Ryukyu Kingdom

In this time, I would like to explain the history of The Ryukyu Kingdom briefly.

The Ryukyu Kingdom is the name of Okinawa before merged with Japan. The first mention of the word Ryukyu was written in the "Book of Sui".

The Ryukyu Kingdom is surrounded by ocean (East China Sea which is relatively close to Japan, China and South-East Asia and North pacific ocean). Because its strategic position, the Ryukyu Kingdom became a prosperous trading nation. Many "Gusukus" (similar to castle) were constructed. The Ryukyu Kingdom it self had a tributary relationship with the Chinese Empire starting 15th century.

One of Castles that still exist is Shuri Castle (Shuri-Jo). Actually, this castle had been constructed after broken by World War II. This is Shuri Castle's replication, but still I got the chemistry when I visited this Castle at January 1st, 2013. Many people visited, just to remember their ancestor and their heroic memorial.

This picture describes the main Castle of Shuri Castle, the King Place

This is the replication when Ryukyus' Ministers were gathering (the polite way that they were doing to regard their King, for additional information : the name of King is "Sho", it likes family name)

 The big bell that they were using (as media to give attention or something) it was conventional. Due to the size, it could be heard by people who stayed so far from main castle)

This monument showing spring time (usually in spring there are so many flowers blossom)

This monument showing "Lake place" (I am not sure, what the function is, but actually the lake is very small, and clear water)

 Okinawan dance to celebrate new year. (Looks like Chinese dance, "Barongsai")

Okinawan traditional dance (It was slow dance and graceful, may be to describe the Kingdom people character) 

And, interestingly, when I was seeing the dance, this bird took my attention, in front of a lot of people, he stayed calmly, and I like him so much, he did not feel afraid at all, and people did not disturb him. It was nice tolerance between two kinds of living things.

Before you arrived at Shuri Castle, your eyes will be pampered with some nice flowers live in the side of road, various in color and of course it is clean road.

Continuing the Okinawa history. After joining to Japan in 1972, The Ryukyu Kingdom changed to be Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is largely composed by coral, and rainwater filtering through that coral has given the island many caves. Okinawa has been known as a beautiful beach and it has clean beach, good under water environment as well.

For Education, University of the Ryukyus has been known as a national university which has excellent education in Marine Science.