Oyake Akahachi

It is said that Akahachi was born on Hateruma Island, and that he was large and physically strong even as a child. He moved to Ishigaki Island as a young adult, and became the chief of Ōhama Village (today part of Ishigaki City) soon afterward.[3] His influence soon extended over all of Ishigaki Island, and beyond, to other islands in the Yaeyama Islands group. At some point late in the 15th century, the nearby Miyako Islands were divided between two influential families, the Nakasone and Kaneshigawa, who were fighting one another for dominance of the area. Seeking to take advantage of the chaos and disunity, Akahachi proposed an invasion of the Miyako Islands. However, Nakasone Toyomiya led a counterattack against Akahachi, overwhelming his forces and moving on to attack Yonaguni Island as well.[4]

At this time, the Ryukyu Kingdom, based at Shuri on Okinawa Island, did not yet have direct control over the Yaeyama or Miyako Islands, but merely expected tribute to be paid. Akahachi led the people of Ishigaki and the surrounding islands in revolt against the kingdom, refusing to pay taxes or tribute. After Nakasone conquered Yaeyama, a force of roughly 3,000 Ryukyuan troops was sent by King Shō Shin in 1500, and the rebellion was suppressed with the annexation of the Sakishima Islands.[3]

Akahachi Memorial on Hateruma

While official records and histories produced by the Ryukyu Kingdom label Oyake Akahachi as a rebel and a traitor, locally on Ishigaki and the surrounding islands he is known as a hero who sought to secure their freedom and independence.[3] A stele in his honor can be found today in the Ōhama area of Ishigaki City.