Ōzato Castle
| Ōzato Castle 島添大里城 | |
|---|---|
| Nanjō, Okinawa | |
| Type | Gusuku |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Nanzan (1314-1429), Chūzan (1429), Ryūkyū Kingdom (1429–1879), Japan (1879–present) |
| Open to the public | yes |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | early 14th century |
| Built by | Ōzato Magiri Aji |
| In use | early 14th century – 1429 |
| Materials | Ryūkyūan limestone, wood |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Aji of Ōzato Magiri |
Ōzato Castle (大里城 Ōzato-jō), officially Shimasoe-Ōzato Castle (島添大里城 Shimasoe Ōzato-jō), is a Ryūkyūan 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. It 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.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tokumori, Lima, and Mark Ealey. "Cultural Affairs Council Recommends Two Okinawan Sites to Minister of MEXT." Ryukyu Shimpo [Naha] 19 Nov. 2011: n. pag. Ryukyu Shimpo. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
- ↑ Nanjo Navigator. <http://nanjo-navi.jp/spot/spot.php?id=9>.
- ↑ 島添大里城跡 [Shimashīōzato Castle Site] (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
External links
- http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2011/11/29/3883/
- http://okininjakitty.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/ozato-castle-ruins/
Coordinates: 26°08′26″N 127°46′07″E / 26.140664°N 127.768604°E