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The Shiseibyô, also known locally as Chishinbu, is a [[Confucianism|Confucian]] temple in [[Kumemura]], in [[Naha]], [[Okinawa]]. Originally built in [[1674]], and recognized as a gift from [[Qing Dynasty|Qing]] [[Emperor Kangxi]], it was one of the key centers of Chinese learning and Confucian observance in Kumemura.

The Shiseibyô, also known locally as Chishinbu, is a [[Confucianism|Confucian]] temple in [[Kumemura]], in [[Naha]], [[Okinawa]]. Originally built in [[1674]], and recognized as a gift from [[Qing Dynasty|Qing]] [[Emperor Kangxi]], it was one of the key centers of Chinese learning and Confucian observance in Kumemura.

Today, Naha is home to two reconstructions of the shrine: one opened in 2013 in the Matsuyama neighborhood, adjacent to the [[Fukushuen|Fukushûen]] (Fuzhou Gardens), and one built in 1975 on the original site of the Tensonbyô, near Naminoue Beach. A statue of [[Confucius]] was also erected in 1975, on the original site of the Shiseibyô, near Izumisaki Bridge. All are run by the Kume Sôseikai, an organization founded in 1914 by descendants of the [[36 Min families]] who founded and formed the core of the Kumemura community.<ref name=shimpo>"[http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2013/06/25/10659/ Mortuary tablet of Confucius returns to Kume after 69 years]," Ryukyu Shimpo, 16 June 2013.</ref>

Today, Naha is home to two reconstructions of the shrine: one opened in 2013 in the Matsuyama neighborhood, adjacent to the [[Fukushuen|Fukushûen]] (Fuzhou Gardens), and one built in 1975 on the original site of the Tensonbyô, a [[Taoism|Taoist]] shrine near Naminoue Beach. A statue of [[Confucius]] was also erected in 1975, on the original site of the Shiseibyô, near Izumisaki Bridge. All are run by the Kume Sôseikai, an organization founded in 1914 by descendants of the [[36 Min families]] who founded and formed the core of the Kumemura community.<ref name=shimpo>"[http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2013/06/25/10659/ Mortuary tablet of Confucius returns to Kume after 69 years]," Ryukyu Shimpo, 16 June 2013.</ref>

==History & Layout==

==History & Layout==

The shrine was first built in 1674, but traces its origins to [[1610]], when [[Sai Ken]] (Kiyuna ''[[ueekata]]''), returned to Ryûkyû from China, having visited Confucius' birthplace, [[Qufu]]. He brought with him sacred images of Confucius and the Four Correlates ([[Mencius]], [[Yanzi]], [[Zengzi]], and [[Zisi]]), and initiated the annual observance of Confucian rituals, held at the homes of locals.  

The shrine was first built in 1674, but traces its origins to [[1610]], when [[Sai Ken]] (Kiyuna ''[[ueekata]]''), returned to Ryûkyû from China, having visited Confucius' birthplace, [[Qufu]]. He brought with him sacred images of Confucius and the Four Correlates ([[Mencius]], [[Yanzi]], [[Zengzi]], and [[Zisi]]), and initiated the annual observance of Confucian rituals, held at the homes of locals.  

In [[1671]], [[Kin Seishun]], village head of Kumemura, received permission from King [[Sho Tei|Shô Tei]] to build a Confucian temple to house the images. Construction began in [[1672]], and the main hall was complete in 1674; the images were installed by the first month of [[1676]]. The temple grounds include five buildings, as well as one main gate, called the Shiseimon (至聖門). The main worship hall, called the Taiseiden (大成殿), is located directly across an open, grassy, square plaza, facing the main gate. It enshrines Confucius and the Four Correlates. Five-clawed dragon designs on the hall's pillars and stairs match those at the Confucius Shrine in Qufu. The five-clawed dragon is an exceptionally elite symbol, and is normally restricted to the use of the Chinese Emperor; contexts honoring Confucius are one of the few exceptions.

In [[1671]], [[Kin Seishun]]<!--金正春-->, village head of Kumemura, received permission from King [[Sho Tei|Shô Tei]] to build a Confucian temple to house the images. Construction began in [[1672]], and the main hall was complete in 1674; the images were installed by the first month of [[1676]]. The temple grounds include five buildings, as well as one main gate, called the Shiseimon (至聖門). The main worship hall, called the Taiseiden (大成殿), is located directly across an open, grassy, square plaza, facing the main gate. It enshrines Confucius and the Four Correlates. Five-clawed dragon designs on the hall's pillars and stairs match those at the Confucius Shrine in Qufu. The five-clawed dragon is an exceptionally elite symbol, and is normally restricted to the use of the Chinese Emperor; contexts honoring Confucius are one of the few exceptions.

Two smaller shrines sit to one side of the plaza, on one's left as one enters the main gate and faces the Taiseiden. The first of these, the Tenpigû (天妃宮), enshrines [[Tenpi]], also known as Mazu or Matsu, a goddess of the sea and of navigation. The other smaller shrine, called Tensonbyô (天尊廟), originally established on the site during the reign of the  [[Yongle Emperor]] ([[1403]]-[[1424]]), enshrines the spirits of those who have died in defense of the [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû Kingdom]] (or of Okinawa otherwise), along with a number of [[Taoism|Taoist]] deities who are said to protect the kingdom, including [[Guan Yu]], the [[Dragon King]], and [[Tenson|Jiǔtiān yìng yuán léi shēng pǔ huà tiānzūn]]<!--九天应元雷声普化天尊-->, the greatest of the Taoist deities of lightning.<ref>Plaques on-site in Kume district, Naha.</ref> It is said to contain an image of the supreme deity of Taoism brought to Ryûkyû by the [[36 Min families]] who are alleged to have founded Kumemura. The Keiseishi, a small shrine to Confucius' father [[Shuliang He]] and the fathers of the Four Correlates, was constructed on the grounds in [[1718]].

Two smaller shrines sit to one side of the plaza, on one's left as one enters the main gate and faces the Taiseiden. The first of these, the Tenpigû (天妃宮), enshrines [[Tenpi]], also known as Mazu or Matsu, a goddess of the sea and of navigation. The other smaller shrine, called Tensonbyô (天尊廟), originally established on the site during the reign of the  [[Yongle Emperor]] ([[1403]]-[[1424]]), enshrines the spirits of those who have died in defense of the [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû Kingdom]] (or of Okinawa otherwise), along with a number of [[Taoism|Taoist]] deities who are said to protect the kingdom, including [[Guan Yu]], the [[Dragon King]], and [[Tenson|Jiǔtiān yìng yuán léi shēng pǔ huà tiānzūn]]<!--九天应元雷声普化天尊-->, the greatest of the Taoist deities of lightning.<ref>Plaques on-site in Kume district, Naha.</ref> It is said to contain an image of the supreme deity of Taoism brought to Ryûkyû by the [[36 Min families]] who are alleged to have founded Kumemura. The Keiseishi, a small shrine to Confucius' father [[Shuliang He]] and the fathers of the Four Correlates, was constructed on the grounds in [[1718]].