Zakimi Castle

Zakimi Castle (座喜味城, Zakimi jō, Okinawan: Zachimi Gushiku[1]) is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Yomitan, Okinawa. It is in ruins, but the walls and foundations have been restored. In 2000, Zakimi Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site, as a part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Zakimi Castle
座喜味城
Yomitan, Okinawa
TypeGusuku
Site information
Open to
the public		yes
ConditionRuins, partially restored
Site history
Built1416-1422
Built byGosamaru
In use1422–1972
MaterialsRyukyuan limestone, wood
Garrison information
OccupantsGosamaru, Aji of Yomitan Magiri
CriteriaCultural: ii, iii, vi
Reference972
Inscription2000 (24th session)

History

It was built between 1416 and 1422 by the renowned Ryukyuan general Gosamaru, a project which involved workers from as far away as the Amami Islands, and was partly constructed with materials taken from nearby Yamada Castle.[2] Zakimi Castle oversaw the northern portion of central Okinawa Island. The fortress has two inner courts, each with an arched gate. This is Okinawa's first stone arch gate featuring the unique keystone masonry of the Ryukyus.

Before and during World War II, the castle was used as a gun emplacement by the Japanese. After the war it was used as a radar station by the US forces. Some of the walls were destroyed to install the radar equipment, but they have been restored. Zakimi Castle and Okinawa's other castles were named World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in November 2000.

References
  • Motoo, Hinago (1986). Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. p. 200 pages. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.
  1. "ジャチミ". 首里・那覇方言音声データベース (in Japanese).
  2. "Gosamaru." Okinawa konpakuto jiten (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo (琉球新報). 1 March 2003. Accessed 25 July 2009.

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