Site of Nakijin Castle

Nakijin gusuku was the center of the Hokuzan principality, which governed the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. The kings of Hokuzan not only traded with Ming dynasty China, excavations have also revealed that Hokuzan was a link on the Southeast Asia route. At the height of its prosperity, Ming dynasty records mention the names of three kings. However, in 1416, when Hananchi reigned over Hokuzan, the principality was attacked by the military forces of the Chuzan principality and the castle surrendered. According to legend, Hananchi slashed the utaki stone that was the guardian deity of the castle with his sword before using the blade to commit suicide. The Chuzan stationed an administrator (kanshu) for the Hokuzan principality at the castle to strengthen its control of the northern part of Okinawa.
In 2000, “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” was registered under UNESCO World Heritage Site.