Nakagusuku Castle

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Nakagusuku Castle (中城城, Nakagusuku jō, Okinawan: Nakagushiku) is a gusuku in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan. It is one of a number of castles built on the island of Okinawa by the Ryukyu Kingdom now in ruins.

Nakagusuku Castle
中城城
Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa
Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle (west district)
Nakagusuku Castle 中城城 is located in Okinawa Prefecture
Nakagusuku Castle 中城城
Nakagusuku Castle
中城城
Nakagusuku Castle 中城城 is located in Japan
Nakagusuku Castle 中城城
Nakagusuku Castle
中城城
TypeGusuku
Site information
Open to
the public
yes
ConditionRuins
Websitewww.nakagusuku-jo.jp/en
Site history
Builtaround 1440
Built byGosamaru
In useearly 1440-1611
MaterialsRyūkyūan limestone, wood
Battles/warsAttacked by Amawari (1458)
Garrison information
OccupantsGosamaru, Aji of Nakagusuku Magiri
CriteriaCultural: ii, iii, vi
Reference972
Inscription2000 (24th Session)

History

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The legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, built the fortress in the early 15th century to defend against attacks from the east by Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle. Amawari attacked the castle in 1458 and defeated Gosamaru shortly before his own castle was attacked by Uni-Ufugusuku. The castle was visited by Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853, who noted that the walls seemed to be designed to absorb cannon fire. The six courtyards of this fortress with stacked stone walls make it a prime example of a gusuku.

Status

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The castle was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. It is regarded as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan.[1] Less than 50 metres (55 yards) away from the castle is the Nakagusuku Hotel ruins.

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Model

References

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  1. ^ "Nakagusuku Castle Remains". Retrieved 2 April 2014.

Literature

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  • Motoo, Hinago (1986). Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. p. 200 pages. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.
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26°17′02″N 127°48′05″E / 26.28389°N 127.80139°E / 26.28389; 127.80139