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May 28, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Shuri Castle
All images: Thomas Alan Smilie
2015 Futenma Flightline Fair
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huri-jo, or Shuri Castle, is considered by many as one of the most substantial physical examples of the golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri-jo was not only the residence of royalty and the spiritual center of the Sho Dynasties, it was the pride of the island’s people. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought that the original Shuri Castle was built during the year 1453 A.D. Shuri Castle was built surrounded by curved walls and contained open areas and sacred grounds—a common feature of all old Okinawan castles. Shuri Castle was also the focus of many artistic and cultural activities, and the surrounding area housed many of the kingdom’s greatest musicians, dancers, artisans and craftsmen. However, in 1879, officials of the Japanese government presented a document that signified the end of an era—the official proclamation that dissolved the Ryukyu Kingdom and made Okinawa a prefecture of Japan. What followed was Shuri Castle’s darkest era. Once home to kings, the castle was converted into a barracks, and decorative tapestries and fixtures were ripped away. The floorboards and the ceiling began to rot and many portions of the wall were torn down for firewood.
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Troops expanded the natural caves and dug extensive tunnel systems under the castle to make room for their headquarters and command posts. The areas surrounding Shuri were also heavily fortified. And, with such a high concentration of Japanese military assets, it wasn’t surprising that Shuri Castle (as well as the surrounding area) was reduced to rubble during the war. After WWII, Shurei-mon (the main gate of Shuri Castle) was rebuilt but plans to restore the castle to its former glory remained stalled because of budgetary concerns. Finally, after years of lobbying and gathering research, plans to rebuild the castle one more time came to fruition in 1989. In November 1992, Shuri Castle Park, modeled after the 18th century version, was partially opened to the public. During the year 2000, the castle was added to the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It quickly became Okinawa’s most popular tourist attraction. Check out Shuri Castle on a local tour with Tours+. Visit mccsokinawa.com/tours for more info.
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he 2015 Futenma Flightline Fair is just around the corner and MCCS has a lineup to keep you entertained all weekend long. Enjoy eisa, dancing, Fun Land, military aircraft displays and live music at this free event. Kristian Bush of Sugarland is headlining Saturday night’s entertainment at 8 p.m. and Michelle Branch will be hitting the stage at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday. Stick around on Sunday night for the dazzling fireworks display set for 9:50 p.m. The 2015 Futenma Flightline Fair runs from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. This event is open to all DoD ID card holders and Japanese. No pets, outside alcohol, bottles or coolers allowed. Daiko and taxi service will be available. For details, please call 098-970-5821 or visit the MCCS Okinawa Entertainment page on Facebook.
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