During introductory classes we had a chance to learn on the Outline of Japan conducted by Prof. Isao Nishihira and Introduction to Okinawa by Hiroshi Uramoto…
Honestly the Outline of Japan was really like a normal class and I can help to be sleepy…
However, unlike the previous one, Intro to Okinawa which presented by Uramoto-san was extremely hilarious…
Each of the session we’re proudly presented our humble omiyage and as predicted they would definitely ask what mean by the Cufi writing…
Shuri-Jo, the History
Shuri Castle (首里城 Shuri-jō?, Okinawan: Sui Gushiku) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. It was the palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. Beginning in 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory.
The date of construction is uncertain, but it was clearly in use as a castle during the Sanzan period (1322–1429). It is thought that it was probably built during the Gusuku period, like many other castles of Okinawa. When King Shō Hashi unified the three principalities of Okinawa and established the Ryūkyū Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence. At the same time, Shuri flourished as the capital and continued to do so during the Second Shō Dynasty.
For 450 years from 1429, it was the royal court and administrative center of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Ryūkyūs. According to records, Shuri Castle was burned down several times, but rebuilt each time. It was captured by the armies of Satsuma during the 1609 Invasion of Ryukyu, during the reign of Shō Nei. After the Kingdom was annexed by Japan in 1879, the King was removed and the castle was used as a barracks by the Japanese army.
Before World War II, it was designated a national treasure. However, during the war, the Japanese military set up its headquarters in the castle underground, and, beginning on May 25, 1945, the American battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41) shelled it for three days. On May 27, it burned. After the battle, a Confederate battle flag (which personally belonged to the company commander) was hoisted above the castle by the "Rebel Company" A of the 5th Marine Regiment. It was visible for over two miles and stayed above the castle for three days until it was removed by General Simon B. Buckner, Jr. (son of Confederate General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Sr.), who stated that Americans from all parts of America helped to win the battle.
After the war, the University of the Ryūkyūs moved to the castle site, where it remained until 1975. In 1958, the Shureimon gate was reconstructed and, in 1992, the main building of the castle was reconstructed. At present, the entire area around the castle has been established as Shuri Castle Park. In 2000, along with other gusuku and related sites, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(Cited from Wikipedia.com)
As for me in Shuri-Jo I do had a chance to look all over Okinawa from its highest peak…
Being able to be there with 14 others friends made the journey more memorable…
Indeed to have a bunch of people who also love photography session make it more interesting…
However as usual, Yasumura-san start to know our colours…
He already started to lecture us…
Since that day I personally called her “Atuk” and of course without his acknowledgement…
Grouping for Tokyo Trip
Since there were 15 of us, we need to divide ourself into 3 groups that make up from 5 of us in each group...
Therefore we decide to select using numbers that we tossed together...
It end up well and each of the group consists variety of people and this also part of ice-breaking session...
This grouping somehow bring our Atuk Yasumura-san into a relief state too...
To be continued
P/s: Courtesy pictures to all my YLP-ICT batchmate. Arigatou!
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