Sho Kei

For the Meiji period son of Shô Ten, see Sho Kei (b. 1889).

Shô Kei was king of the Kingdom of Ryûkyû from 1713-1751. His reign, strongly guided by royal advisor Sai On, is regarded as a political and economic golden age and period of the flowering of Okinawan culture[1].

The eldest son of Shô Eki, he succeeded his father as king in 1713. Shô Kei then appointed his regent and trusted advisor Sai On to the Sanshikan, the Council of Three top royal advisors, in 1728. His reign is known for a great number of developments, including economic reforms and conservation efforts implemented under the guidance of Sai On; political changes; cultural developments including the first performances of kumi udui; and scholarly developments such as the compilation or editing of the Chûzan seifu, Kyûyô, Ryûkyû-koku yuraiki.

References

  • Okinawa bijutsu zenshû vol 6, Okinawa Times (1989), 65.
  1. "Shō Kei." Okinawa rekishi jinmei jiten (沖縄歴史人名事典, "Encyclopedia of People of Okinawan History"). Naha: Okinawa Bunka-sha, 1996. p40.
Preceded by:
Shô Eki
King of Ryûkyû
1713-1751
Succeeded by:
Shô Boku