Editing Shuri Castle

{{Short description|Ryukyuan gusuku castle in Shuri, Okinawa}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name          = Shuri Castle
| native_name   = {{noitalics|{{lang|ja|首里城}}}}
| partof        = 
| location      = [[Naha]], Okinawa
| coordinates   = {{coord|26|13|1.31|N|127|43|10.11|E|type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| image         = Naha Okinawa Japan Shuri-Castle-01.jpg
| image_size    = 300px
| caption       = ''Seiden'' (main hall) of Shuri Castle in 2016
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 15
| mapframe-frame-width = 300
| open_to_public = Partly (Main castle closed due to fire in 2019)
| type          = ''[[Gusuku]]''
| built         = 14th century, first rebuild 1958–1992, second rebuild 2020–present
| builder       = 
| materials     = Ryukyuan limestone, wood
| height        = 
| used          = 14th century – 1945
| demolished    = 2019, destroyed by fire; 4 times previously (1453, 1660, 1709, 1945)
| condition     = Four main structures irreparably destroyed, surrounding structures intact.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/31/national/shuri-castle-fire/#.XbqVu9V7mUk|title=Fire breaks out in Japan's Shuri Castle|author=Tara John|website=CNN|access-date=Oct 31, 2019}}</ref> Reconstruction work underway as of February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-10|title=Shuri Castle Reconstruction Work Begins|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2020021000929/shuri-castle-reconstruction-work-begins.html|access-date=2020-11-07|website=nippon.com|language=en}}</ref>
| ownership     = 
| controlledby  = 
| garrison      = 
| commanders    = 
| occupants     = Kings of [[Chūzan]] and [[Ryukyu Kingdom]]<br />[[Imperial Japanese Army]]
| battles       = [[Invasion of Ryukyu]] (1609)<br />[[World War II]]
* [[Battle of Okinawa]] (1945)
| events        = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
  |child = yes
  |ID = 972
  |Year = 2000
  |Criteria = Cultural: ii, iii, vi
  }}
}}

{{nihongo|'''Shuri Castle'''|首里城|Shuri-jō|[[Okinawan language|Okinawan]]: ''Sui Ugusuku''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ryukyu-lang.lib.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/srnh/details.php?ID=SN50879|title=スイグシク|website=首里・那覇方言音声データベース|language=ja|access-date=2010-02-16|archive-date=2020-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807085112/http://ryukyu-lang.lib.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/srnh/details.php?ID=SN50879|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} is a [[Ryukyu Islands|Ryukyuan]] ''[[gusuku]]'' castle in [[Shuri, Okinawa|Shuri]], [[Okinawa Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Between 1429 and 1879, it was the palace of the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]], before becoming largely neglected. In 1945, during the [[Battle of Okinawa]], it was almost completely destroyed.

After the war, the castle was re-purposed as a university campus. Beginning in 1992, the central citadel and walls were largely reconstructed on the original site based on historical records, photographs, and memory. In 2000, Shuri Castle was designated as a [[World Heritage Site]], as a part of the [[Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu]].

On the morning of 31 October 2019, the main courtyard structures of the castle were again destroyed in a fire.<ref name="jp-times"/> Reconstruction is ongoing and is expected to be fully completed by the autumn of 2026.<ref name=nwj150724/>

[[File:Shuri castle 2012 12 29.webm|thumb|Outside and inside Shuri Castle main hall 2012, before it was destroyed by fire]]

==History==
{{See also|Shuri, Okinawa}}
The date of construction is uncertain, but it was clearly in use as a castle during the [[Sanzan period]] (1322–1429). It is thought that it was probably built during the [[Gusuku period]], like many other castles of Okinawa. When King [[Shō Hashi]] unified the three principalities of Okinawa and established the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]], he used Shuri as a residence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/17008|title=発見！首里城の食といのり|last=Okinawa Prefectural reserve cultural assets center|date=2016|website=Comprehensive Database of Archaeological Site Reports in Japan|access-date=2016-09-02}}</ref> At the same time, Shuri flourished as the capital and continued to do so during the [[Second Shō dynasty]].

For 450 years from 1429, it was the royal court and administrative center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was the focal point of foreign trade, as well as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the [[Ryukyu Islands]]. According to records, the castle burned down several times, and rebuilt each time. During the reign of [[Shō Nei]], samurai forces from the Japanese [[han (administrative division)|feudal domain]] of [[Satsuma Domain|Satsuma]] seized Shuri on 6 May 1609.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/samuraicaptureki00turn_0/page/58|author=Turnbull, Stephen|title=The Samurai Capture a King: Okinawa 1609|location=Oxford|publisher=Osprey Publishing|year=2009|pages=[https://archive.org/details/samuraicaptureki00turn_0/page/58 58]|isbn=9781846034428}}</ref> The Japanese withdrew soon afterwards, returning Shō Nei to his throne two years later, and the castle and city to the Ryukyuans, though the kingdom was now a vassal state under Satsuma's [[suzerainty]] and would remain so for roughly 250 years.

===Decline===
In the 1850s, Commodore [[Matthew C. Perry]] twice forced his way into Shuri Castle, but was denied an audience with the king both times.<ref>Kerr. pp. 315–317, 328.</ref> In 1879, the kingdom was annexed by the [[Empire of Japan]] and the last king, [[Shō Tai]], was compelled to move to Tokyo, and in 1884, he was “elevated” to the rank of marquess in the [[kazoku|Japanese aristocracy]]. Subsequently, the castle was used as a [[barracks]] by the [[Imperial Japanese Army]]. The Japanese garrison withdrew in 1896,<ref>Kerr. p. 460.</ref> but not before having created a series of tunnels and caverns below it.

In 1908, Shuri City bought the castle from the Japanese government; however, it did not have funding to renovate it. In 1923, thanks to Japanese architect [[Ito Chuta]], ''Seiden'' survived demolition after being re-designated a prefectural [[Shinto]] shrine known as [[Okinawa Shrine]]. In 1925, it was designated as a [[National treasures of Japan|national treasure]]. Despite its decline, historian [[George H. Kerr]] described the castle as "one of the most magnificent castle sites to be found anywhere in the world, for it commands the countryside below for miles around and looks toward distant sea horizons on every side."<ref name=Kerr50>[[George H. Kerr|Kerr, George H.]] (2000). ''Okinawa: The History of an Island People'' (revised ed.). Boston: Tuttle Publishing. p. 50.</ref>

===World War II===
{{See also|Battle of Okinawa}}
During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army had set up its headquarters in the castle underground, and by early 1945 had established complex lines of defense and communications in the regions around Shuri, and across the southern part of the island as a whole. The Japanese defenses, centered on Shuri Castle, held off the massive American assault from 1 April through the month of May 1945. Beginning on 25 May, and as the final part of the Okinawa campaign, the American battleship ''[[USS Mississippi (BB-41)|Mississippi]]'' shelled it for three days<ref>Kerr, George. ''Okinawa: The History of an Island People''. Revised Edition. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2000. p. 470.</ref><ref name="wonder-okinawa.jp">{{cite web|url=http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/001/002-e/004_03.html |title=The Ordeals of Shuri Castle |publisher=Wonder-okinawa.jp |date=August 15, 1945 |access-date=April 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704145457/http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/001/002-e/004_03.html |archive-date=July 4, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref> and by 27 May it was ablaze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/001/002-e/004_03.html |title=The Ordeals of Shuri Castle |access-date=2010-04-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704145457/http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/001/002-e/004_03.html |archive-date=2009-07-04 }}</ref> The Japanese retreated during the night, abandoning Shuri, while the US forces continued to pursue them south. US Marine and Army units secured the castle against little resistance.<ref name="wonder-okinawa.jp" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/archive/wapa/indepth/extcontent/usmc/pcn-190-003135-00/sec5a.htm |title=The Final Campaign: Marines in the Victory on Okinawa (Assault on Shuri) |publisher=Nps.gov |access-date=April 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415060912/http://www.nps.gov/archive/wapa/indepth/extcontent/usmc/pcn-190-003135-00/sec5a.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> On 29 May, Maj.&nbsp;Gen. [[Pedro del Valle]]—commanding the [[1st Marine Division]]—ordered Captain Julian D. Dusenbury of Company A, [[1st Battalion 5th Marines|1st Battalion]], [[5th Marine Regiment (United States)|5th Marines]] to capture the castle, which represented both strategic and psychological blows for the Japanese and was a milestone in the campaign.<ref name="valor.militarytimes.com">{{Cite web|url=http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=7742|title=Valor awards for Julian D. Dusenbury|website=valor.militarytimes.com|access-date=2016-06-22}}</ref>

===Post-war===
After the war, the [[Ryukyu University|University of the Ryukyus]] was established in 1950 on the castle site, where it remained until 1975. In 1958, ''[[Shureimon]]'' was reconstructed and, starting from 1992, the 20th anniversary of reversion, the main buildings and surrounding walls of the central castle were reconstructed. At present, the entire area around the castle has been established as "Shuri Castle Park". In 2000, along with other ''[[gusuku]]'' and related sites, it was designated as a [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]. However, only remnants such as stone walls and building foundations extant before 1950 are officially designated as World Heritage. In addition, 2000 saw the [[Shureimon]] gate at Shuri Castle featured on the new [[2000 yen note]], which entered circulation to commemorate the new millennium and the [[26th G8 summit]], which was held in Okinawa.

===2019 fire===
In the morning of 31 October 2019, a large fire broke out and burned down the ''Seiden'', the main hall, and also the ''Hokuden'' and ''Nanden'', adjacent buildings to the north and south.<ref name="jp-times">{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/31/national/shuri-castle-fire/|title=Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa, destroyed in fire|date=2019-10-31|work=The Japan Times Online|access-date=2019-10-31|language=en-US|issn=0447-5763 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031050530/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/31/national/shuri-castle-fire/ |archive-date=2019-10-31}}</ref> A security alarm went off around 2:30&nbsp;a.m., and a call to emergency services was placed around 10 minutes later. The ''Seiden'', ''Hokuden'', ''Nanden'' and ''Bandokoro'' were completely destroyed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J00CH5G8fZM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/J00CH5G8fZM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=焼け落ちる正殿 未明に首里城で火災 消火活動続く|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=31 October 2019|website=ANNnewsCH|access-date=31 October 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> According to domestic news sources, "Six castle buildings occupying some {{convert|4,200|m2}} in total were gutted."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191031/p2g/00m/0na/001000c|title=Historic Okinawa castle gutted as predawn blaze rages|date=2019-10-31|work=Mainichi Daily News|access-date=2019-10-31|language=en|archive-date=2019-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031031133/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191031/p2g/00m/0na/001000c|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191031_18/|title=Fire destroys Okinawa's Shuri Castle {{!}} NHK WORLD-JAPAN News|website=NHK WORLD|language=en|access-date=2019-10-31}}</ref> The fire was put out around 1:30&nbsp;p.m.<ref>{{cite news |title=首里城の火災鎮火 |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2019103100862&g=soc |access-date=31 October 2019 |work=Jiji.com |agency=Jiji |date=31 October 2019 |language=ja |archive-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101043704/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2019103100862&g=soc |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Okinawa Police later told domestic broadcaster [[NHK]] that a security guard who checked on the alarm found that the main entrance doors to the ''Seiden'' were closed. When the guard unlocked the shutter and went inside, the interior was already filled with smoke.<ref name="NHK011119">{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191101_06/|title=Entrance to Shurijo main hall shut at time of fire|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=1 November 2019|website=www3.nhk.or.jp|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=1 November 2019}}</ref> After police initially ruled out [[arson]],<ref name="KYODO021119">{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/25c806db7438-investigation-starts-after-fire-destroys-okinawas-shuri-castle.html|title=Police believe arson unlikely in Okinawa castle fire|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2 November 2019|website=english.kyodonews.net|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref> authorities said that the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault after a burned electrical distribution board was found in the northeast side of where the ''Seiden'' had stood.<ref name="NHK061119">{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191106_35/|title=Electrical fault likely caused Shuri Castle fire|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 November 2019|website=www3.nhk.or.jp|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> Police investigations later revealed that the lighting panel had no signs of short circuiting, though a surveillance camera did capture flashing light in the ''Seiden'' main hall shortly before and after the fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/06/national/power-line-fire-okinawa-shuri-castle/#.Xca5MVczZEY|title=Electrical fault could have caused inferno at Okinawa's Shuri Castle, police say|work=The Japan Times|date=6 November 2019|access-date=1 December 2020}}</ref>
[[File:焼失首里城 11.jpg|thumb|Foundation remains of the main hall after it was destroyed by fire in 2019]]
The fire was the fifth time that Shuri Castle has been destroyed following previous incidents in 1453, 1660, 1709 and 1945.<ref name="OKI20191102">{{cite web|url=http://oki-park.jp/userfiles/files/pdf/shurijo/lang/history_en.pdf|title=History of Shuri Castle|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=<!--Not stated-->|website=oki-park.jp|publisher=Oki Park Official Site|access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref> [[List of governors of Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa Governor]] [[Denny Tamaki]] said after the fire that Shuri Castle is "a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, an expression of its history and culture", and has vowed to rebuild it.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-castle-fire/fire-destroys-japans-world-heritage-listed-shuri-castle-idUSKBN1X92SJ|title=Fire destroys Japan's World Heritage-listed Shuri Castle|last1=Ando|first1=Ritsuko|last2=Kim|first2=Chang-Ran|date=31 October 2019|website=reuters.com|publisher=[[Reuters]] |access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref> Japan's [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] said that Shuri Castle is "an extremely important symbol of Okinawa".<ref name="NHK011119" /> The Japanese Government is considering supplemental appropriations to support restoration work.<ref name="NHK011119" /> UNESCO also said it would be ready to assist with Shuri Castle's reconstruction.<ref name="NHK011119B">{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191101_11/|title=UNESCO ready for Shurijo Castle reconstruction|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=1 November 2019|website=www3.nhk.or.jp|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=1 November 2019}}</ref> A [[crowdfunding]] campaign set up by Naha City officials for the rebuilding of Shuri Castle had received over $3.2 million in donations as of 6 November 2019.<ref name="NHK061119B">{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191106_28/|title=Shuri Castle rebuilding fund over $3 mil.|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 November 2019|website=www3.nhk.or.jp|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref>

Rebuilding efforts to restore the destroyed sections of Shuri Castle began in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-10|title=Shuri Castle Reconstruction Work Begins|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2020021000929/shuri-castle-reconstruction-work-begins.html|access-date=2020-06-15|website=nippon.com|language=en}}</ref> Restoration of the roof tiles began in July 2024, and at that time it was expected that the renovations would be fully completed by the autumn of 2026.<ref name=nwj150724>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240716_03/|title=Okinawa's Shuri Castle: Red roof tile restoration begins|date=15 July 2024|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=15 July 2024}}</ref>

In May 2021, a scale replica of the castle measuring one twenty fifth of the size of the actual structure was recreated at the [[Tobu World Square]] theme park in [[Kinugawa Onsen]].<ref>[https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/05/3687595b6657-fire-hit-shuri-castle-recreated-in-miniature-form-at-theme-park.html "Fire-hit Shuri Castle recreated in miniature form at theme park,"] Kyodo News, 3 May 2021, retrieved 26 July 2021</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2014-02-28 Shuri Castle,Naha,Okinawa 首里城（沖縄県那覇市）DSCF8640.jpg|thumb|left|A restored wall near Kyukeimon, showing incorporated original stones]]
Unlike Japanese castles, Shuri Castle was greatly influenced by Chinese architecture, with functional and decorative elements similar to that seen primarily in the [[Forbidden City]]. The gates and various buildings were painted in red with lacquer, walls and eaves colorfully decorated, and roof tiles made of [[Goryeo]] and later red Ryukyuan tiles, and the decoration of each part heavily using the king's dragon. Given that the ''Nanden'' and ''Bandokoro'' were both used for reception and entertainment of the [[Satsuma clan]], a Japanese style design was used here only.

Ryukyuan elements also dominate. Like other ''gusuku'', the castle was built using Ryukyuan limestone, being surrounded by an outer shell which was built during the Second Shō dynasty from the second half of the 15th century to the first half of the 16th century. Similarly, ''Okushoin-en'' is the only surviving garden in a ''gusuku'' in the Ryukyu Islands, which made use of the limestone bedrock and arranged using local [[cycad]]s.

The current renovation is designed with a focus on the castle's role as a cultural or administrative/political center, rather than one for military purposes. The buildings that had been restored as original wooden buildings (and subsequently destroyed in the 2019 fire) were only in the main citadel. The ''Seiden'' was rebuilt using wood from Taiwan and elsewhere after rituals blessing the removal of large trees from mountains in the [[Yanbaru]] region of Okinawa took place. Other buildings, such as the ''Nanden'' or ''Hokuden'' were only restored as facades, with interiors made using modern materials such as steel and concrete. Old walls remain in part, and were excavated and incorporated during the construction of the new castle wall, forming the only surviving external remains of the original castle.

==Sites of interest==
[[File:Burg Shuri Plan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A plan of the castle: 1: Seiden; 2: Hokuden; 3: Nanden; 4: Houshinmon; 5: Bandokoro; A: Shureimon; B: Kankaimon; C: Zuisenmon; D: Roukokumon; E: Koufukumon; F: Kyukeimon; G: Uekimon; H: Kobikimon]]
Due to its central role in Ryukyuan political and religious life, Shuri is composed of and surrounded by various sites of historical interest. The castle complex itself can be divided into three main zones, namely a central administrative area (including the ''Seidan'' and ''Ura''), an eastern living and ceremonial space (behind the ''Seidan'') called the ''Ouchibara'' (literally "inside field"), and a southwestern ceremonial area including the ''Kyo-no-uchi'' (literally "inside capital").

===Buildings===
All of the buildings located at Shurijo are modern reconstructions, the originals being lost in 1945.
* {{Nihongo||番所|Bandokoro}} – located south of the ''Una'', and paired with the ''Nanden'', originally the main reception area, currently housing a museum. The two were built between 1621 and 1627.
* {{Nihongo||北殿|Hokuden}} or {{Nihongo||北御殿|Nishi nu udun}} – the "North Hall", located north of the ''Una'', originally a judicial and administrative center where ''Sapposhi'' (Chinese envoys) were also received, currently housing a museum and gift-shop. Originally called the ''Nishi-no-udun'' or ''Giseiden'', it was built around 1506–1521.
* {{Nihongo||系図座|Keizuza}} – located east of the ''Shicha-nu-una'', originally the government office responsible for the genealogy of noble families, currently housing a tearoom and stage for Ryukyuan dance shows.
* {{Nihongo||近習詰所|Kinju-tsumesho}} – a work area for high-officials (such as the ''Kinju-gashira'', ''Kinju-yaku'', and ''Hisa''), currently a passageway between the ''Nanden'' and ''Seiden''.
* {{Nihongo||黄金御殿|Kugani-udun}} – private area for the king, his wife, and mother, south of the ''Seiden''. Originally dated to at least 1671, and rebuilt by 1715, it connected the ''Nanden'' to ''Oku-shoin''. Inner rooms included the ''Suzuhiki'' and ''Ochane-zume''.
* {{nihongo||南殿|Nanden (fee nu udun)}} – the "South Hall", formerly an entertainment area for Satsuma envoys, currently an exhibition space.
* {{nihongo||二階御殿|Ni-kei-udun}} – a sitting room for the king linked to the ''Seidan''. Built in 1765, it was later extended south in 1874.
* {{nihongo||女官居室|Nyokan-kyoshitsu}} or {{Nihongo||城人御詰所|Gushikunchu utsumesho}} – unknown function. Located north of the ''Kushino-una''.
* {{nihongo||奥書院|Oku-shoin}} – rest house for the king, south of the ''Seiden'', originally dated to at least 1715.
* {{nihongo||鎖之間|Sasumoma}} – anteroom located south of the ''Nanden'' for royal princes, and guest/official reception area.
* {{nihongo||正殿|Seiden}} or {{Nihongo||百浦添御殿|Mundashii udun}} – the "Main Hall", also called the State Palace, was situated to the east of the ''Una'', but facing west towards China, and contains the throne room and royal living and ceremonial areas. The western facade includes two 4.1 meter high ''Dai-Ryu Chu'' (Great Dragon Pillars), crafted of sandstone from [[Yonaguni Island]], and symbols of the king. The left dragon is called ''Ungyou'', and the right is ''Agyou'', and these motifs are replicated throughout the building including the roof. Other decorative elements include ''botan'' ([[peony]] flowers), ''shishi'' (golden dragons), and ''zuiun'' (clouds). The ''Shichagui'' (first floor) was where the king personally conducted affairs of state and ceremonies. The ''Usasuka'' was the lower area in front of where the king sat, with the ''Hira-usasuka'' (side-areas) flanking either side. The second floor included the ''Ufugui'', the area for the queen and her attendants, and the ''Usasuku'', the upper main throne room of the king. Behind it are the ''Osenmikocha'', chambers where the king would pray daily. According to historical records, the ''Seiden'' was burned down and rebuilt five times (most recently in 2019), and was also used as the prayer hall for a Shinto shrine between 1923–1945.
* {{nihongo||書院|Shoin}} – study and office of the king, south of the ''Nanden'', where Chinese/Satsuma officials were entertained when visiting.
* {{nihongo||首里杜館|Suimuikan}} – cultural/exhibition center, gift shop, and restaurant area.
* {{nihongo||供屋|Tomoya}} – unknown function, but now housing the [[Bridge of Nations Bell]] replica.
* {{nihongo||世誇殿|Yohokoriden (Yuufukui udun}} – immediately east of the ''Seiden'', it was the regular sleeping area for unmarried princesses, and the location of the ascension ceremony.
* {{nihongo||用物座|Youmoutsuza}} – paired building with the ''Keizuza'', which dealt with the goods and materials used inside the castle.
* {{nihongo||寄満|Yuinchi}} – royal food preparation area, connected to the ''Kugani-udun'', dated to at least 1715. Attendants included the ''Hocho'' (chef) and ''Agama'' (female servants).


===Courtyard (~una)===
* {{nihongo||後之御庭|Kushino-una}} – the living area immediately behind the ''Seiden'', surrounded by the ''Nyokan-kyoshitsu'' and ''Yuinchi''.
* {{nihongo||下之御庭|Shicha-nu-una}} – the lower area between the ''Houshinmon'' and ''Koufukumon''.
* {{nihongo||御庭|Una}} – the central and primary reception and ceremonial area of the castle in front of the ''Seiden''.

===Gates (~mon)===
* {{nihongo||美福門|Bifukumon}} – a gate leading south of the ''Kushino-una'', leading to the ''Ouchibara''. Called ''Akata-ujo'' prior to the construction of ''Keiseimon''.
* {{nihongo||中山門|Chūzanmon}} – the first ceremonial gate to Shurijo, built around 1427 by King Shō Hashi, it was demolished in 1907.
* {{nihongo||白銀門|Hakuginmon}} – the easternmost gate leading to the ''Shinbyoden''.
* {{nihongo||奉神門|Houshinmon}} – also known as ''Kimihokori-ujo'', it is the main citadel entrance to the ''Una'', currently the ticket check gate. Although the period of construction is unknown, the stone balustrades were completed in 1562.
* {{nihongo||歓会門|Kankaimon}} – built around 1477–1500 during the reign of King Shō Shin, the gate was burned down during the [[Battle of Okinawa]] in 1945 and restored in 1974. It is the first main gate to the castle. ''Kankai'' (歓会), which means "welcome", the gate was named to express welcome to the investiture envoys who visited Shuri as representatives of the Chinese Emperor.
* {{nihongo||継世門|Keiseimon}} – a southwest gate south of ''Bifukumon'', also called ''Akata-ujo''. Normally a side-gate, it was used by the Crown Prince when officially ascending the throne. The door was restored in 1998.
* {{nihongo||木曳門|Kobikimon}} – a trade gate usually blocked with stones, but opened for movement of building and wall repair materials.
* {{nihongo||広福門|Koufukumon}} – the entrance into the ''Shicha-nu-una'', currently the ticket purchase gate. Historically, the eastern wing of the building housed ''Okumiza'', the deputy's office to intervene in disputes between noble families. The west wing housed the ''Jishaza'', the magistrate responsible for supervising the places of worship.
* {{nihongo||久慶門|Kyukeimon}} – the northern gate mostly used by women, also known as ''Hokoriujo hokori'', meaning "Pleasant Pride". It was built during the reign of King Shō Shin.
* {{nihongo||漏刻門|Roukokumon}} – a gate housing a ''roukoku'' (water clock) in the turret, also called ''Kagoise-ujo''. Visitors would dismount their horses or palanquins here.
* {{nihongo||淑順門|Shukujunmon}} – the citadel gate north of the ''Seiden'', also called ''Onaka-ujo'', leading to the ''Ouchibara''.
* {{nihongo||守礼門|[[Shureimon]]}} – the second ceremonial gate built between 1527 and 1555, and now the main gate to the complex.
* {{nihongo||右掖門|Uekimon}} – leads directly to ''Kyukeimon''. It was used as a service entrance to the ''Ouchibara''.
* {{nihongo||瑞泉門|Zuisenmon}} – literally "splendid and auspicious spring gate", located near ''Ryuhi'' and probably built around 1470.

===Shrines (~utaki) and temples (~ji)===
* {{nihongo||弁財天堂|Benzaitendo|extra=[[Okinawan language|Okinawan]]: Bizaitindoo}} – a shrine built to house ''Housatsuzou-kyou'' (Buddhist scriptures) gifted by [[Sejo of Joseon|Sejo]], the 7th [[Joseon]] king of Korea.
* {{nihongo||円覚寺|[[Enkaku-ji (Okinawa)|Enkaku-ji]]|extra=Okinawan: Ufutira}} – a Buddhist temple for the royal family in the lower precincts north of the citadel, constructed in 1492.
* {{nihongo||苅銘御嶽|Kawarume-utaki}} – a small private shrine near the ''Okushoin''.
* {{nihongo||京の内|Kyo-no-uchi|extra=Okinawan: chuu nu uchi}} – a large open ritual area where prayers by the ''[[Kikoe-ōgimi]] (chifi-ufujin)'' (high-priestess) were made.
* {{nihongo||園比屋武御嶽|[[Sonohyan-utaki]]|extra=Okinawan: sunuhyan utaki}} – a sacred stone "gate" to the left of ''Shureimon'' was erected in 1519, where the king offered prayers for order throughout the kingdom and safety at the outset of his travels.
* {{nihongo||首里森御嶽|Suimui-utaki}} – a walled worship space, supposedly "created by the gods", inside the ''Shicha-nu-una''. It is the theme of many of the songs and prayers recorded in ''[[Omoro Sōshi]] (Okinawan: umuru sooshi)'', Ryukyu's oldest music collection.

===Other features===
* {{nihongo||東のアザナ|Agari-no-azana}} – the eastern lookout point of the innermost wall.
* {{nihongo||円鑑池|Enganchi}} – a moat created around ''Benzaitendo''.
* {{nihongo||放生橋|Hojo-bashi}} – a stone bridge behind ''Enkaku-ji''.
* {{nihongo||西のアザナ|Iri-no-azana}} – a modern lookout tower overlooking Naha.
* {{nihongo||日影台|Nichiei-dai}} – a [[sundial]] in front of ''Roukokumon'' and next to the ''Tomoya'', which kept time in Shuri from around 1739 until 1879.
* {{nihongo||奥書院園|Okushoin-en}} – a private garden behind the ''Okushoin''.
* {{nihongo||御内原|Ouchibaru}} – the residential area of the citadel to the east of the ''Seiden'', forbidden to men except those of the royal family.
* {{nihongo||龍樋|Ryuhi}} – a natural spring in front of ''Zuisenmon'', with a dragon headed spout.
* {{nihongo||龍潭|Ryutan}} – a man-made pond, built in 1427 and located north of ''Shureimon''.
* {{nihongo||識名園|[[Shikina-en]]}} – built in 1799, the royal gardens and [[villa]] are a rare, historically valuable example of Ryukyuan [[Landscape architecture|landscape gardening]].
* {{nihongo||寝廟殿|Shinbyoden}} – the easternmost area of the inner citadel where the body of a king was temporarily held.
* {{nihongo||玉陵|[[Tamaudun]]}} – the restored royal tombs of the Second Shō dynasty, located adjacent to Shurijo, where 17 kings, along with their queens and royal children, are entombed.

==Ceremonies==
===Religious===
{{See also|Ryukyuan religion}}
Shurijo operated not only as a base of political and military control, it was also regarded as a central religious sanctuary of the Ryukyuan people. Formerly there were 10 ''[[utaki]]'' (shrines) within the castle and the large area on the south-western side of the citadel was occupied by a sanctuary called ''Kyo-no-uchi''. This was a place where natural elements, such as trees and natural limestone rocks were utilized. Although [[Noro (priestess)|''Noro'']] (priestesses) carried out a number of nature rituals (as also sometimes occurs in [[Shinto]]), the contents of the rituals and the layout of the inner part of the sacred areas remain unclear. After the war, limited religious observance continued on the site, mostly with the placement of incense sticks on places formerly considered sacred. However, restoration of the castle stopped general access to these sites, and for this reason, "Shuri Castle was resurrected, but it was destroyed as a place of worship".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

===Investiture===
[[File:琉球中国使节.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Part of a painting depicting the Qing dynasty envoy for the induction ceremony]]
{{See also|Ryukyuan missions to Imperial China|Imperial Chinese missions to the Ryukyu Kingdom}}

Contacts between the Ryukyu Islands and China began in 1372 and lasted five centuries until the establishment of [[Okinawa Prefecture]] in 1879. When a new king commenced, the [[Emperor of China]] sent officials to attend the investiture ceremony at the castle. Through this ceremony, the kingdom reiterated its ties with China, both politically, commercially, and culturally. This custom also granted the new monarch official international recognition within east Asia.

The Chinese delegation included about 500 people, including a ''Sapposhi'' (ambassador) and a representative, both appointed by senior officials of the emperor. The envoys departed from [[Beijing]] and proceeded by land to [[Fuzhou]] in [[Fujian Province]], where they sailed to the Ryukyu Islands, sometimes via [[Kumejima, Okinawa|Kumejima]], on ''Ukanshin'' ("Crown Ships").

Among the first tasks of the Chinese delegation was a ''Yusa'' (religious ceremony) in memory of the late king. Words of condolence from the emperor were spoken in ''[[Sōgen-ji]]'' in Naha, and (after 1799) envoys were then received in ''Shikina-en''. Then the investiture ceremony took place in the ''Una'', where two platforms were erected between the ''Nanden'' and ''Seiden'', called ''Kettei'', reserved for the envoys, and ''Sendokudai''. The imperial official recited the formula for the appointment of the new king and bowed deeply.

Later, inside the castle, there was a "Feast of Investiture," followed by a "Mid-autumn Banquet", accompanied by songs and dances. This banquet was held on a temporary platform opposite the ''Hokuden'', a platform on which the Imperial envoys stood. On the shore of ''Ryutan'' and in the castle, the "Choyo Banquet", during which a boat race and musical performances took place, was also held in the presence of the delegation. Two successive farewell banquets were then held opposite ''Hokuden'', and finally a banquet at ''Tenshikan'', where the king gave the Chinese delegation gold presents as an august sign for their return.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Shurijo damaged.png|Prewar ''Una'' and buildings before destruction
File:Naha_Shuri_Castle20s5s3200.jpg|Shuri Castle
File:Naha Shuri Castle50s3s4500.jpg|''Seiden'' - front facade
File:Naha Okinawa Japan Shuri-Castle-05a.jpg|''Usasuku'' - the upper royal throne room
File:Naha Shuri Castle01s3200.jpg|''Suimuikan''
File:Naha Shuri Castle02s5s3200.jpg|''Shureimon''
Image:Kankaimon 070705.jpg|''Kankaimon''
File:Naha Shuri Castle11s3s4592.jpg|''Zuisenmon''
File:Ryuhi Spring in Shuri Castle.jpg|''Ryuhi''
File:Suimui-Utaki in Shichanu-Una Square of Shuri Castle 2.JPG|''Suimi-utaki''
File:Sasunoma House of Shuri Castle 2.JPG|''Sasunoma''
File:Garden of Shuri Castle 4.JPG|''Kyo-no-uchi''
File:首里城城壁から海方向を望む - panoramio.jpg|Wall near ''Kyukeimon'', with ''Ryutan'' in the distance
File:Benzaiten-dō, Shurijō Park (17174940310).jpg|''Benzaitendo'', with ''Enganchi'' in the foreground.
File:Japanese commemorative coin04.jpg|500 yen coin, issued to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa, with Shuri Castle depicted on the obverse side of the coin
File:Shuri Castle main gate and charred roof two days after the 2019 fire.png|Shuri Castle's main gate and main hall's charred roof two days after the 2019 fire
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Japan|History|Architecture}}
*[[List of Important Cultural Properties of Japan (Okinawa: structures)]]
*[[List of Historic Sites of Japan (Okinawa)]]
*[[Conservation Techniques for Cultural Properties]]
*[[List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Special Historic Sites and Special Natural Monuments]]
*[[Tourism in Japan]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{cite book |title=Japan's Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace | last=Benesch |first=Oleg and Ran Zwigenberg |year=2019 |pages=374 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=9781108481946}}
*{{cite book |title=An Encyclopedia of Japanese Castles | last=De Lange |first=William |year=2021 |pages=600 pages|publisher=Toyo Press |location=Groningen |isbn=978-9492722300}}
* Oleg Benesch, Ran Zwigenberg, [https://apjjf.org/2019/24/Benesch Shuri Castle and Japanese Castles: A Controversial Heritage], ''The Asia-Pacific Journal. Japan Focus'' 17, 24, 3 (Decembre 2019, 15)
*{{cite book | title=Japanese Castles| last=Motoo| first=Hinago| year=1986| publisher=Kodansha| location=Tokyo| isbn=0-87011-766-1}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/ Shuri Castle Park]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ1ExrLfC0o 首里城公園　空からみた首里城 (Shuri Castle Park as seen from the sky)] YouTube
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20030814174208/http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/001/index-e.html Okinawa Prefectural Government | Shurijo] 
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20010218013009/http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/summit/a_la/tokusyu_3/index2.htm Prefecture of Okinawa | Shuri-jo] 
*[http://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/en Comprehensive Database of Archaeological Site Reports in Japan, Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties] Japanese
*{{OSM|n|4828423125}}

{{Gusuku}}
{{Destroyed heritage}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Residential buildings completed in 1992]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Japan destroyed during World War II]]
[[Category:Castles in Okinawa Prefecture]]
[[Category:Historic Sites of Japan]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Naha]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Japan]]
[[Category:Building and structure collapses in 2019]]