The Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It includes nine sites, such as two sacred places, the Tamaudun mausoleum, one garden, and five gusuku castle sites. Four of the castles are ruins, and one has been rebuilt. These sites were added to the World Heritage list because they show the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which combined influences from Japan and China. This culture made the kingdom an important place for trade and cultural exchange between nearby countries.

History

The construction of gusuku, which are ancient castles and strongholds, began across the Ryukyu Islands during the Gusuku Period (1187–1314). At this time, leaders called Aji started to gain power as the 12th century approached. People who lived near the coast moved to higher ground to build villages inland. During this period, farming improved, with crops like paddy rice, wheat, and millet being grown. Some areas in villages were set aside as sacred places called utaki, where people prayed to guardian spirits for good harvests. Trade with other countries also began as the Ryukyu Islands developed a shared culture. Archaeologists found Sueki ware and Chinese ceramics in the Amami Islands, showing that the region was connected to other cultures. By the early 13th century, villages became more powerful, and leaders called Aji or Anji took on political roles. These leaders collected taxes and worked with Noro priestesses to perform religious ceremonies. Trade expanded, and Aji leaders gained control of important harbors like Naha, Yomitan, Itoman, Katsuren, Sashiki, and Unten.

The Sanzan Period (1314–1429) began as Aji leaders fought to protect their lands as their power grew. Okinawa Island was divided into three kingdoms: Hokuzan in the north, with its capital at Nakijin Castle; Chūzan in the center, with its capital at Urasoe Castle; and Nanzan in the south, with its capital at Nanzan Castle. These kingdoms competed for land and recognition from Ming China. In 1429, King Shō Hashi united the three kingdoms and was recognized by the Chinese Emperor as "King of Ryukyu." The new Ryukyu Kingdom, with its capital at Shuri Castle, expanded by conquering nearby islands. By the mid-15th century, the Amami Islands were taken, and by 1500, the Sakishima Islands were added. Gusuku continued to be built during this time, with notable examples including Nakagusuku Castle and Yarazamori Castle.

In 1609, the Satsuma Domain of Japan invaded Ryukyu. Satsuma forces destroyed Nakijin Castle, Urasoe Castle, and captured Shuri Castle. Japan made Ryukyu a vassal and took control of the Amami Islands. Building of gusuku stopped after the 17th century. When Japan officially annexed Ryukyu in 1879, some gusuku were used by the Imperial Japanese Army. During World War II, most gusuku used by the Japanese military, including Shuri Castle, were damaged or destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa. Shuri Castle was rebuilt in the 1990s. In 2000, Shuri Castle and several other gusuku and related sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

Preservation

The UNESCO listing of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu" shows more than 500 years of Ryukyuan history, from the 12th to the 17th century. On November 30, 2000, UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list along with 60 other sites worldwide. It was chosen based on three of UNESCO’s 10 selection criteria. The Gusuku sites were selected because they (1) show how important human values were over many years (Criteria ii), covering more than 500 years of cultural and ethnic history; (2) display a unique cultural tradition from a civilization that no longer exists (Criteria iii); and (3) connect events and traditions to important ideas and beliefs found in books and art (Criteria vi).