Changes

There were, essentially, three classes of aristocracy in Ryûkyû: the Princes (''ôji'') and ''[[anji]]'' at the top, the land-holders (''[[satunushi]]''), and the non-landholders (''[[chikudun]]'').<ref>Terms given here in Okinawan, e.g. ''shisshi'', ''sanshikwan'', ''satunushi'', and ''zashichi'', instead of in standard Japanese, e.g. ''sessei'', ''sanshikan'', ''sato-nushi'', and ''zashiki''.</ref>

There were, essentially, three classes of aristocracy in [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû]]: the Princes (''ôji'') and ''[[anji]]'' at the top, the land-holders (''[[satunushi]]''), and the non-landholders (''[[chikudun]]'').<ref>Terms given here in Okinawan, e.g. ''shisshi'', ''sanshikwan'', ''satunushi'', and ''zashichi'', instead of in standard Japanese, e.g. ''sessei'', ''sanshikan'', ''sato-nushi'', and ''zashiki''.</ref>

All three classes functioned similarly, in that class or rank could be obtained either by birth, or as a reward for meritorious service. Those bearing the title ''ôji'' (Prince) were either the sons of the king, or were simply granted that high title as a reward for service. Yet, they could not pass on the title of ''ôji''. ''Anji'' were either the eldest sons of ''ôji'', or of ''anji'', or were men who were granted the title of ''anji'' as a reward for service.

All three classes functioned similarly, in that class or rank could be obtained either by birth, or as a reward for meritorious service. Those bearing the title ''ôji'' (Prince) were either the sons of the king, or were simply granted that high title as a reward for service. Yet, they could not pass on the title of ''ôji''. ''Anji'' were either the eldest sons of ''ôji'', or of ''anji'', or were men who were granted the title of ''anji'' as a reward for service.