Ōzato Castle

Ruins of a castle on Okinawa Island, Japan

Ōzato Castle
島添大里城

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Ōzato Castle
島添大里城

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TypeGusukuSite informationControlled byNanzan (1314–1429)
Chūzan (1429)

Ryūkyū Kingdom (1429–1879)

Empire of Japan (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)Open to
the publicyesConditionRuinsSite historyBuiltearly 14th centuryBuilt byŌzato Magiri AjiIn useearly 14th century – 1429MaterialsRyukyuan limestone, woodGarrison informationOccupantsAji of Ōzato Magiri

Ōzato Castle (大里城, Ōzato jō, Okinawan: Ufuzatu Gushiku), officially Shimasoe-Ōzato Castle (島添大里城, Shimasoe-Ōzato jō, Okinawan: Shimashii-Ufuzatu Gushiku), is a Ryukyuan 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. The castle 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

^ ^a ^b Tokumori, Lima, and Mark Ealey. "Cultural Affairs Council Recommends Two Okinawan Sites to Minister of MEXT." Ryukyu Shimpo [Naha] 19 November 2011: n. pag. Ryukyu Shimpo. Web. 13 January 2014.
^ "南城なび｜Nanjo Navigator～南城市観光・文化情報サイト". nanjo-navi.jp. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
^ 島添大里城跡 [Shimashīōzato Castle Site] (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 25 March 2014.