Category: The Ryukyu Kingdom

A type of textile typical to Okinawa. Tough, stiff, and … Continued

Mō (毛) means “wild field” in the Okinawan language. It … Continued

I was chatting with a Chinese friend of mine who … Continued

In the Beginning, there was a gusuku; like the one … Continued

Tarama Island is located right in-between Miyako and Ishigaki Islands. … Continued

Tattoo. Spelled “needle thrust” in Japanese, hajichi carves designs in … Continued

At the time of this writing (1998), it’ll be twenty … Continued

At the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom (before the abolition … Continued

My father's home island is a small island called Geruma. … Continued

Kippan are sweets made from Okinawan citrus fruit specialties like … Continued

Kūbu means konbu (kelp). It is one of the main … Continued

Kyūyō is the official history document compiled during the Ryukyu … Continued

People think of “Lequios” as the name of a weekly … Continued

Many different types of martial arts are practiced in Okinawa … Continued

Miruku is a god worshipped widely in Okinawa and has … Continued

Potato. In Okinawa, sweet potatoes are just called potatoes, nmu. … Continued

They are said to be the two greatest female poets … Continued

Okinawan wares can be roughly divided into two, Jō-yachi and … Continued

The Okinawan traditional eisā dance has gained nationwide popularity over … Continued

There is a saying, “In Okinawa, no part of the … Continued

An assumption says that what was simply called “uta”—song or … Continued

(1682~1761) The most prominent statesman representing the early-modern Ryukyu Kingdom. … Continued

They say that long ago bandits and highwaymen began to … Continued

Sappōshi, sappūshi, sakuhōshi—which is correct? Any of them will do. … Continued

In 1609, the Ryukyu Kingdom was invaded by the Shimazu … Continued

Shikina-en also known as Shichinanu udwun reduced to ashes in … Continued

Shishi-mai—the lion dance is a folk performing art traditionally handed … Continued

As its name suggests, the castle is located in Shuri … Continued

The Thirty-six Families of Kume are the Chinese people, and … Continued

In Okinawan, we call the sun tida or teda. There … Continued