1972, the US Occupation ended and Japanese administration of Okinawa prefecture was resumed; an official Okinawa Promotion and Development Plan that year explicitly included discussion of a plan to restore the castle and associated cultural assets. Work then began on restoring other portions of the castle compound and surrounding areas, with the Kankaimon being restored over a two-year process from 1972-74 and the royal mausoleum at [[Tamaudun]] in 1973-76. An "Association for Realizing the Restoration of Shuri Castle" (''Shurijô fukugen kisei kai'') was established in 1973, and work began on the castle's Kyûkeimon gate in 1976. The Second Okinawa Promotion and Development Plan, put out in 1982, explicitly discussed matters including determining the extent of the grounds that should be made a public park, and the areas that should be made areas for historical and cultural preservation.<ref name=shimpo1992>"Shurijô fukugen no keii" 首里城復元の経緯, ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 1 Nov 1992.</ref>

Reconstruction work on the Seiden and other central buildings began in earnest on July 18, 1989, with a groundbreaking ceremony (''kikôshiki'') and lumber-felling ceremony (''kobiki-shiki'') being held on November 2-3, 1989. While symbolic lumber was ceremonially carried down to Shuri from [[Kunigami]] as had been done in previous centuries, the restoration was completed primarily using wood from outside of Okinawa prefecture. [[Cypress]] from Taiwan was used for much of the central palace structures, including for the largest upright pillars, and woods such as oak<ref>''Quercus salicina'', J: ''Urajirogashi''</ref> and podocarpus (J: ''inumaki'', O: ''chaagi'') from [[Amami Islands|Amami]] and [[Tokunoshima]] were also used, along with materials from elsewhere. Okinawan architects, carpenters, and craftsmen headed the various aspects of the project, aided by ''[[miyadaiku]]'' (experts in traditional Japanese architecture & carpentry) and craftsmen from mainland Japan.<ref>"Shurjiô Q&A," "Shurijô o tsukutta takumi," ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', Nov 1, 1992.</ref> While the Seiden and certain other structures were restored in a traditional manner in all-wood-construction, the Hokuden, Nanden, and most other buildings were rebuilt in reinforced concrete, with only the outward appearance of being traditional-style wooden structures.<ref>"Beni no ugushiku," 57.</ref>

Reconstruction work on the Seiden and other central buildings began in earnest on July 18, 1989, with a groundbreaking ceremony (''kikôshiki'') and lumber-felling ceremony (''kobiki-shiki'') being held on November 2-3, 1989. While symbolic lumber was ceremonially carried down to Shuri from [[Kunigami]] as had been done in previous centuries, the restoration was completed primarily using wood from outside of Okinawa prefecture. [[Cypress]] from Taiwan was used for much of the central palace structures, including for the largest upright pillars, and woods such as oak<ref>''Quercus salicina'', J: ''Urajirogashi''</ref> and podocarpus (J: ''inumaki'') from [[Amami Islands|Amami]] and [[Tokunoshima]] were also used, along with materials from elsewhere. Okinawan architects, carpenters, and craftsmen headed the various aspects of the project, aided by ''[[miyadaiku]]'' (experts in traditional Japanese architecture & carpentry) and craftsmen from mainland Japan.<ref>"Shurjiô Q&A," "Shurijô o tsukutta takumi," ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', Nov 1, 1992.</ref> After three years of construction, sections of Shuri Castle Park opened to the public on November 3, 1992.<ref name=shimpo1992/> Some 46,000 people visited the castle on that first day.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô" 報道写真集・首里城, 30.</ref>

After three years of construction, sections of Shuri Castle Park opened to the public on November 3, 1992.<ref name=shimpo1992/> Some 46,000 people visited the castle on that first day.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô" 報道写真集・首里城, 30.</ref>

While responsibility for the management and maintenance of the castle grounds and structures was divided between the national and prefectural governments, the Churashima Foundation (which also oversees Okinawa Ocean Expo Park and plays a prominent role in the operation of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum) oversees the reproduction and maintenance of individual objects such as statuary, furniture, and wall decor, as well as the castle's collections of surviving historical artworks and artifacts.<ref>Uezu Yasuyuki, "The Path towards the Restoration of Shurijo Castle," n.d., 7.</ref> The grounds beneath and around the reconstructed castle were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, and the reconstructed castle became the site of regular reenactments of royal court ceremonies and numerous other cultural performances, as well as regularly-cycling temporary exhibits of artworks and other treasures related to the kingdom. The castle quickly became the most-visited tourist site on Okinawa Island, boasting some three million visitors a year.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô" 報道写真集・首里城, Okinawa Times (2019), n.p.</ref> Over the following decades, additional areas were restored and opened to the public. The Yuinchi, Kugani udun, Kinshû tsumesho, and Okushoin (described below) were restored and opened in 2014, and in February 2019, areas of the Agari no Azana (eastern lookout) and Ouchibaru (women's quarters) not previously open were made accessible to the public.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô," 34.</ref>

While responsibility for the management and maintenance of the castle grounds and structures was divided between the national and prefectural governments, the Churashima Foundation (which also oversees Okinawa Ocean Expo Park and plays a prominent role in the operation of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum) oversees the reproduction and maintenance of individual objects such as statuary, furniture, and wall decor, as well as the castle's collections of surviving historical artworks and artifacts.<ref>Uezu Yasuyuki, "The Path towards the Restoration of Shurijo Castle," n.d., 7.</ref> The grounds beneath and around the reconstructed castle were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, and the reconstructed castle became the site of regular reenactments of royal court ceremonies and numerous other cultural performances, as well as regularly-cycling temporary exhibits of artworks and other treasures related to the kingdom. The castle quickly became the most-visited tourist site on Okinawa Island, boasting some three million visitors a year.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô" 報道写真集・首里城, Okinawa Times (2019), n.p.</ref> Over the following decades, additional areas were restored and opened to the public. The Yuinchi, Kugani udun, Kinshû tsumesho, and Okushoin (described below) were restored and opened in 2014, and in February 2019, areas of the Agari no Azana (eastern lookout) and Ouchibaru (women's quarters) not previously open were made accessible to the public.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô," 34.</ref>

The Seiden caught fire early in the morning on Oct 31, 2019; the fire soon spread, and by the time it was put out in the early afternoon that same day, the Seiden and Hokuden had been completely destroyed, with the Nanden and four other structures (for a total of seven structures) suffering severe damage. Some number of historical treasures were lost in the fire. There are plans to rebuild the lost structures, however it is unclear how long this will take, or the extent of the losses of irreplaceable cultural artifacts and the like.<ref name=nhkfire>"[https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20191031/amp/k10012157881000.html 首里城で火災「正殿」などが全焼 那覇]," NHK News Web, 31 Oct 2019.</ref>

The Seiden caught fire early in the morning on Oct 31, 2019; the fire soon spread, and by the time it was put out in the early afternoon that same day, the Seiden and Hokuden had been completely destroyed, with the Nanden and four other structures (for a total of seven structures) suffering severe damage. Out of the roughly 1500 historical treasures and notable reproductions held at the castle, roughly 421 were lost in the fire. Those lost included several (original, historical) paintings and documents and numerous lacquerware and pottery objects that had been on display in the temporary exhibit galleries at the time of the fire, a number of replicas produced since the 1980s, including the royal thrones, royal crown, royal seals, and lacquered Qing imperial calligraphy plaques displayed in the throne room, and models of the castle displayed in the Main Hall and gift shop.<ref>"[https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/507607 首里城火災、焼失した所蔵品393点のリスト初公表　被害の半数超は漆器]," ''Okinawa Times'', 8 Dec 2019.</ref> As of 2020, reconstruction is projected to be completed in 2026.<ref>"[https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/552187 首里城正殿 2026年までに完成　政府が工程表決定　22年中に本格着工]," ''Okinawa Times'', 27 March 2020.</ref>

==Layout==

==Layout==

A gate in the eastern side of the outer walls known as the Keiseimon (継世門), built in [[1543]] or [[1546]] in conjunction with an expansion of the castle walls,<ref name=shimposhurireki/> serves essentially as the rear gate to the compound, situated as it is on the opposite end of the compound from the main gates to the castle, the Shureimon and Kankaimon. Also known as the ''Akata gomon'' 赤田御門 and as the Suetsugi-ujô 継世門 in Okinawan, this gate at the rear of the complex was used by a crown prince when entering the castle after the death of his predecessor, in order to undertake his succession ceremony in the Yohokori-den 世誇殿. It was also by this gate that [[Sho Tai|Shô Tai]], the last king of Ryûkyû, departed the castle when abdicating the palace to the Japanese in [[1879]].<ref name=shuriqa/>

A gate in the eastern side of the outer walls known as the Keiseimon (継世門), built in [[1543]] or [[1546]] in conjunction with an expansion of the castle walls,<ref name=shimposhurireki/> serves essentially as the rear gate to the compound, situated as it is on the opposite end of the compound from the main gates to the castle, the Shureimon and Kankaimon. Also known as the ''Akata gomon'' 赤田御門 and as the Suetsugi-ujô 継世門 in Okinawan, this gate at the rear of the complex was used by a crown prince when entering the castle after the death of his predecessor, in order to undertake his succession ceremony in the Yohokori-den 世誇殿. It was also by this gate that [[Sho Tai|Shô Tai]], the last king of Ryûkyû, departed the castle when abdicating the palace to the Japanese in [[1879]].<ref name=shuriqa/>

A pair of stelae which stand at the Keiseimon are said to have been erected in 1544, and were intended to serve as spiritual or symbolic protection against ''[[wako|wakô]]''<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Keiseimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. Two other outer gates, called the Uekimon (右掖門) and Shukujunmon (淑順門), situated to the north side of the complex, provided access to an inner garden, called the ''ouchibara'' (御内原) in Okinawan. Today, tourists following the designated route pass through the Uekimon on their way out of the castle at the end of their visit<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Uekimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

A pair of stelae which stand at the Keiseimon are said to have been erected in 1544, and were intended to serve as spiritual or symbolic protection against ''[[wako|wakô]]''<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Keiseimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. Two other outer gates, called the Uekimon (右掖門) and Shukujunmon (淑順門), situated to the north side of the complex, provided access to an inner garden, called the ''ouchibara'' (御内原) in Okinawan. Today, tourists following the designated route pass through the Uekimon on their way out of the castle at the end of their visit<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Uekimon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website. Originally built in the 15th century, the gatehouse was dismantled in the 1920s-30s; what remained of it was destroyed in 1945 but was then restored in 2000. Plaques on-site.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15439985442/in/photostream/]</ref>.

Several buildings stood inside these outer gates. One, known in Japanese as ''zenikura'' 銭蔵, was a two-story storehouse where [[awamori]], oils, and other materials, as well as money for the court's everyday use, was stored. A stables for three to five horses stood nearby, along with an office for those overseeing these two buildings, and overseeing or guarding the castle throughout the day and night.<ref name=plaques>Plaques on-site.</ref>

Several buildings stood inside these outer gates. One, known in Japanese as ''zenikura'' 銭蔵, was a two-story storehouse where [[awamori]], oils, and other materials, as well as money for the court's everyday use, was stored. A stables for three to five horses stood nearby, along with an office for those overseeing these two buildings, and overseeing or guarding the castle throughout the day and night.<ref name=plaques>Plaques on-site.</ref>

Just beyond the castle walls could be found the Buddhist temple [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] and the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan]] and Enkan ponds which were constructed for the leisure and recreation of visiting [[Chinese investiture envoys]]. One of the highest points in the compound, the "West Azana" or ''shimasoe azana'', is also situated outside of the castle walls. Here, banners would be flown and a bell rung to announce the time. The ''azana'' rises roughly 130m above sea level, offering extensive views of Naha city and harbor, and of the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Nishi no Azana." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. There is also an Eastern Azana, on the opposite end of the compound.

Just beyond the castle walls could be found the Buddhist temple [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] and the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan]] and Enkan ponds which were constructed for the leisure and recreation of visiting [[Chinese investiture envoys]]. One of the highest points in the compound, the "West Azana" or ''shimasoe azana'', is also situated outside of the castle walls. Here, banners would be flown and a bell rung to announce the time. The ''azana'' rises roughly 130m above sea level, offering extensive views of Naha city and harbor, and of the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Nishi no Azana." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. There is also an Eastern Azana, on the opposite end of the compound; these two ''azana'' were the chief watchtowers for the complex.

The walls themselves were tall and thick, composed of stones fit together to form a smooth, steep surface difficult to climb. Flat, narrow walkways topped the walls, but they lacked merlons (aka battlements or crenelations) or loopholes which would have protected defenders atop the walls while allowing them to fire down upon invaders<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

The walls themselves, just over one kilometer in total length, are generally about three meters thick and range between 6 to 15 meters in height.<ref name=okahashi2>Okahashi, Junko (2018) "[http://openarchive.icomos.org/2003/ Significance of reconstructed built-heritage after wartime destruction: Restitution of identity? New role in the subsequent society?]" In: International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) 19th General Assembly and Scientific Symposium "Heritage and Democracy", 13-14th December 2017, New Delhi, India, 2.</ref> They are composed of stones fit together to form a smooth, steep surface difficult to climb. Flat, narrow walkways topped the walls, but they lacked merlons (aka battlements or crenelations) or loopholes which would have protected defenders atop the walls while allowing them to fire down upon invaders<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

===Gates===

===Gates===

The castle historically boasted thirteen gates. The outermost gates leading up to the castle, the Chûzanmon and Shureimon, were built in a Chinese ''paifang'' style as roofed wooden structures straddling the road. The Kankaimon, Kobikimon, Kyûkeimon, and Keiseimon consisted chiefly of arches built (cut) directly into the stone, something more typical of Chinese architecture than of Japanese. Several of the inner gates of the castle, including the Zuisenmon and Rôkokumon, by contrast, consist of a wooden gatehouse stretched across a gap in the wall, forming a rectangular opening; though this type of gate construction is commonly seen in Japanese castles, the gatehouses at Shuri were built in a Chinese-influenced architectural style and painted red.<ref name=shuriqa/>

The castle historically boasted thirteen gates. The outermost gates leading up to the castle, the Chûzanmon and Shureimon, were built in a Chinese ''paifang'' style as roofed wooden structures straddling the road. The Kankaimon, Kobikimon, Kyûkeimon, and Keiseimon consisted chiefly of arches built (cut) directly into the stone, something more typical of Chinese architecture than of Japanese. Several of the inner gates of the castle, including the Zuisenmon and Rôkokumon, by contrast, consist of a wooden gatehouse stretched across a gap in the wall, forming a rectangular opening; though this type of gate construction is commonly seen in Japanese castles, the gatehouses at Shuri were built in a Chinese-influenced architectural style and painted red.<ref name=shuriqa/>

Some distance to the west was the outermost gate of the castle, known as Chûzanmon. Built in the style of a Chinese ''paifang'' gate in [[1428]], it was originally known as Kenkokumon ("Establishment of the Country Gate"). It was the same size and same style as the Shureimon, and had its roof switched from wooden planks to ceramic tiles in 1681. The name "Chûzanmon" derives from a plaque hung on the gate, reading "Chûzan," gifted to the kingdom by [[Chai Shan]]<!--柴山-->, a [[Ming Dynasty]] official who came to Ryûkyû in [[1425]] for the [[investiture]] of King [[Sho Hashi|Shô Hashi]]. Following the abolition of the kingdom, the gate was allowed to simply fall into decay, and in [[1908]] it was torn down and has not been re-erected. Marking the entrance to Shuri's Aijo-ufumichi (Aijo Boulevard), the Chûzanmon was previously also known as ''shimu nu aijo'' (J: ''shita no ayamon'') and ''shimun tui'' (J: ''shita no [[torii]]''). A ''[[bingata]]'' [[Ryukyuan textiles|textiles]] workshop and shop stands today at the former site of the gate.<ref>Plaque at the former site of the Chûzanmon.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15466021215]</ref>

About 500 meters to the west was the outermost gate of the castle, known as Chûzanmon 中山門. Built in the style of a Chinese ''paifang'' gate in [[1428]], it was originally known as Kenkokumon 建国門 ("Establishment of the Country Gate"). It was the same size and same style as the Shureimon, and had its roof switched from wooden planks to ceramic tiles in 1681. The name "Chûzanmon" derives from a plaque hung on the gate, reading "Chûzan," gifted to the kingdom by [[Chai Shan|Chái Shān]]<!--柴山-->, a [[Ming Dynasty]] official who came to Ryûkyû in [[1425]] for the [[investiture]] of King [[Sho Hashi|Shô Hashi]]. Following the abolition of the kingdom, the gate was allowed to simply fall into decay, and in [[1908]] it was torn down and has not been re-erected. Marking the entrance to Shuri's Aijo-ufumichi (Aijo Boulevard), the Chûzanmon was previously also known as ''shimu nu aijo'' (J: ''shita no ayamon'') and ''shimun tui'' (J: ''shita no [[torii]]''). A ''[[bingata]]'' [[Ryukyuan textiles|textiles]] workshop and shop stands today at the former site of the gate.<ref>Plaque at the former site of the Chûzanmon.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15466021215]; Uho Tomoki 宇保朝輝, "Ima ha naki Chûzanmon" 今はなき中山門, ''Fee nu kaji'' 南ぬ風 50 (2019/1-3), 9.</ref>

====Shureimon====

====Shureimon====

The symbolic entrance to the castle proper was the Shureimon, originally constructed around [[1555]]<ref name=Turnbull44/> during the reign of [[Sho Sei (尚清)|Shô Sei]] (r. [[1527]]-[[1555]]). It remains today one of the most famous symbols of Okinawa, and of the kingdom and the castle more specifically. Architecturally patterned after a Chinese ''paifang'' gate, the Shureimon is just over seven meters tall, and just under eight meters wide. It was declared a National Treasure in 1933, but was destroyed in World War II; the current gate dates to 1958.<ref name=shurei>Plaques on-site at Shureimon.</ref> The Shureimon takes its name from the plaque installed upon it which declares Ryûkyû to be ''shurei no kuni'' (守禮之邦), often translated as "(a) Nation of Propriety." This plaque was created during the reign of [[Sho Ei|Shô Ei]] (r. [[1573]]-[[1588]]), and was originally only displayed when Chinese investiture envoys were visiting the kingdom, but during the reign of King [[Sho Shitsu|Shô Shitsu]] (r. [[1648]]-[[1668]]), the plaque came to be hung at the gate permanently. Historian [[Mark McNally]] has suggested that the plaque was especially seen as a reminder that the kingdom should strive to aspire to being a "kingdom of propriety."<ref>[[Mark McNally]], presentation at "[http://www.hawaii.edu/asiaref/japan/event2013/Index.htm#symposium Interpreting Parades and Processions of Edo Japan]" symposium, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 11 Feb 2013.</ref> Previously, plaques had been hung from the gate reading "Awaiting the Bearers of Virtue" (待賢, ''taiken''), and then, during the reign of Shô Sei, this was replaced with a plaque reading, simply, "Shuri";<ref>Chan, Ying Kit. “A Bridge between Myriad Lands: The Ryukyu Kingdom and Ming China (1372-1526).” Thesis, National University of Singapore, 2010, 73. http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/20602.</ref> as a result, the gate was previously known as Taikenmon, and then Shurimon, after these plaques displayed at that time.<ref name=shurei/>

The symbolic entrance to the castle proper was the Shureimon, originally constructed around [[1555]]<ref name=Turnbull44/> during the reign of [[Sho Sei (尚清)|Shô Sei]] (r. [[1527]]-[[1555]]). It remains today one of the most famous symbols of Okinawa, and of the kingdom and the castle more specifically. Architecturally patterned after a Chinese ''paifang'' gate, the Shureimon is just over seven meters tall, and just under eight meters wide. It was declared a National Treasure in 1933, but was destroyed in World War II; the current gate dates to 1958.<ref name=shurei>Plaques on-site at Shureimon.</ref> The Shureimon takes its name from the plaque installed upon it which declares Ryûkyû to be ''shurei no kuni'' (守禮之邦), often translated as "(a) Nation of Propriety." This plaque was created during the reign of [[Sho Ei|Shô Ei]] (r. [[1573]]-[[1588]]), and was originally only displayed when Chinese investiture envoys were visiting the kingdom, but during the reign of King [[Sho Shitsu|Shô Shitsu]] (r. [[1648]]-[[1668]]), the plaque came to be hung at the gate permanently. Historian [[Mark McNally]] has suggested that the plaque was especially seen as a reminder that the kingdom should strive to aspire to being a "kingdom of propriety."<ref>[[Mark McNally]], presentation at "[http://www.hawaii.edu/asiaref/japan/event2013/Index.htm#symposium Interpreting Parades and Processions of Edo Japan]" symposium, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 11 Feb 2013.</ref> Previously, plaques had been hung from the gate reading "Awaiting the Bearers of Virtue" (待賢, ''taiken''), and then, during the reign of Shô Sei, this was replaced with a plaque reading, simply, "Shuri";<ref>Chan, Ying Kit. “A Bridge between Myriad Lands: The Ryukyu Kingdom and Ming China (1372-1526).” Thesis, National University of Singapore, 2010, 73. http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/20602.</ref> as a result, the gate was previously known as Taikenmon, and then Shurimon, after these plaques displayed at that time.<ref name=shurei/> The "Shurei no kuni" plaque currently hanging over the Shureimon, as well as those on several of the other gates to the castle, were produced by lacquerware artist [[Maeda Koin|Maeda Kôin]].<ref name=maedakoin>"Ryûkyû shikki" 琉球漆器, ''Fee nu kaji'' 南ぬ風 3 (2007/4-6), 4.</ref>

Just within the gate can be found the stone gate to [[Sonohyan utaki]], a sacred space of the native Ryukyuan religion, where the king and others would often pray. The gate was constructed in [[1519]], upon the orders of King Shô Shin, by a stonemason from [[Taketomi Island]] named [[Nishito|Nishitô]]. Along the main path, just across from the stone gate to the ''utaki'' stand reconstructions of two stelae (stone monuments) erected there in [[1522]]. One, the ''[[Madama minato himon]]'', commemorates the construction by King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] of a series of roads and bridges for the defense of the city; the other, the ''[[Kokuo shotokuhi|Kokuô shôtokuhi]]'', commemorates various other accomplishments of King Shô Shin, including his receiving of sacred beads and the sword ''[[Chiyoganemaru]]'' from [[Miyako Island]] as symbols of the subordination of Miyako and other islands at that time.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 140.</ref>

Just within the gate can be found the stone gate to [[Sonohyan utaki]], a sacred space of the native Ryukyuan religion, where the king and others would often pray. The gate was constructed in [[1519]], upon the orders of King Shô Shin, by a stonemason from [[Taketomi Island]] named [[Nishito|Nishitô]]. Along the main path, just across from the stone gate to the ''utaki'' stand reconstructions of two stelae (stone monuments) erected there in [[1522]]. One, the ''[[Madama minato himon]]'', commemorates the construction by King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] of a series of roads and bridges for the defense of the city; the other, the ''[[Kokuo shotokuhi|Kokuô shôtokuhi]]'', commemorates various other accomplishments of King Shô Shin, including his receiving of sacred beads and the sword ''[[Chiyoganemaru]]'' from [[Miyako Island]] as symbols of the subordination of Miyako and other islands at that time.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 140.</ref>

A gate known as the Kobikimon 木曵門 located near the Kankaimon was traditionally sealed off by a pile of stones, and opened only when bringing lumber or other materials into the castle for repair or reconstruction efforts.<ref name=shuriqa/>

A gate known as the Kobikimon 木曵門 located near the Kankaimon was traditionally sealed off by a pile of stones, and opened only when bringing lumber or other materials into the castle for repair or reconstruction efforts.<ref name=shuriqa/>

===Shicha-nu-Unâ===

===Shicha-nu-Unaa===

[[Image:Kofukumon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Kôfukumon (広福門)]]

[[Image:Kofukumon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Kôfukumon (広福門)]]

[[Image:Suimui utaki.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Suimui utaki (首里森御嶽)]]

[[Image:Suimui utaki.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Suimui utaki (首里森御嶽)]]

[[Image:Hoshinmon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hôshinmon (奉神門)]]

[[Image:Hoshinmon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hôshinmon (奉神門)]]

The Kôfukumon, a large, vermillion wooden structure leads finally into the ''shicha-nu-unâ'' (下之御庭), an area equivalent to what would be called the second bailey in English or ''ni-no-maru'' in a Japanese castle. The offices of the ''jishaza'' (寺社座), which oversaw Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and the ''ôkumiza'' (大与座) which mediated disputes between aristocrats, were housed here<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kôfukumon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

The Kôfukumon, a large, vermillion wooden structure leads finally into the ''shicha-nu-unaa'' (下之御庭), an area equivalent to what would be called the second bailey in English or ''ni-no-maru'' in a Japanese castle. The offices of the ''jishaza'' (寺社座), which oversaw Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and the ''ôkumiza'' (大与座) which mediated disputes between aristocrats, were housed here<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kôfukumon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

The ''shicha-nu-unâ'' contains the "Shuri forest ''[[utaki]]''", or [[Suimui utaki]], a sacred grove surrounded by its own low stone walls, which features in myths about the origins of the kingdom, and appears numerous times in the ''[[Omoro Soshi|Omoro Sôshi]]'', a collection of Okinawan myths in the form of songs or poems. Another important sacred site related to the origins of the castle and the kingdom, the ''kyô-no-uchi'' (京之内), is located along the southern wall of the ''shicha-nu-unâ'' and contains a number of ''utaki'' within it, including one known as Madanmui utaki 真玉森御嶽.<ref>Also known as Madanmui gusuku and Kunda gusuku. Amidst the shift from the First to the Second Shô Dynasty following the death of King [[Sho Toku|Shô Toku]] in [[1469]], Toku's queen and heir, along with the heir's wet nurse, were slaughtered at Madanmui by forces loyal to the new king [[Sho En|Shô En]], and buried there. Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 122-124.</ref> The high priestess (''[[kikoe-ogimi|kikoe-ôgimi]]'') regularly performed rituals at sites within the Kyô-no-uchi to pray for the prosperity of the kingdom, safety for important sea voyages, good harvests and the like on behalf of the king and kingdom.<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kyô no uchi." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref> ''Noro'' (priestesses) traditionally made their way around these various sacred sites within the castle compound on four occasions each year. The ''kyô no uchi'' was traditionally forbidden to men as its sacred power was considered too strong for them; once the area was restored in the 2010s, however, it was opened to all visitors.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô" 報道写真集・首里城, Okinawa Times (2019), 37.</ref>

The ''shicha-nu-unaa'' contains the "Shuri forest ''[[utaki]]''", or [[Suimui utaki]], a sacred grove surrounded by its own low stone walls, which features in myths about the origins of the kingdom, and appears numerous times in the ''[[Omoro Soshi|Omoro Sôshi]]'', a collection of Okinawan myths in the form of songs or poems. Another important sacred site related to the origins of the castle and the kingdom, the ''kyô-no-uchi'' (京之内), is located along the southern wall of the ''shicha-nu-unaa'' and contains a number of ''utaki'' within it, including one known as Madanmui utaki 真玉森御嶽.<ref>Also known as Madanmui gusuku and Kunda gusuku. Amidst the shift from the First to the Second Shô Dynasty following the death of King [[Sho Toku|Shô Toku]] in [[1469]], Toku's queen and heir, along with the heir's wet nurse, were slaughtered at Madanmui by forces loyal to the new king [[Sho En|Shô En]], and buried there. Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 122-124.</ref> The high priestess (''[[kikoe-ogimi|kikoe-ôgimi]]'') regularly performed rituals at sites within the Kyô-no-uchi to pray for the prosperity of the kingdom, safety for important sea voyages, good harvests and the like on behalf of the king and kingdom.<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Kyô no uchi." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref> ''Noro'' (priestesses) traditionally made their way around these various sacred sites within the castle compound on four occasions each year. The ''kyô no uchi'' was traditionally forbidden to men as its sacred power was considered too strong for them; once the area was restored in the 2010s, however, it was opened to all visitors.<ref>"Hôdô shashin shû Shurijô" 報道写真集・首里城, Okinawa Times (2019), 37.</ref>

The ''[[keizuza]]'' (系図座) and ''yômotsuza'' (用物座) were also located in the ''shicha-nu-una''. These two offices handled, respectively, aristocrats' official geneologies, and supplies for the castle<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Keizusa / Yômotsuza." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

The ''[[keizuza]]'' (系図座) and ''yômotsuza'' (用物座) were also located in the ''shicha-nu-unaa''. While the ''keizuza'' was the chief office overseeing the compilation of aristocratic genealogies and official kingdom histories, the ''yômotsuza'' managed supplies for the castle as well as goods prepared for presentation to the Ming or Qing imperial courts, Satsuma domain, and the Tokugawa shogunate.<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Keizusa / Yômotsuza." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.; Explanatory plaques, Shurijô Castle Park.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15253505669/in/photostream/]</ref>.

The largest gate in the complex, the Hôshinmon (O: ''Kimihokori ujô''), leads into the central bailey, or ''unâ'' (J: ''honmaru''). Completed some time before 1562, the gate was overhauled in 1754 to better follow Chinese models. The structure was used as storage for documents and materials related to musical entertainments, tobacco, tea and the like, and for rituals and ceremonies; today, it serves as the central administrative office of the heritage site & public park. Of the three gateways in the Hôshinmon structure, use of the central one was restricted to the king, Chinese imperial envoys, and others of similar rank<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Hôshinmon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

The largest gate in the complex, the Hôshinmon (O: ''Kimihokori ujô''), leads into the central bailey, or ''unaa'' (J: ''honmaru''). Completed some time before 1562, the gate was overhauled in 1754 to better follow Chinese models. The structure was used as storage for documents and materials related to musical entertainments, tobacco, tea and the like, and for rituals and ceremonies; today, it serves as the central administrative office of the heritage site & public park. Of the three gateways in the Hôshinmon structure, use of the central one was restricted to the king, Chinese imperial envoys, and others of similar rank<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Hôshinmon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website. The three-roofed, three-gated form of the Hôshinmon dates to its rebuilding following the 1709 fire. Watanabe Miki 渡辺美季, "Ryûkyû Shuri no zu, Ryûkyû Naha zu: Koga rekishi hakubutsukan zô Takami Senseki kankei shiryô yori" 「琉球首里ノ図・琉球那覇図ー古河歴史博物館蔵　鷹見泉石関係資料より」, ''Tôkyô daigaku shiryôhensanjo fuzoku gazô shiryô kaiseki sentaa tsûshin'' 東京大学史料編纂所附属画像史料解析センター通信 90 (Oct 2020), p10.</ref>.

===Unâ===

===Unaa===

[[Image:Shuri Una.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The ''unâ'' (central plaza), with the Nanden seen on the right of the Seiden.]]

[[Image:Shuri Una.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The ''unaa'' (central plaza), with the Nanden seen on the right of the Seiden.]]

The ''Unâ'' (御庭) is a square, open plaza, bounded by the Hôshinmon on one side, the Seiden, the chief royal residence, facing it, and the Hokuden and Nanden on the remaining two sides. The plaza itself was the site of many important rituals and ceremonies, including New Year's ceremonies, and the formal investiture of each king, for which a symbolic model of the Chinese Imperial Court throne room would be constructed on the plaza. Red and white tiles form ranks (''sen'', 磚) filling the plaza and marking where officials and aristocrats of various ranks would stand for these ceremonies; an aisle in the tile patterns leading directly across the plaza from the Hôshinmon to the Seiden was called the ''ukimichi'' (浮道, lit. "floating path") in Japanese, and was used only by the king, representatives of the Chinese Emperor, and others of similar rank<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Unâ." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.　Overall, the plaza, and buildings within it, were conceived as a miniature of the Forbidden City (the Imperial Palace) in Beijing<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

The ''Unaa'' (御庭) is a trapezoidal (roughly but not truly square), open, plaza, bounded by the Hôshinmon gate on one side, with the Seiden, the chief royal residence, facing the gate, and the Hokuden and Nanden on the remaining two sides. The plaza itself was the site of many important rituals and ceremonies, including New Year's ceremonies, and the formal investiture of each king, for which a symbolic model of the Chinese Imperial Court throne room would be constructed on the plaza. Red and white tiles form ranks (''sen'', 磚) filling the plaza and marking where officials and aristocrats of various ranks would stand for these ceremonies; a raised path cutting through the plaza and leading directly across the plaza from the Hôshinmon to the Seiden was called the ''ukimichi'' (浮道, lit. "floating path") in Japanese, and was used only by the king, representatives of the Chinese Emperor, and others of similar rank<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Unaa." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. Originally raised some 15 cm above the plaza (hence the name "floating path"), the reconstructed ''ukimichi'' today is raised by only five cm.<ref>''Ukimichi no nazo'' 浮道のなぞ, ''Fee nu kaji'' 南ぬ風 36 (2015), 9.</ref> Overall, the plaza, and buildings within it, were conceived as a miniature of the Forbidden City (the Imperial Palace) in Beijing<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

The two-story Nanden (南殿), or "South Hall," on one size of the plaza, is known as the ''Fee-nu-udun'' (南風御殿) in Okinawan. It is a Japanese-style structure which housed Satsuma officials and Japanese-style ceremonies. The one-story Bandokoro (番所) attached to it was used by Ryukyuan officials departing for the day to pass off paperwork or duties to those arriving. Records indicate that the Nanden was first built c. [[1628]], though archaeological excavations have discovered earlier foundations. There do not appear to be any records of it ever having been painted and so, in accordance with one school of Japanese traditional architectural customs, it remains composed primarily of bare wood. The two buildings today include exhibition spaces, where artifacts related to the castle and the royal family are put on display<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Nanden / Bandokoro." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. Attached to the eastern end of the Nanden was a space known as the Kinjûtsumesho (近習詰所), where about twenty officials and scribed attached to the king were based; a number of them typically accompanied the king as he moved through the castle on daily business.<ref name=plaques/> Beyond this space was a small inner writing studio, or ''okushoin'' (奥書院). Three by three and a half bays (''ma'') in size, it was used by the king as a place to take a break from his duties, and also contained a space where the ''okushoin'' magistrate (''okushoin [[bujo|bujô]]'') worked. The ''okushoin'' faced a garden to the south, and the Kawarume utaki (苅銘御嶽) to the east.<ref name=plaques/>

The two-story Nanden (南殿), or "South Hall," on one size of the plaza, is known as the ''Fee-nu-udun'' (南風御殿) in Okinawan. A Japanese-style structure, it was regularly used for receiving Satsuma officials and for other Japanese-style ceremonies. The one-story Bandokoro (番所) attached to it was used by Ryukyuan officials departing for the day to pass off paperwork or duties to those arriving. Records indicate that the Nanden was first built c. [[1628]], though archaeological excavations have discovered earlier foundations. There do not appear to be any records of it ever having been painted and so, in accordance with one school of Japanese traditional architectural customs, it remains composed primarily of bare wood. The two buildings today include exhibition spaces, where artifacts related to the castle and the royal family are put on display<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Nanden / Bandokoro." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. Attached to the eastern end of the Nanden was a space known as the Kinjûtsumesho (近習詰所), where about twenty officials and scribed attached to the king were based; a number of them typically accompanied the king as he moved through the castle on daily business.<ref name=plaques/> Beyond this space was a small inner writing studio, or ''okushoin'' (奥書院). Three by three and a half bays (''ma'') in size, it was used by the king as a place to take a break from his duties, and also contained a space where the ''okushoin'' magistrate (''okushoin [[bujo|bujô]]'') worked. The ''okushoin'' faced a garden to the south, and the Kawarume utaki (苅銘御嶽) to the east.<ref name=plaques/> In contrast to the gardens attached to the Shoin and Sasu-no-ma which were more front-facing, the ''okushoin'' garden was a more private space.<ref>Gallery label, "[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15253693508/sizes/h/ Okushoin teien]," Shurijo Castle Park.</ref>

The Hokuden (北殿), or "North Hall," also known as the ''giseiden'' (議政殿), faces the Nanden across the plaza, and is known as the ''Nishi-no-udun'' (北之御殿) in Okinawan. Built around 1506-1521, it is a structure more Chinese in style, which housed visiting Chinese officials and Chinese-style ceremonies and, as the site of the chief administrative offices of the royal government, was on an average day the busiest and most active building in the compound. Commodore Perry was also entertained and banqueted here on two occasions when he forced his way into the castle. Like the Nanden, the Hokuden today contains exhibition space devoted to material related to the castle, the royal family, and the kingdom's relationship with China<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Hokuden." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

The Hokuden (北殿), or "North Hall," also known as the ''giseiden'' (議政殿), faces the Nanden across the plaza, and is known as the ''Nishi-no-udun'' (北之御殿) in Okinawan. Built around 1506-1521, it is a structure more Chinese in style, which housed visiting Chinese officials and Chinese-style ceremonies and, as the site of the chief administrative offices of the royal government, was on an average day the busiest and most active building in the compound. Commodore Perry was also entertained and banqueted here on two occasions when he forced his way into the castle. Like the Nanden, the Hokuden today contains exhibition space devoted to material related to the castle, the royal family, and the kingdom's relationship with China<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Hokuden." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

A pair of buildings to the south of the Nanden, on the opposite side of that hall from the central plaza, served as administrative buildings and spaces for meeting with and entertaining Chinese investiture envoys and officials from Satsuma. The ''shoin'' or "study", and ''kusari-no-ma'', as they would have been called in Japanese, were also used by the kings as their chief study or office, and secondarily by royal princes.<ref>"Shisetsu annai: shoin / kusari no ma." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.; plaques on-site in Shuri castle.</ref>. The room was also used for entertaining Chinese envoys. The ''shoin'' appears in the [[1713]] ''[[Ryukyu-koku yuraiki|Ryûkyû-koku yuraiki]]'', but it is unclear how much earlier before that it might have been built. Connected to the Nanden by internal corridors, it contained the ''sasu-no-ma'', the office of the royal scribe or clerk (''[[yuhitsu|yûhitsu]]''<!--右筆-->), who was responsible for producing formal court documents, including those sent to the Emperor of China or the Japanese shogun. The ''sasu-no-ma'' was also used by the Crown Prince as a tearoom for receiving guests. The ''shoin'', which has today been reconstructed alongside the Nanden and other structures, also served sometimes as a waiting room or reception room for Chinese investiture envoys.<ref>Gallery labels, Okinawa Prefectural Museum, August 2013.</ref>

A pair of buildings to the south of the Nanden, on the opposite side of that hall from the central plaza, served as administrative buildings and spaces for meeting with and entertaining Chinese investiture envoys and officials from Satsuma. The ''shoin'' or "study", and ''kusari-no-ma'', as they would have been called in Japanese, were also used by the kings and royal princes, respectively, as their chief study or office.<ref>"Shisetsu annai: shoin / kusari no ma." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.; plaques on-site in Shuri castle.</ref><ref name=coral2020>「よみがえれ、首里城」、''Coralway'', Nov/Dec 2020, 16.</ref>. The room was also used for entertaining Chinese envoys. The ''shoin'' appears in the [[1713]] ''[[Ryukyu-koku yuraiki|Ryûkyû-koku yuraiki]]'', but it is unclear how much earlier before that it might have been built. Connected to the Nanden by internal corridors, it contained the ''sasu-no-ma'', the office of the royal scribe or clerk (''[[yuhitsu|yûhitsu]]''<!--右筆-->), who was responsible for producing formal court documents, including those sent to the Emperor of China or the Japanese shogun. The ''sasu-no-ma'' was also used by the Crown Prince as a tearoom for receiving guests. The ''shoin'', which has today been reconstructed alongside the Nanden and other structures, also served sometimes as a waiting room or reception room for Chinese investiture envoys.<ref>Gallery labels, Okinawa Prefectural Museum, August 2013.</ref>

 

''[[Kumi udui]]'' dance-dramas and other music, dance, and theatre performances were often performed within the ''Unaa''. Prior to 1719, these were known as ''unaa nu geinô'' (performing arts of the plaza, or in the garden) and were performed without a stage being constructed. For the first ''kumi udui'' performance in 1719, however, ''[[Udui bujo|Udui bujô]]'' (Magistrate of Dance) [[Tamagusuku Chokun|Tamagusuku Chôkun]] erected a stage in front of the Nishi nu udun (North Hall, J: ''Hokuden'') within the ''Unaa''. The erection of this sort of temporary stage, known as ''Ugusuku nu butai'' (the castle/palace stage), then became a standard feature of entertainments performed for all future visits of Qing investiture envoys. The stage was open on four sides (without curtains or walls blocking the view into the stage), and was accessed by a single short bridge (''hashigakari'') at the rear of the stage, leading directly towards or into the Nishi nu udun. ''Jikata'' (musicians and chanters) sat onstage alongside the dancers and other performers. This later evolved such that large blue curtains were hung along the rear of the stage, hiding the musicians and allowing dancers and actors to enter and exit at various places, at one end of the curtains or the other.<ref>"Shurijo Castle and Performing Arts," exhibition pamphlet, National Theater Okinawa, October-December 2020.</ref>

====Seiden====

====Seiden====

The chief royal residence at the heart of Shuri castle, the structure known as Seiden (正殿, "Main Palace") in Japanese and as Umundasui udun (百浦添御殿, J: ''Momourasoe udun'')<ref>The palace is referred to in some documents as Momourasoe udun, or the Palace (''udun'') ruling or governing (''soe'') all the many various towns (''momo ura''). Akamine Mamoru, Lina Terrell (trans.), Robert Huey (ed.), ''The Ryukyu Kingdom: Cornerstone of East Asia'', University of Hawaii Press (2017), 85.</ref> in Okinawan, faces and overlooks the ''unâ''. The largest wooden building in the Ryûkyû Kingdom, it is three stories tall, and lavishly painted and otherwise decorated in vermillion and gold, with intricate carvings and other embellishments painted in bold colors. Its construction incorporates Chinese, Japanese, and native Okinawan architectural elements, including among many other features a Japanese ''[[karahafu]]'' gabled arch over the entrance, and Chinese-style two-tiered roof modeled upon that of the Chinese Imperial Palace. Over one hundred vertical pillars are incorporated into the structure; though some have suggested this may have been aimed at protecting the structure from earthquakes, others have suggested it was more likely a measure against typhoons.<ref name=shuriqa>"Shurijô no Q&A," ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 1 Nov 1992.</ref>

The chief royal residence at the heart of Shuri castle, the structure known as Seiden (正殿, "Main Palace") in Japanese and as Umundasui udun (百浦添御殿, J: ''Momourasoe udun'')<ref>The palace is referred to in some documents as Momourasoe udun, or the Palace (''udun'') ruling or governing (''soe'') all the many various towns (''momo ura''). Akamine Mamoru, Lina Terrell (trans.), Robert Huey (ed.), ''The Ryukyu Kingdom: Cornerstone of East Asia'', University of Hawaii Press (2017), 85.</ref> in Okinawan, faces and overlooks the ''unaa''. The largest wooden building in the Ryûkyû Kingdom, it is three stories tall, and lavishly painted and otherwise decorated in vermillion and gold, with intricate carvings and other embellishments painted in bold colors. Its construction incorporates Chinese, Japanese, and native Okinawan architectural elements, including among many other features a Japanese ''[[karahafu]]'' gabled arch over the entrance, and Chinese-style two-tiered roof modeled upon that of the Chinese Imperial Palace. Over one hundred vertical pillars are incorporated into the structure; though some have suggested this may have been aimed at protecting the structure from earthquakes, others have suggested it was more likely a measure against typhoons.<ref name=shuriqa>"Shurijô no Q&A," ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 1 Nov 1992.</ref>

The Seiden was originally roofed with shingles; this was changed to grey or black ceramic tiles in the 1670s or 1680s, and then to the iconic red terracotta tiles sometime later. Though there was some debate as to how to tile the roof when restoring the castle in the 1980s-90s, planners ultimately decided to use red terracotta tiles, as the castle's history of red tiles had been longer and as red tiles had come to be so widely regarded as an iconic feature of Okinawan architecture. There has also been some debate as to whether certain portions of the facade or pillars were painted black or red, and historical sources are unclear as to this point. Though restoration efforts in the 1980s-90s originally began with the intention of painting these sections black, reports from repair efforts in the 1920s-30s revealed that earlier layers of red had been found when stripping down the pillars (in order to repaint them) at that time.<ref name=shuriqa/>

The Seiden was originally roofed with shingles; this was changed to grey or black ceramic tiles in the 1670s or 1680s, and then to the iconic red terracotta tiles, which were supposedly cheaper to produce,<ref>Kakazu Hitosa 嘉数仁然, "Katte ni Shuri kentei! kaisetsu hen" 勝手に首里検定！解説編, ''Momoto Special Issue: Shuri, Ryûkyû no miyako o aruku'' モモト　別冊：首里・琉球の都をあるく (2013/8), 66.</ref> sometime later. Though there was some debate as to how to tile the roof when restoring the castle in the 1980s-90s, planners ultimately decided to use red terracotta tiles, as the castle's history of red tiles had been longer and as red tiles had come to be so widely regarded as an iconic feature of Okinawan architecture. There has also been some debate as to whether certain portions of the facade or pillars were painted black or red, and historical sources are unclear as to this point. Though restoration efforts in the 1980s-90s originally began with the intention of painting these sections black, reports from repair efforts in the 1920s-30s revealed that earlier layers of red had been found when stripping down the pillars (in order to repaint them) at that time.<ref name=shuriqa/>

From the time of its reconstruction in the early 1990s until its destruction in an Oct 2019 fire, the Seiden was the largest wooden building in Okinawa prefecture. Sadly, regulations did not require a structure of its size and character to have a built-in sprinkler system; this, combined with the inaccessibility of the site and the early morning outbreak of the fire, contributed to the ultimate outcome of the structure burning to the ground before firefighters could get the fire under control.<ref name=nhkfire/>

From the time of its reconstruction in the early 1990s until its destruction in an Oct 2019 fire, the Seiden was the largest wooden building in Okinawa prefecture. Sadly, regulations did not require a structure of its size and character to have a built-in sprinkler system; this, combined with the inaccessibility of the site and the early morning outbreak of the fire, contributed to the ultimate outcome of the structure burning to the ground before firefighters could get the fire under control.<ref name=nhkfire>"[https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/okinawa/20210816/5090015329.html 首里城火災で損害賠償を請求するよう求め住民訴訟｜NHK 沖縄県のニュース]," ''NHK News Web'', 16 Aug 2021.</ref>

Two stone dragon pillars, roughly three meters in height, flank the central stair of the Seiden;<ref>Prior to the 1890s, these dragon pillars are believed to have stood facing one another; however, evidence from the late 1890s and early 20th century show that by that time they had been turned to both face forward. According to conventional wisdom, this had been done mischievously by members of the Kumamoto Garrison. When the Seiden was reconstructed in the early 1990s, these dragon pillars were once again placed so as to face one another. Interview with Matayoshi, 108. As might be expected, however, individuals interviewed at the opening of the restored castle expressed that they remembered their parents or grandparents telling them that before the war the dragons had faced forward. Interview with Kinjô Mutsuhide 金城睦秀. "Shurijô fukugen watashi mo mimashita" 首里城復元　私も見ました. ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 3 Nov 1992.</ref> these, like just about everything on the grounds today, are reconstructions, though pieces of the pre-1945 pillars are now housed at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. While most elements of the castle's design reflects Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influence, these dragon pillars resemble not those found anywhere in East Asia, but rather, a form distinctive of Ryûkyûan architecture, and perhaps bearing connections to elements seen in palaces and temples of Cambodia and Thailand<ref name=Kerr109/>, two of the many regions with which Ryûkyû traded heavily in the 14th-16th centuries. Dragons could also be found carved into and painted onto handrails, ceiling beams, and pillars throughout the structure<ref name=seiden>"Shisetsu annai: Seiden." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

Two stone dragon pillars, roughly three meters in height, flank the central stair of the Seiden;<ref>Prior to the 1890s, these dragon pillars are believed to have stood facing one another; however, evidence from the late 1890s and early 20th century show that by that time they had been turned to both face forward. According to conventional wisdom, this had been done mischievously by members of the Kumamoto Garrison. When the Seiden was reconstructed in the early 1990s, these dragon pillars were once again placed so as to face one another. Interview with Matayoshi, 108. As might be expected, however, individuals interviewed at the opening of the restored castle expressed that they remembered their parents or grandparents telling them that before the war the dragons had faced forward. Interview with Kinjô Mutsuhide 金城睦秀. "Shurijô fukugen watashi mo mimashita" 首里城復元　私も見ました. ''Ryukyu Shimpo'', 3 Nov 1992.</ref><ref>These central stairs took on a fan (J: ''suehiro'') shape when the Main Hall was rebuilt following the 1709 fire. Watanabe Miki 渡辺美季, "Ryûkyû Shuri no zu, Ryûkyû Naha zu: Koga rekishi hakubutsukan zô Takami Senseki kankei shiryô yori" 「琉球首里ノ図・琉球那覇図ー古河歴史博物館蔵　鷹見泉石関係資料より」, ''Tôkyô daigaku shiryôhensanjo fuzoku gazô shiryô kaiseki sentaa tsûshin'' 東京大学史料編纂所附属画像史料解析センター通信 90 (Oct 2020), p10.</ref> these, like just about everything on the grounds today, are reconstructions, though pieces of the pre-1945 pillars are now housed at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. While most elements of the castle's design reflects Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influence, these dragon pillars resemble not those found anywhere in East Asia, but rather, a form distinctive of Ryûkyûan architecture, and perhaps bearing connections to elements seen in palaces and temples of Cambodia and Thailand<ref name=Kerr109/>, two of the many regions with which Ryûkyû traded heavily in the 14th-16th centuries. Dragons could also be found carved into and painted onto handrails, ceiling beams, and pillars throughout the structure<ref name=seiden>"Shisetsu annai: Seiden." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. A particularly large dragon, made of glazed ''jôyachi'' pottery and some metalwork elements, was first installed above the ''karahafû'' main entrance of the Main Hall in [[1682]], being produced at that time by Ryukyuan craftsman [[Hirata Tentsu|Hirata Tentsû]].<ref>Gallery labels, 「首里城を支えた人と技術」, Shuri castle.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15253765357/sizes/k/]</ref> The "porch" area immediately under the ''karahafu'' was redesigned as part of renovations in [[1768]] to take on the four-pillar (three ''ma'') appearance that was later restored in the 1992 postwar reconstruction.<ref>Watanabe Miki 渡辺美季, "Ryûkyû Shuri no zu, Ryûkyû Naha zu: Koga rekishi hakubutsukan zô Takami Senseki kankei shiryô yori" 「琉球首里ノ図・琉球那覇図ー古河歴史博物館蔵　鷹見泉石関係資料より」, ''Tôkyô daigaku shiryôhensanjo fuzoku gazô shiryô kaiseki sentaa tsûshin'' 東京大学史料編纂所附属画像史料解析センター通信 90 (Oct 2020), p10.</ref>

Though palaces in China, in accordance with the principles of Chinese geomancy, generally face south, those same principles were applied to Okinawa with the result that it was deemed most appropriate for the Seiden to face, not south, but west. It does so with the mountains at its back, facing the port of Naha, it being believed that dragon lines connect the two points, the palace sitting on a spot which is a source of energy, which then flows down to the harbor.<ref>Kitahara Shûichi. ''A Journey to the Ryukyu Gusuku'' 琉球城紀行。 Naha: Miura Creative, 2003. p11.</ref> Though Ryukyuan sources explaining this westerly facing have not been found, having the members of the court face east as they faced the throne may have helped heighten the association of the king with the sun (which rises in the east) and with ''[[nirai kanai]]'', the mythical origin of the gods, somewhere east across the seas; multiple [[Chinese investiture envoys]] suggested that the westerly facing was an act of propriety and loyalty towards China.<ref name=shuriqa/>

Though palaces in China, in accordance with the principles of Chinese geomancy, generally face south, those same principles were applied to Okinawa with the result that it was deemed most appropriate for the Seiden to face, not south, but west. It does so with the mountains at its back, facing the port of Naha, it being believed that dragon lines connect the two points, the palace sitting on a spot which is a source of energy, which then flows down to the harbor.<ref>Kitahara Shûichi. ''A Journey to the Ryukyu Gusuku'' 琉球城紀行。 Naha: Miura Creative, 2003. p11.</ref> Though Ryukyuan sources explaining this westerly facing have not been found, having the members of the court face east as they faced the throne may have helped heighten the association of the king with the sun (which rises in the east) and with ''[[nirai kanai]]'', the mythical origin of the gods, somewhere east across the seas; multiple [[Chinese investiture envoys]] suggested that the westerly facing was an act of propriety and loyalty towards China.<ref name=shuriqa/>

[[File:Shuri-throne.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The throne in the second floor throne room. The plaque behind the throne, one of several in this room, bears the calligraphy of the [[Kangxi Emperor]], and reads ''Chûzan seido'', meaning roughly "this land has been ruled [benevolently] by Chûzan for generation after generation."<ref>"[http://okinawa-rekishi.cocolog-nifty.com/tora/2007/04/post_6b10.html 首里城にある「書」のヒミツ]." 目からウロコの琉球・沖縄史 blog, 14 April 2007.</ref>]]

[[File:Shuri-throne.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The throne in the second floor throne room. The plaque behind the throne, one of several in this room, bears the calligraphy of the [[Kangxi Emperor]], and reads ''Chûzan seido'', meaning roughly "this land has been ruled [benevolently] by Chûzan for generation after generation."<ref>"[http://okinawa-rekishi.cocolog-nifty.com/tora/2007/04/post_6b10.html 首里城にある「書」のヒミツ]." 目からウロコの琉球・沖縄史 blog, 14 April 2007.</ref>]]

The second floor was called the ''ufugui'' (大庫理), and was the site of more private rituals and ceremonies performed only amongst the royalty and court ladies. It contained the throne room, but was largely a women's space. The throne room itself (also called ''usasuka'' like the audience chamber below) was decorated lavishly in gold and vermillion, as was the entire Seiden, inside and out. Two dragon pillars, painted gold, flank the throne, a Chinese-style chair elaborately carved and painted gold and vermillion as well. The dais upon which the throne sat resembled that of a Buddha statue, and was adorned with carvings of grape vine and squirrel designs. Some other elements of the decor featured gold inlay in black lacquered wood. Plaques given as gifts to the king by Chinese Emperors, bearing inscriptions of the Emperors' own calligraphy, adorn the throne room, where various more private rituals, as well as royal banquets, were held. As no photos or thorough descriptions of these plaques survived the war, these (like much else in the castle) were recreated based on research in Chinese imperial archives and the expertise of historical experts.<ref>Yasuyuki Uezu, "The Path towards the Restoration of Shurijo Castle," n.d., 6.</ref> Various objects would be brought out for rituals, including [[incense]], candle-stands in the form of dragons, cedars, decorative golden flowers, and paintings of Confucius<ref name=seiden/>.

The second floor was called the ''ufugui'' (大庫理), and was the site of more private rituals and ceremonies performed only amongst the royalty and court ladies. It contained the throne room, but was largely a women's space. The throne room itself (also called ''usasuka'' like the audience chamber below) had high ceilings and was decorated lavishly in gold and vermillion, as was the entire Seiden, inside and out. Two dragon pillars, painted gold, flank the throne, a Chinese-style chair elaborately carved, lacquered, and gilded, with mother-of-pearl inlay design. As part of the restoration of the castle in 1992, master lacquerware artist [[Maeda Koin|Maeda Kôin]] recreated this throne based on portraits of King Shô Shin and other sources, a project which took about two years.<ref name=maedakoin/> The dais upon which the throne sat resembled that of a Buddha statue, and was adorned with carvings of grape vine and squirrel designs. Some other elements of the decor featured gold inlay in black lacquered wood. Plaques given as gifts to the king by Chinese Emperors, bearing inscriptions of the Emperors' own calligraphy, adorn the throne room, where various more private rituals, as well as royal banquets, were held. As no photos or thorough descriptions of these plaques survived the war, these (like much else in the castle) were recreated based on research in Chinese imperial archives and the expertise of historical experts.<ref>Yasuyuki Uezu, "The Path towards the Restoration of Shurijo Castle," n.d., 6.</ref> Various objects would be brought out for rituals, including [[incense]], candle-stands in the form of dragons, cedars, decorative golden flowers, and paintings of Confucius<ref name=seiden/>.

For certain ceremonies, including New Year's celebrations and those occasions when the king formally dispatched a missive to the Chinese Emperor, the throne (御轎椅, O: ''uchuui'') would be moved forward, and shutters on the front of the castle opened, so that the king would look down from under the ''karahafu'' gable upon the courtiers gathered in the ''unâ''<ref name=seiden/>.

For certain ceremonies, including New Year's celebrations and those occasions when the king formally dispatched a missive to the Chinese Emperor, the throne (御轎椅, O: ''uchuui'') would be moved forward, and shutters on the front of the castle opened, so that the king would look down from under the ''karahafu'' gable upon the courtiers gathered in the ''unaa''<ref name=seiden/>.

A room in the southeast corner of the second floor known as ''osen mikocha'' was used for personal private devotions to the Ryukyuan deities, and for certain religious rituals overseen by the ''kikoe-ôgimi'' (high priestess)<ref name=seiden/>. It contained an altar known as ''utuku'' (御床) where the castle's [[hearth deity]] was enshrined, and where new ''nyokan'' (priestess-officials) were confirmed in their appointments.<ref>Explanatory plaque, "Osen mikocha," Shuri castle.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/29204105154/in/photostream/]</ref>

A room in the southeast corner of the second floor known as ''osen mikocha'' was used for personal private devotions to the Ryukyuan deities, and for certain religious rituals overseen by the ''kikoe-ôgimi'' (high priestess)<ref name=seiden/>. It contained an altar known as ''utuku'' (御床) where the castle's [[hearth deity]] was enshrined, and where new ''nyokan'' (priestess-officials) were confirmed in their appointments.<ref>Explanatory plaque, "Osen mikocha," Shuri castle.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/29204105154/in/photostream/]</ref>

====Ouchibara====

====Ouchibara====

Beyond the Seiden lay a series of nine or so rooms/buildings which constituted the Ouchibara, the private residential areas of the palace. It housed the king and his immediate family (including both royal princesses, and royal princes who had not yet [[genpuku|come of age]]), as well as roughly one hundred court ladies; the king and other members of the royal family were the only men permitted in this portion of the palace. Women used the Shukujunmon or the Nakamon attached to the kitchens (Yuinchi, 寄満) to come in and out of the ''ouchibara''.<ref name=plaques/>

Beyond the Seiden lay a series of nine or so rooms/buildings which constituted the Ouchibara, the private residential areas of the palace. It housed the king and his immediate family (including both royal princesses, and royal princes who had not yet [[genpuku|come of age]]), as well as the various queens and concubines to the king; the king's mother and grandmother; wetnurses to the king, princes, and/or princesses; and roughly one hundred additional court ladies. These court ladies were divided into two main groups: one, the ''usuba gufuukuu'' 御側御奉公, were ladies-in-waiting who came from elite families (often of some relation to the royal family) and who were in service to the queen or royal concubines; the other, known as ''gusukunchu'' (城人, lit. "people of the palace/castle"), handled a wide range of palace business. The ''gusukunchu'' were selected from families from Naha or Shuri or from elsewhere in the kingdom, and helped look after the king and other members of the royal family.<ref name=women>Gallery labels, "Women of the Ouchibara," Shuri castle.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15440305095/sizes/h/]</ref>

 

In addition to handling a variety of other responsibilities pertaining to the operation of the palace, the care of the royal family, and so forth, women of the Ouchibara also spent much time making thread, weaving cloth, and sewing garments; these included clothing for themselves, members of the royal family, and others, made from a variety of materials including ''[[bashofu|bashôfu]]'' and ''[[karamushi]]'', among others.<ref name=women/>

 

The king and other members of the royal family were the only men permitted in this portion of the palace. Women used the Shukujunmon or the Nakamon attached to the kitchens (Yuinchi, 寄満) to come in and out of the ''ouchibara''.<ref name=plaques/>

Four of the buildings which constituted the ''Ouchibara'' were organized around an open space directly behind the Seiden, known as the ''Kushi-nu-unaa'', or "rear garden" (後之御庭). These included the Yosoeden (世添殿),<ref name=yosoeden>The Shinbyôden and Yosoeden were first built in [[1753]]. Gallery labels, Tamaudun.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15282268389/sizes/h/]</ref> West Storehouse (''Nishi-no-tôgura'', 西之当蔵), and court ladies' sleeping quarters (''nyokan kyoshitsu'', 女官居室).<ref name=plaques/> The Yosoeden was the chief residence of the queen, and the center of administration of the Ouchibara.

Four of the buildings which constituted the ''Ouchibara'' were organized around an open space directly behind the Seiden, known as the ''Kushi-nu-unaa'', or "rear garden" (後之御庭). These included the Yosoeden (世添殿),<ref name=yosoeden>The Shinbyôden and Yosoeden were first built in [[1753]]. Gallery labels, Tamaudun.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/15282268389/sizes/h/]</ref> West Storehouse (''Nishi-no-tôgura'', 西之当蔵), and court ladies' sleeping quarters (''nyokan kyoshitsu'', 女官居室).<ref name=plaques/> The Yosoeden was the chief residence of the queen, and the center of administration of the Ouchibara.

To the south of the Yosoeden, a door called the Saekimon (左掖門) or Kurashin-ujo (暗シン御門), located on the southern end of the Seiden, led from the Seiden into the Kugani-udun (黄金御殿), a two-story area containing living rooms and bedrooms for the king, queen, and queen mother. Behind this (to the east) was a long narrow area known as the Yuinchi, which contained kitchens where chefs and female servants prepared food for the court. Today, these two areas have been reconstructed, with the Kugani-udun hosting an exhibit space, and the Yuinchi serving as vital storage space.<ref name=plaques/> Another section of this same wing of the palace, a two-story section containing further living rooms, was known as the Niikee-udun (二階御殿); it connected into a small garden.

To the south of the Yosoeden, a door called the Saekimon (左掖門) or Kurashin-ujo (暗シン御門), located on the southern end of the Seiden, led from the Seiden into the Kugani-udun (黄金御殿), a two-story area containing living rooms and bedrooms for the king, queen, and queen mother. Behind this (to the east) was a long narrow area known as the Yuinchi, which contained kitchens where chefs and female servants prepared food for the court. Today, these two areas have been reconstructed, with the Kugani-udun hosting an exhibit space, and the Yuinchi serving as vital storage space.<ref name=plaques/> Another section of this same wing of the palace, a two-story section containing further living rooms, was known as the Niikee-udun (二階御殿); it connected into a small garden. Several of these buildings associated with the Ouchibara were among the last to be restored following the 1992 restoration of the Main Hall, only being completed in early 2019, less than a year before being destroyed or severely damaged in a major fire on 31 October 2019.

Deeper into the palace, to the east beyond the rear garden, were additional buildings such as the Yohokoriden (世誇殿) and Kanegura (金蔵); in the deepest portion of the palace, beyond the Hakuginmon gate, lay a space known as the ''shinbyôden'' (寝廟殿), and a viewing tower known as the Higashi-no-azana.<ref name=plaques/><ref name=yosoeden/> The Yohokoriden was the chief residence of royal princesses, but on the occasion of a king's death, the Crown Prince's accession ceremonies were held here. Meanwhile, the king's body would be carried into the ''shinbyôden'' via the ''hakuginmon'' ("Silver Gate," 白銀門), and would be laid there in state for a period.

Deeper into the palace, to the east beyond the rear garden, were additional buildings such as the Yohokoriden (世誇殿) and Kanegura (金蔵); in the deepest portion of the palace, beyond the Hakuginmon gate, lay a space known as the ''shinbyôden'' (寝廟殿), and a viewing tower known as the Higashi-no-azana.<ref name=plaques/><ref name=yosoeden/> The Yohokoriden was the chief residence of royal princesses, but on the occasion of a king's death, the Crown Prince's accession ceremonies were held here. Meanwhile, the king's body would be carried into the ''shinbyôden'' via the ''hakuginmon'' ("Silver Gate," 白銀門), and would be laid there in state for a period.

*"[http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-41693-storytopic-121.html Shuri-jô]." ''Okinawa konpakuto jiten'' (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo. 1 March 2003. Accessed 16 January 2010.

*"[http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-41693-storytopic-121.html Shuri-jô]." ''Okinawa konpakuto jiten'' (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo. 1 March 2003. Accessed 16 January 2010.

*Turnbull, Stephen. ''The Samurai Capture a King: Okinawa 1609''. Oxford: Osprey Press, 2009.

*Turnbull, Stephen. ''The Samurai Capture a King: Okinawa 1609''. Oxford: Osprey Press, 2009.

<references/>

<references/>