Rising from the ashes, building for the futureーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Ryuku Kingdom: The independent maritime monarchy that once governed the islands of Okinawa.
• Shuri Castle (Shuy Castle): The historical castle and UNESCO World Heritage site, serving as a symbol of Okinawan identity.
• Saden (Main Hall): The central building of Shuri Castle, destroyed by fire in 2019 and currently undergoing reconstruction.
• Benada: A natural red pigment traditionally used in Okinawan architecture, the source of which was rediscovered for the current reconstruction.
• Historical Reconstruction: The process of rebuilding Shuri Castle based on newly discovered historical evidence, aiming for greater accuracy to the Ryuku era.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: The importance of passing down traditional skills and involving local artisans in the restoration of cultural landmarks.

Reconstruction of Shuri Castle: A Deep Dive

The islands of Okinawa, formerly the independent Ryuku Kingdom, are witnessing the final stages of reconstruction of Shuri Castle’s main hall, the Saden. This project, following a devastating fire in 2019, is being spearheaded by Kawakami Hiroyuki, who also participated in a previous reconstruction effort 34 years prior. He views this as potentially his final professional undertaking, emphasizing a desire for a flawless completion.

Historical Context and Repeated Destruction

Shuri Castle boasts a history spanning over 500 years, originating during the Ryuku Kingdom period. However, it has faced destruction by fire on five separate occasions. The most recent and complete devastation occurred during World War II, when the castle was heavily bombarded by US forces after the Japanese military established its headquarters beneath it. A prior reconstruction of the main hall was completed in 1992, leading to the castle’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, solidifying its cultural significance to Okinawa. The 2019 fire, which reduced seven buildings to ashes, prompted the current reconstruction effort. As Kawakami recounts, “I thought at least the frame might be left, but there was nothing at all. I was stunned.”

Aiming for Historical Accuracy in Reconstruction

The current reconstruction differs significantly from the 1992 effort. The primary goal is to restore Shuri Castle to a state more reflective of its appearance during the Ryuku Kingdom era, utilizing the most up-to-date historical knowledge. This commitment to accuracy manifests in several key changes.

For instance, the decorative plaque positioned behind the throne is being altered from red to yellow, a change substantiated by newly identified descriptions within historical documents. Furthermore, the iconic “Shuri Castle red” used on the exterior walls is undergoing re-evaluation. This color is derived from Benada, a natural pigment. During the 1992 reconstruction, the source of the Ryuku-era Benada was unknown, necessitating the use of a pigment sourced from outside Okinawa.

Rediscovering the Source of Benada

A local researcher’s investigation of 200-year-old documents pinpointed the original source of Benada within Okinawa itself. The research led to the discovery of a stream with murky red water, the color originating from iron-rich water and bacteria. This stream is now confirmed as the historical source of Okinawa’s traditional Benada pigment. Kawakami notes the aesthetic impact: “Looking at it now, the color feels nice and calming. I think it looks really good.”

Reconnecting Corridors and Architectural Details

Beyond the color changes, the reconstruction incorporates newly discovered architectural details. Photographs revealed that corridors previously absent in the 1992 reconstruction connected the main hall to neighboring buildings like the Hokaden (North Hall). The current project includes the reconstruction of these corridors, restoring the castle’s original layout.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Artisans

Kawakami emphasizes the importance of training a new generation of Okinawan artisans. Recognizing the limited opportunities for young carpenters to gain experience within Okinawa, he actively sought to involve them in the Shuri Castle project. A young master carpenter, for example, joined a company specializing in traditional shrine and temple carpentry specifically to participate in the reconstruction. He states, “After the fire that destroyed Shir Castle, I strongly felt that I had to be involved. As someone born in Okinawa, I view this as a challenge. I want to see how far I can go.”

Kawakami’s vision extends beyond mere restoration. He believes that Okinawa’s cultural heritage should be preserved and protected by its own people, as it was in the past. He hopes the project will serve as a platform for passing down traditional skills, imbuing the reconstruction with a deeper meaning. “I believe this cultural heritage site should be restored and protected by the people of Okinawa themselves as they used to in the past. At the same time, I hope this project can take on a deeper meaning by passing on the traditional skills to the next generation.”

Conclusion

The reconstruction of Shuri Castle represents more than just the rebuilding of a physical structure. It is a testament to Okinawan resilience, a commitment to historical accuracy, and a dedication to preserving cultural heritage through the cultivation of traditional skills. Kawakami Hiroyuki’s leadership underscores the importance of local involvement and the enduring symbolic value of Shuri Castle as a cornerstone of Okinawan identity. The main hall is scheduled for completion this autumn, promising a renewed symbol of pride and cultural continuity for the people of Okinawa.