Keraikedagusuku Yocho
- Japanese: 慶来慶田城 用緒 (Keraikedagusuku Youcho)
Keraikedagusuku Yôcho is considered one of the great figures in the history of Iriomote-jima. He lived from roughly the mid-15th century to the early 16th century.
According to some accounts, he was a descendant of wakô who settled on Iriomote.[1] After defeating Hirakubo Kana of Ishigaki-jima, he made an agreement with Naata Ufushu of that island. After the uprising of Oyake Akahachi was put down by royal forces, with the aid of Naata Ufushu and others, Keraikedagusuku was made ôyako of Iriomote, under the command of the Kingdom of Ryûkyû. His family continued to hold that position, and to be prominent on the island, for many generations afterward.[2]
According to some traditions, he was said to also have been involved in trade with Europeans.
References
- "Keraikedagusuku Yôcho." Okinawa konpakuto jiten (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo (琉球新報). 1 March 2003. Accessed 25 May 2010.