Ōzato Castle Explained

Ōzato Castle
島添大里城
Location:Nanjō, Okinawa
Open To Public:yes
Type:Gusuku
Built:early 14th century
Builder:Ōzato Magiri Aji
Materials:Ryukyuan limestone, wood
Used:early 14th century – 1429
Condition:Ruins
Controlledby:Nanzan (1314–1429)
Chūzan (1429)
(1429–1879)
(1879–1945)
United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands(1945–1950)
United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands(1950–1972)
Japan(1972–present)
Occupants:Aji of Ōzato Magiri
Map Type:Japan Okinawa Prefecture#Japan
Map Relief:1

, officially, is a Ryukyuan gusuku built in Nanzan and used until 1429. It, and the village of Ōzato, are named after the Ōzato Dynasty of Nanzan. It is in ruins, and is an officially designated historical site in Nanjō City, Okinawa.[1]

History

Nanzan was established in 1314 when the Lord of Shimajiri-Ōzato, Ōzato Ofusato, broke away from the chieftain Tamagusuku at Urasoe Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century West of the farming village of Ōzato, and became the seat of the Aji of Ōzato Magiri.[2] It fell into disuse after the capture of Nanzan Castle in 1429. During an excavation of the site, Chinese ceramics were found, showing the extensive trade that Nanzan had done with Ming China.[3] In 2012, Ōzato castle became an officially designated historical site on Okinawa Island.

External links

26.1407°N 127.7686°W

Notes and References

  1. Tokumori, Lima, and Mark Ealey. "Cultural Affairs Council Recommends Two Okinawan Sites to Minister of MEXT." Ryukyu Shimpo [Naha] 19 November 2011: n. pag. Ryukyu Shimpo. Web. 13 January 2014.
  2. Web site: 南城なび|Nanjo Navigator~南城市 観光・文化情報サイト. nanjo-navi.jp. 2018-08-13.
  3. Web site: http://bunka.nii.ac.jp/SearchDetail.do?heritageId=174434 . ja:島添大里城跡 . Shimashīōzato Castle Site . Japanese . . 25 March 2014.