Ōzato Castle

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]

This article is about the castle in Nanjō, Okinawa. It is not to be confused with Nanzan Castle.
Ōzato Castle
島添大里城
Nanjō, Okinawa
Ruins in February 2023
Ōzato Castle島添大里城 is located in Okinawa Prefecture
Ōzato Castle島添大里城
Ōzato Castle
島添大里城
Ōzato Castle島添大里城 is located in Japan
Ōzato Castle島添大里城
Ōzato Castle
島添大里城
TypeGusuku
Site information
Controlled 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 public		yes
ConditionRuins
Site history
Builtearly 14th century
Built byŌzato Magiri Aji
In useearly 14th century – 1429
MaterialsRyukyuan limestone, wood
Garrison information
OccupantsAji of Ōzato Magiri

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
  1. 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.
  2. "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.
  3. 島添大里城跡 [Shimashīōzato Castle Site] (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 25 March 2014.

26°08′26″N 127°46′07″E


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