Kubaka Castle Explained

Kubaka Castle
久場嘉城
Location:Miyakojima, Okinawa
Open To Public:Exterior only
Type:Gusuku
Built:before 16th century
Builder:Kubaka Aji
Materials:Ryukyuan limestone, wood
Used:before 16th century-18th century
Condition:Ruins
Ownership:Private owner
Controlledby: (~1500–1879)
(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:Kubaka Aji, Fumon Koujin
Map Type:Japan Okinawa Prefecture#Japan
Map Relief:1

is a Ryukyuan gusuku located near the shore of Irie Bay in southern Miyakojima, Okinawa, in former Ueno Village. It is the only castle on Miyako Island where the original castle layout is still visible.[1]

History

The castle was built sometime prior to the 16th century. It was ruled by the Aji of Kubaka. The castle was 56.4m (185feet) long and 45.5m (149.3feet) wide with the gate facing southwest.[2]

There is a legend that a merchant from Ryukyu named Tamagusuku fell in love with Koujin, daughter of the Lord of Kubaka Castle, and the two had a son. After returning from a trip, Tamagusuku overheard Koujin refer to him as an “exile” or “wanderer” while talking to their son. He told her that he was an important trader, then grabbed the boy and took him to Okinawa where he would grow up to be a Lord himself. Koujin then wandered on the shore near the castle praying for death, until one day a tsunami washed her away.[3] [4]

Gallery

Notes and References

  1. Miyakojima City. “The Remains of Kubaka Castle”. 11 December 1995, Plaque.
  2. Miyakojima City Board of Education. “【Designated by the City:Historic Site】Remains of Kubaka-jo Castle”. 2014, accessed 2 February 2020, https://miyakojimabunkazai.jp/en/bunkazaiinfo160/
  3. Kerr, George. Okinawa: History of an Island People. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 1958. Page 120.
  4. Miyakojima City Board of Education. “【Designated by the City:Historic Site】Koujin Migagama Utaki Sacred Site”. 2014, accessed 02 February 2020, https://miyakojimabunkazai.jp/en/bunkazaiinfo855/