By / Scenic Spots Home Compilation and Report
In the early hours of the 31st, at 1:41 AM Japan local time, a fire broke out at the front gate of Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. The main hall, as well as the North and South halls, were engulfed in flames. By 5:00 AM, the fire had still not been extinguished, but fortunately—amid the misfortune—there have been no reports of casualties so far, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.
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Okinawa’s World Cultural Heritage Site Devastated by Fire at 1:41 AM Japan Local Time on the 31st. (Photo / Ryukyu Shimpo)
At 1:41 AM on October 31st Japan local time, a fierce fire broke out at Shuri Castle. Naha City’s broadcasting system issued alerts, traffic around the Shuri Castle area was restricted, and local residents were urged to evacuate. Nearby elementary schools and public facilities were set up as shelters.
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Shuri Castle is a major tourist attraction in Okinawa. (Photo / Wikipedia)
The exact year of Shuri Castle’s establishment is unclear, but it is estimated to date back to the 11th to mid-14th century. It served as the site of the capital of the Chūzan Kingdom. For nearly five hundred years after that, Shuri Castle remained the political, economic, cultural, and trade hub of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
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Shuri Castle is a must-visit spot for travelers to Ryukyu. (Photo / Shuri Castle Park)
Historically, Shuri Castle has been burned down and rebuilt several times. During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, it was repeatedly bombarded by the U.S. Navy and warships. After WWII, it was used as the site of the University of the Ryukyus. Restoration of its main structures began in 1992, and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
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A view of the main hall of Shuri Castle. (Photo / Shuri Castle Park)
The cause of this late-night inferno has yet to be determined. Locals were jolted awake by the blaze in the middle of the night and could hardly believe the scene before them—a heartbreaking sight. Shuri Castle, which had already been on the path to restoration, has now fallen victim to the flames. The road ahead to restoring this historically significant structure, filled with the memories of local residents, will be long and arduous.
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