Joseph Svinth
16th January 2003, 00:52
Japan's heritage/Okinawa: In the 14th century `gusuku' fortresses were home to fierce chieftains
The Asahi Shimbun, http://www.asahi.com/english/culture/K2003011400213.html
Known for pretty beaches and ugly arguments over U.S. military bases, Okinawa offers more to visitors.
Old castles or fortresses in Okinawa have traditionally been called gusuku. They were the residences of chiefs of small kingdoms that fought fiercely during the 14th century. These battles eventually led to establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which prospered from 1429 through 1879 before becoming part of Japan.
Very little of the gusuku remain today, only the sturdy stone walls that once surrounded the dwellings of the lords.
Shurijo castle, the last gusuku intact from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom was destroyed during the battle of Okinawa at the close of World War II.
However, the castle's main red palace was reconstructed in 1992 and used for one of the events at a Group of Eight summit in 2000.
The five major gusuku-Nakijin, Zakimi, Katsuren, Nakagusu and Shurijo-along with other related cultural assets in Okinawa, were designated World Heritage assets in 2000. All were recognized for their uniqueness and the well preserved state of the remaining stone structures.
A trip to a gusuku, standing quietly amid tropical greenery is a reminder that Okinawa is far more than white beaches and U.S. military bases.
To see all of the World Heritage spots will take about three days and travelers are advised to locate themselves in the central part of the island, rather than in the capital of Naha.
A good spot would be Okinawa city, formerly called Koza, which offers live houses and pubs playing Okinawan music. It is far less touristy than Naha.
Japan has a rich natural and cultural heritage, which is spotlighted in the weekly ``Nihon Isan'' (Japan's heritage), published by The Asahi Shimbun at 560 yen a copy. The Herald Tribune/ Asahi will carry a special page each Tuesday on photos from the weekly. There will be 50 installments.
The next installment is on Todaiji temple. (IHT/Asahi: January 14,2003)
The Asahi Shimbun, http://www.asahi.com/english/culture/K2003011400213.html
Known for pretty beaches and ugly arguments over U.S. military bases, Okinawa offers more to visitors.
Old castles or fortresses in Okinawa have traditionally been called gusuku. They were the residences of chiefs of small kingdoms that fought fiercely during the 14th century. These battles eventually led to establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which prospered from 1429 through 1879 before becoming part of Japan.
Very little of the gusuku remain today, only the sturdy stone walls that once surrounded the dwellings of the lords.
Shurijo castle, the last gusuku intact from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom was destroyed during the battle of Okinawa at the close of World War II.
However, the castle's main red palace was reconstructed in 1992 and used for one of the events at a Group of Eight summit in 2000.
The five major gusuku-Nakijin, Zakimi, Katsuren, Nakagusu and Shurijo-along with other related cultural assets in Okinawa, were designated World Heritage assets in 2000. All were recognized for their uniqueness and the well preserved state of the remaining stone structures.
A trip to a gusuku, standing quietly amid tropical greenery is a reminder that Okinawa is far more than white beaches and U.S. military bases.
To see all of the World Heritage spots will take about three days and travelers are advised to locate themselves in the central part of the island, rather than in the capital of Naha.
A good spot would be Okinawa city, formerly called Koza, which offers live houses and pubs playing Okinawan music. It is far less touristy than Naha.
Japan has a rich natural and cultural heritage, which is spotlighted in the weekly ``Nihon Isan'' (Japan's heritage), published by The Asahi Shimbun at 560 yen a copy. The Herald Tribune/ Asahi will carry a special page each Tuesday on photos from the weekly. There will be 50 installments.
The next installment is on Todaiji temple. (IHT/Asahi: January 14,2003)