Changes

The final planning stages for the invasion took place in the second lunar month of Keichô 14 (1609). On the sixth day of that month, the senior Shimazu retainers met and named [[Kabayama Hisataka]] to lead the invasion as ''sôtaishô''; [[Hirata Masamune]] would serve as his second in command. This marked the beginning of the gathering of forces for the invasion.

The final planning stages for the invasion took place in the second lunar month of Keichô 14 (1609). On the sixth day of that month, the senior Shimazu retainers met and named [[Kabayama Hisataka]] to lead the invasion as ''sôtaishô''; [[Hirata Masamune]] would serve as his second in command. This marked the beginning of the gathering of forces for the invasion.

A set of guidelines issued on 1609/2/26, entitled ''Ryûkyû tokai no gunshû hatto no jôjô'' and signed by [[Shimazu Yoshihiro]], [[Shimazu Yoshihisa|Yoshihisa]], and [[Shimazu Tadatsune|Iehisa]], instructed Shimazu forces to withdraw from the islands as soon as their military objectives were accomplished, and to return to Satsuma no later than the fifth or sixth month. To that end, in order to help ensure the efficiency of the mission, instructions were given to avoid excessive antagonism of the common people; this included bans on desecrating palaces, shrines or temples, or by scattering Confucian materials; violence against peasants; and the kidnapping of local people.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 226.</ref> In the end, the invasion would successfully adhere to its planned timeframe, securing the submission of even the outlying [[Sakishima Islands]] and departing from the Ryukyus before the end of the fifth month.

A set of guidelines issued on 1609/2/26, entitled ''Ryûkyû tokai no gunshû hatto no jôjô'' and signed by [[Shimazu Yoshihiro]], [[Shimazu Yoshihisa|Yoshihisa]], and [[Shimazu Tadatsune|Iehisa]], along with additional instructions issued by Yoshihisa via Iehisa on 3/3, instructed Shimazu forces to withdraw from the islands as soon as their military objectives were accomplished, and to return to Satsuma no later than the fifth or sixth month. To that end, in order to help ensure the efficiency of the mission, instructions were given to avoid excessive antagonism of the common people; this included bans on desecrating palaces, shrines or temples, or by scattering Confucian materials; violence against peasants; and the kidnapping of local people. Yoshihisa seemed particularly concerned about the dangers of a protracted fight, and instructed the invasion force to engage with any peace overtures extended by the Ryukyuans, but also to burn down [[Shuri castle]] if necessary to avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy siege, and to take "local island chiefs" as hostages to help reinforce Shimazu authority over the islands henceforward. Remembering the difficulties faced by Shimazu forces during Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea, when Ryûkyû refused to provide the necessary supplies demanded of them, Yoshihisa added that Shimazu forces should confiscate food from Ryukyuan peasants if necessary.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 226.</ref>  

 

In the end, the invasion would successfully adhere to its planned timeframe, securing the submission of even the outlying [[Sakishima Islands]] and departing from the Ryukyus before the end of the fifth month.

==Invasion==

==Invasion==

The invasion plans were finalized on 2/26,<ref name=yokoyama40>Yokoyama, 40.</ref> and on the fourth day of the third month, the Satsuma force, consisting of over 100 ships carrying roughly 3000 warriors and 5000 sailors and laborers,<ref>Smits, Gregory. "[http://www.japanfocus.org/-Gregory-Smits/3409 Examining the Myth of Ryukyuan Pacifism]." ''The Asia-Pacific Journal'' 37-3-10 (September 13, 2010).; according to some sources, these forces included some 250 men from the [[Tokara Islands]], traveling aboard 24 ships. Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 225.</ref> left [[Yamakawa]] Harbor for the Ryukyus. The samurai landed at the friendly [[Kuchinoerabujima]] the following day, staying there several nights before departing for [[Amami Oshima|Amami Ôshima]], where the invasion began in earnest on 3/7. The island would not fall to the invaders until 3/16. After an initial landing at Kasari Bay, the invaders moved on to Yamatohama on 3/12, and then to Nishikomi, securing the island by 3/16.

The invasion plans were finalized on 2/26,<ref name=yokoyama40>Yokoyama, 40.</ref> and on 3/4, the Satsuma force, consisting of over 100 ships carrying roughly 3000 warriors and 5000 sailors and laborers,<ref>Smits, Gregory. "[http://www.japanfocus.org/-Gregory-Smits/3409 Examining the Myth of Ryukyuan Pacifism]." ''The Asia-Pacific Journal'' 37-3-10 (September 13, 2010).; according to some sources, these forces included some 250 men from the [[Tokara Islands]], traveling aboard 24 ships. Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 225.</ref> left [[Yamakawa]] Harbor for the Ryukyus. The samurai landed at the friendly [[Kuchinoerabujima]] the following day, staying there several nights before departing for [[Amami Oshima|Amami Ôshima]], where the invasion began in earnest on 3/7. The island would not fall to the invaders until 3/16. After an initial landing at Kasari Bay, the invaders moved on to Yamatohama on 3/12, and then to Nishikomi, securing the island by 3/16. The chief Shuri official on [[Kikaijima]], a man by the name of Kantarugane, is said to have sailed to Amami to surrender prior to any Shimazu forces ever landing on Kikai.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 227.</ref>

According to some sources, Ryukyuan resistance fell quickly, but the invading forces simply took their time in an orderly operation. Other sources, however, indicate that 70 of the 75 ships sent to Amami Ôshima were knocked off course by the weather; the force was split, with Hisataka and Masamune landing on different parts of the island. According to these accounts, they were met by roughly 3000 Ryukyuan defenders, hunkered down in wooden fortifications, who were only finally defeated in the end through the use of the [[arquebus]], which would prove a key advantage for the Satsuma force throughout the invasion.

According to some sources, Ryukyuan resistance on Amami fell quickly, but the invading forces simply took their time in an orderly operation. Other sources, however, indicate that 70 of the 75 ships sent to Amami Ôshima were knocked off course by the weather; the force was split, with Hisataka and Masamune landing on different parts of the island. According to these accounts, they were met by roughly 3000 Ryukyuan defenders, hunkered down in wooden fortifications, who were only finally defeated in the end through the use of the [[arquebus]], which would prove a key advantage for the Satsuma force throughout the invasion.

Having secured Amami Ôshima, a portion of the invaders moved on to [[Tokunoshima]] on 3/18, where significant skirmishes occurred at Akitoku<!--秋徳--> and Kametsu<!--亀津-->. The invaders met with fierce resistance from formal Ryukyu guardsmen or warriors, led by [[Yonabaru Chochi|Yonabaru ''peechin'' Chôchi]]<ref>Many sources suggest that Yonabaru was the son-in-law of top royal advisor [[Tei Do|Tei Dô]], in order to tie Tei Dô more strongly into the history, connecting him as a "hero" to the fact that resistance on Tokunoshima was so strong. However, Gregory Smits, citing Uehara Kenzen, suggests that it's unlikely that there was any such relation between Yonabaru and Tei Dô. Gregory Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', University of Hawaii Press (2018), 229.</ref> and by two unnamed brothers, accompanied by locals armed with farming implements, kitchen knives and the like. A group led by Kabayama Hisataka was stuck on Amami Ôshima, waiting for good winds, finally arriving on Tokunoshima on 3/20.<ref name=miyako24>''Miyakonojô to Ryûkyû ôkoku'', 24.</ref> The invaders, armed with ''[[teppo|teppô]]'' (arquebuses), eventually defeated the island's defenders on 3/22; at least six or seven samurai were killed in the clashes, along with 200-300 Ryukyuan warriors.

Having secured Amami Ôshima, a portion of the invaders moved on to [[Tokunoshima]] on 3/18, where significant skirmishes occurred at Akitoku<!--秋徳--> and Kametsu<!--亀津-->. While the invaders are said to have met with no resistance at Kanamasaki in the northeast of the island on 3/17, those aboard seven ships which made landfall at Wan'ya on the northwest coast encountered some one thousand defenders; the 200-300 Shimazu warriors defeated these defenders quickly, and took perhaps as many as fifty heads. Moving on to Akitoku by 3/20, the Shimazu then encountered fierce resistance from formal Ryukyu guardsmen or warriors, led by [[Yonabaru Chochi|Yonabaru ''peechin'' Chôchi]]<ref>Many sources suggest that Yonabaru was the son-in-law of top royal advisor [[Tei Do|Tei Dô]], in order to tie Tei Dô more strongly into the history, connecting him as a "hero" to the fact that resistance on Tokunoshima was so strong. However, Gregory Smits, citing Uehara Kenzen, suggests that it's unlikely that there was any such relation between Yonabaru and Tei Dô. He does seem, however, to have been an official under the ''[[Hokuzan kanshu]]'', dispatched from [[Nakijin]] to Tokunoshima at that time to aid in the resistance. Gregory Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', University of Hawaii Press (2018), 228-229.</ref> and by two unnamed brothers, accompanied by locals armed with farming implements, kitchen knives and the like. A group led by Kabayama Hisataka was stuck on Amami Ôshima, waiting for good winds, finally arriving on Tokunoshima on 3/20.<ref name=miyako24>''Miyakonojô to Ryûkyû ôkoku'', 24.</ref> The invaders, armed with ''[[teppo|teppô]]'' (arquebuses), eventually defeated the island's defenders on 3/22; at least six or seven samurai were killed in the clashes, along with 200-300 Ryukyuan warriors.

A number of Ryukyuan ships, sent from Okinawa on 3/10, upon word of the attacks on Ôshima, skirted past Tokunoshima on 3/23. The Satsuma forces failed to intercept them. The following day, the samurai seized [[Okinoerabujima]]; though the coral reefs surrounding the island would normally have made a landing difficult, unusually high tides carried the Japanese ships over the obstacles, and the island surrendered with little or no fighting.

A number of Ryukyuan ships, sent from Okinawa on 3/10, upon word of the attacks on Ôshima, skirted past Tokunoshima on 3/23. The Satsuma forces failed to intercept them. The following day, the samurai seized [[Okinoerabujima]]; though the coral reefs surrounding the island would normally have made a landing difficult, unusually high tides carried the Japanese ships over the obstacles, and the island surrendered with little or no fighting.

Word of the fall of Nakijin spread quickly, and threw the northern section of the island, known as Kunigami, into chaos and panic. The invaders abandoned Kourijima, seizing [[Yomitan]], a harbor a short distance to the south, which would serve as their base of operations from here on. The force then split, one arm moving south on land, burning villages as it went, while a separate force traveled by sea to Naha, the kingdom's chief port, and a key point of access to Shuri.

Word of the fall of Nakijin spread quickly, and threw the northern section of the island, known as Kunigami, into chaos and panic. The invaders abandoned Kourijima, seizing [[Yomitan]], a harbor a short distance to the south, which would serve as their base of operations from here on. The force then split, one arm moving south on land, burning villages as it went, while a separate force traveled by sea to Naha, the kingdom's chief port, and a key point of access to Shuri.

[[Kyan ueekata|Kyan ''ueekata'']] once again led a team to seek to negotiate with the invaders, and was again refused. On their return to Shuri, bad weather forced Kyan ''ueekata's'' group to make port at [[Makiminato]], and to journey the rest of the way to Shuri on foot.

[[Kyan ueekata|Kyan ''ueekata'']] once again led a team to seek to negotiate with the invaders, as did Nago Ryôhô and the monk [[Kikuin]], but all were refused. On their return to Shuri, bad weather forced Kyan ''ueekata's'' group to make port at [[Makiminato]], and to journey the rest of the way to Shuri on foot. According to Kyan, while Nago ''ueekata'' gave himself over to the Shimazu forces as a hostage by way of attempting to gain an audience for peace negotiations, Kikuin rushed back to Shuri to inform the court of the progression of events. In an oft-cited passage, Kyan describes Kikuin making the long journey on foot, arriving in Shuri with his white monk's robes and the sand under his feet stained red with blood from his feet.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 229.</ref>

The Shimazu force moving overland met little resistance, reaching and capturing [[Urasoe gusuku]] on 4/1.<ref name=miyako24/> Urasoe was to be the last fortress to fall before Shuri. Though sources on the assault itself are scant, [[Stephen Turnbull]] surmises that it was done in the same manner as many of the attacks on other ''gusuku'' during the invasion; the Okinawan architecture left defenders standing atop the castle walls completely open to enemy fire, a vulnerability of which the samurai arquebusiers took advantage. Sweeps of arquebus fire decimated the defending forces, and then the wooden gates were busted in; at Urasoe, the attackers also burnt down a Buddhist temple, the [[Ryufuku-ji|Ryûfuku-ji]].

The Shimazu force moving overland met little resistance, reaching and capturing [[Urasoe gusuku]] on 4/1.<ref name=miyako24/> Urasoe was to be the last fortress to fall before Shuri. Though sources on the assault itself are scant, [[Stephen Turnbull]] surmises that it was done in the same manner as many of the attacks on other ''gusuku'' during the invasion; the Okinawan architecture left defenders standing atop the castle walls completely open to enemy fire, a vulnerability of which the samurai arquebusiers took advantage. Sweeps of arquebus fire decimated the defending forces, and then the wooden gates were busted in; at Urasoe, the attackers also burnt down a Buddhist temple, the [[Ryufuku-ji|Ryûfuku-ji]].

The same day, the samurai advance next made its way across [[Tairabashi|Tairakyô]] (today called Tairabashi), an important bridge on the road from Urasoe to Shuri, defeating 100 men led by [[Goeku ueekata]] who sought to defend it. Ryukyuan records of the skirmish indicate that they were felled "in a hail of bullets" and that "[they] did not know about guns like these"<ref>Turnbull. p40.</ref>. Contrary to some myths about the pacifistic nature of the Okinawan people, or their lack of arms, the Ryukyuan defenders were in fact armed with [[Firearms in Ryukyu|firearms]], and their ships and fortresses with cannon, as well, albeit ones based upon Chinese firearms, while the samurai used arquebuses based on European designs. Taking the bridge, the Shimazu forces then proceeded to Shuri, and began to surround the castle.<ref name=miyako24/>

The same day, the samurai advance next made its way across [[Tairabashi|Tairakyô]] (today called Tairabashi), an important bridge on the road from Urasoe to Shuri, defeating 100 men led by [[Goeku ueekata]] who sought to defend it. Ryukyuan records of the skirmish indicate that they were felled "in a hail of bullets" and that "[they] did not know about guns like these"<ref>Turnbull. p40.</ref>. Contrary to some myths about the pacifistic nature of the Okinawan people, or their lack of arms, the Ryukyuan defenders were in fact armed with [[Firearms in Ryukyu|firearms]], and their ships and fortresses with cannon, as well, albeit ones based upon Chinese firearms, while the samurai used arquebuses based on European designs. Taking the bridge, the Shimazu forces then proceeded to Shuri, and began to surround the castle.<ref name=miyako24/>

Meanwhile, the other half of the invading force, which progressed to Naha by sea, were repulsed on 4/1<ref name=miyako24/> by the port's defenses, in one of the only Ryukyuan victories of the campaign. Tei Dô (Jana ''[[ueekata]]'') and [[Tomigusuku Seizoku]] commanded a force of 3000 soldiers in defending the harbor. [[Mie gusuku|Mie]] and [[Yarazamori gusuku]], located on opposite sides of the harbor, were both armed with cannon, and had a net or chain of iron stretched between them, blocking the enemy ships from entering the harbor. The Japanese ships were turned back, but made port somewhere nearby to the north, possibly at Makiminato, proceeding overland from there.

Meanwhile, the other half of the invading force, which progressed to Naha by sea, were repulsed on 4/1<ref name=miyako24/> by the port's defenses, in one of the only Ryukyuan victories of the campaign. Tei Dô (Jana ''[[ueekata]]'') and [[Tomigusuku Seizoku]] commanded a force of 3000 soldiers in defending the harbor, while Urasoe ''ueekata'' gathered an army to defend Shuri castle. [[Mie gusuku|Mie]] and [[Yarazamori gusuku]], located on opposite sides of the harbor, were both armed with cannon, and had a net or chain of iron stretched between them, blocking the enemy ships from entering the harbor. The Japanese ships were turned back, but made port somewhere nearby to the north, possibly at Makiminato, proceeding overland from there.

Turnbull points out that the maritime attack may have been a feint, to distract from the land-based attack and to draw defenders away from the capital. As Kabayama's diary and other sources do not directly indicate the generals' intentions, it is impossible to know whether the maritime attack on Naha was authentic, or merely a feint. Nevertheless, in the end, the land-based force would succeed in seizing [[Shuri castle]] and claiming victory over the kingdom.

Turnbull points out that the maritime attack may have been a feint, to distract from the land-based attack and to draw defenders away from the capital. As Kabayama's diary and other sources do not directly indicate the generals' intentions, it is impossible to know whether the maritime attack on Naha was authentic, or merely a feint. Nevertheless, in the end, the land-based force would succeed in seizing [[Shuri castle]] and claiming victory over the kingdom.

As the invading army bore down on Shuri, another attempt at negotiation was considered but ultimately rejected, as the Ryukyuans realized it was too late. Soldiers lined up at the ornamental [[Shureimon]], the outermost gate of the castle, overlapping their wooden shields in an attempt to produce a defense, but soon fell back to the Kankaimon. The attackers swept defenders off the walls with arquebus fire, as they had done elsewhere, and scaled the walls using ladders.

As the invading army bore down on Shuri, another attempt at negotiation was considered but ultimately rejected, as the Ryukyuans realized it was too late. Soldiers lined up at the ornamental [[Shureimon]], the outermost gate of the castle, overlapping their wooden shields in an attempt to produce a defense, but soon fell back to the Kankaimon. The attackers swept defenders off the walls with arquebus fire, as they had done elsewhere, and scaled the walls using ladders.

The invaders entered Shuri Castle on 4/3 and looted it, along with a number of nearby temples and noble residences, stealing or destroying Buddhist scriptures and a variety of other objects of religious or historical significance, along with considerable portions of the royal treasure. They captured Prince [[Prince Sho Ko|Gushichan Chôsei]] and the Sanshikan on 4/2, and Prince Sashiki Chôshô (the future King [[Sho Ho|Shô Hô]]) on 4/3.<ref name=miyako24/> They then turned on Naha, entering the city both by land, and through the now undefended harbor.  

The invaders entered Shuri Castle on 4/3 and looted it, along with a number of nearby temples and noble residences, stealing or destroying Buddhist scriptures and a variety of other objects of religious or historical significance, along with considerable portions of the royal treasure. They captured Prince [[Prince Sho Ko|Gushichan Chôsei]] and the Sanshikan on 4/2, and Prince Sashiki Chôshô (the future King [[Sho Ho|Shô Hô]]) on 4/3.<ref name=miyako24/> While the invaders were packing up their "loot" and coordinating their hostages, a number of royal retainers escaped the castle, perhaps led by the three sons of Urasoe ''ueekata'', and briefly continued the fight; in the course of their defeat, the three sons were killed.<ref>Smits, ''Maritime Ryukyu'', 233.</ref> The Shimazu forces then turned on Naha, entering the city both by land, and through the now undefended harbor.

Shô Nei surrendered on the fifth day of the fourth lunar month of 1609<ref name=Smits>Smits. ''Visions of Ryukyu''. pp15-19. Some other sources, such as ''Miyakonojô to Ryûkyû ôkoku'' (2012), 22-24, give the date as 4/4.</ref>, and was taken hostage, along with his queen, the heir to the throne, and roughly one hundred of his officials<ref>Kerr. p159.</ref>. Members of the Sanshikan were sent to the islands to the south, to convey the news of the invasion and to seek their surrender on behalf of the Satsuma forces; by 5/5, the entire kingdom had submitted to Satsuma authority, without any samurai so much as setting foot on any of the more southterly islands.

Shô Nei surrendered on the fifth day of the fourth lunar month of 1609<ref name=Smits>Smits. ''Visions of Ryukyu''. pp15-19. Some other sources, such as ''Miyakonojô to Ryûkyû ôkoku'' (2012), 22-24, give the date as 4/4.</ref>, and was taken hostage, along with his queen, the heir to the throne, and roughly one hundred of his officials<ref>Kerr. p159.</ref>. Members of the Sanshikan were sent to the islands to the south, to convey the news of the invasion and to seek their surrender on behalf of the Satsuma forces; by 5/5, the entire kingdom had submitted to Satsuma authority, without any samurai so much as setting foot on any of the more southterly islands.

They then returned finally to Kagoshima, where on [[1611]]/9/19, the king was forced to more formally surrender and to declare a number of oaths to the Shimazu clan. Over the course of these two years as hostages in Japan, Shô Nei and the other hostages were treated, in some ways at least, as "guests," and were treated to numerous banquets and entertainments.<ref name=sakai>[[Robert Sakai]], "The Ryukyu Islands as a Fief of Satsuma," in [[John K. Fairbank]], ''The Chinese World Order'', Harvard University Press (1968), 112-134.</ref> In 1611, two years after the invasion, the king and the other hostages were permitted to return to Shuri.

They then returned finally to Kagoshima, where on [[1611]]/9/19, the king was forced to more formally surrender and to declare a number of oaths to the Shimazu clan. Over the course of these two years as hostages in Japan, Shô Nei and the other hostages were treated, in some ways at least, as "guests," and were treated to numerous banquets and entertainments.<ref name=sakai>[[Robert Sakai]], "The Ryukyu Islands as a Fief of Satsuma," in [[John K. Fairbank]], ''The Chinese World Order'', Harvard University Press (1968), 112-134.</ref> In 1611, two years after the invasion, the king and the other hostages were permitted to return to Shuri.

In the king's absence, Kabayama Hisataka and his deputy [[Honda Chikamasa]] governed the islands on behalf of their lord. Fourteen samurai officials from Satsuma, along with 163 of their staff<ref>Kerr. p159.</ref>, examined the kingdom's political structures and economic productivity, and conducted land surveys of all the islands. Following the king's return to Shuri and the resumption of governance under the royal establishment, two Ryûkyûan officials remained as hostages in Kagoshima until Satsuma was convinced that Shô Nei and his officials were operating in accordance with their oaths. The following year, the lords of [[Ozato|Ôzato]] and [[Katsuren]] returned to Okinawa, while a third, [[Kunigami Seiya|Kunjan ''anji'']], took their place in [[1614]]. He took on a Japanese name and journeyed alongside Shimazu clan warriors to fight in the 1615 [[Osaka Summer Campaign]], but did not arrive before the fighting ended. He was permitted to return to Ryûkyû the following year.<ref>"[http://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%9B%BD%E9%A0%AD%E6%AD%A3%E5%BC%A5 Kunigami Seiya]" 国頭正弥. ''Digital-ban Nihon jinmei daijiten'' デジタル版 日本人名大辞典. Accessed via Kotobank.jp, 12 November 2011.</ref>

In the king's absence, Kabayama Hisataka and his deputy [[Honda Chikamasa]] governed the islands on behalf of their lord.<ref name=kerr159>Kerr. p159.</ref> Smits writes that Nago ''ueekata'' was the chief Ryukyuan official who oversaw the court until the king's return.<ref>It is unclear, however, whether this refers to [[Nago Ryoho|Nago Ryôhô]], a member of the Council of Three who was captured by the Shimazu, or his father [[Nago Ryoin|Nago Ryôin]], who had already retired from government service. Smits, 235.</ref> Fourteen samurai officials from Satsuma, along with 163 of their staff<ref name=kerr159/>, examined the kingdom's political structures and economic productivity, and conducted land surveys of all the islands. Following the king's return to Shuri and the resumption of governance under the royal establishment, two Ryûkyûan officials remained as hostages in Kagoshima until Satsuma was convinced that Shô Nei and his officials were operating in accordance with their oaths. The following year, the lords of [[Ozato|Ôzato]] and [[Katsuren]] returned to Okinawa, while a third, [[Kunigami Seiya|Kunjan ''anji'']], took their place in [[1614]]. He took on a Japanese name and journeyed alongside Shimazu clan warriors to fight in the 1615 [[Osaka Summer Campaign]], but did not arrive before the fighting ended. He was permitted to return to Ryûkyû the following year.<ref>"[http://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%9B%BD%E9%A0%AD%E6%AD%A3%E5%BC%A5 Kunigami Seiya]" 国頭正弥. ''Digital-ban Nihon jinmei daijiten'' デジタル版 日本人名大辞典. Accessed via Kotobank.jp, 12 November 2011.</ref>

==Consequences and effects==

==Consequences and effects==