Shuri Castle Fire

#shuricastlefire #Shuricastlefireokinawa #shuricastle

Footage courtesy NHK world Japan

Waking up to this was terrible this morning! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Okinawa people who have been so kind and loving to our family. We grieve with this important historical loss.

The main building of Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa Prefecture and popular tourist attraction in the city of Naha, was destroyed in a fire early Thursday morning, authorities said. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

There were no reports of injuries, police and fire officials said, but about 30 nearby residents were temporarily evacuated.

The fire was put out around 11 a.m., the city of Naha’s fire department said.

In total, about 4,200 square meters of the facility have been destroyed, including the main, north and south buildings. All three were wooden structures, but no sprinklers were installed, the fire department said.

More than 10 fire engines were dispatched to the scene. Fire officials said it is highly likely that the fire started in the main building.

The castle long served as the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the island prefecture from 1429 to 1879, but was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in the closing days of World War II. The structures were reconstructed in 1992, and the castle ruins were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

“The cause of the fire has not been determined yet but a security company alarm went off at around 2:30 in the morning,” said Ryo Kochi, a spokesman with the Okinawa Prefectural Police.

Television footage showed large orange flames engulfing the castle.

[MickMcClary]

This particular set of buildings that burned are from 1992. Yes, the original castle was several hundred years ago but the main hall, the Seiden, has burned a number of times over the years. This is the fifth time.
The first time it burned down was intentional when it was torched in 1453 during the Revolt of Shiro and Furi.
Accidental fire burned it down again in 1660. Restoration was completed in 1670. By 1670 newer techniques for creating roofing tiles were available throughout much of Ryukyu.
Tile roofing became known to Okinawa during the reign of King Sho Nei, when Korean potters arrived in the Ryukyu Islands by way of Satsuma. It was during this period that tile came to replace earlier roofing materials of thatch or wood. Tiles were first used to top off fire towers that were built at Naha and at Shuri after temples and shrines at Naminoue had burned.
The next time that Shurijo burned was in 1709 followed by restoration in 1712-15.
Much of the castle site was burned again, in particular the Hokuden, during the 1945 Battle for Okinawa and wasn't fully restored until 1992.
And here we go again. So profoundly sad for Okinawa and those of us who love her.

[은평구냥아치]

The Kingdom of Ryukyu was also very close to the Joseon Dynasty. It was a relationship that exchanged and respected each other. It is very sad that such a palace as the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom was burned down. The envoy of the Kingdom of Ryukyu came to Gyeongbok Palace in the Joseon Dynasty to look at the dragon sculpture of the stone pillar of Gyeonghoeru, and the prince of Ryukyu once took refuge in Jeju Island.
I was going to travel to Okinawa this winter to see that Shri Castle, but it's shocking to see that. In Korea, many historic buildings were destroyed and burned down. Recently, Sungnyemun Gate, National Treasure No. 1, was burned down by arson in 2008, and the entire nation was saddened. I want to comfort the people of Okinawa.

[blkpig]

What a tragedy. My heart out to the people of Japan...

[davida]

First Norte Dame Cathedral, now this... I feel like these are targeted...

[annestatland]

Devastated over this! Lucky no injuries, but oh my!! It definitely was a gem! I am so very sad over this!

[cabriof]

Sad moment for all of okinawa. It was rebuilt once it can be rebuilt again. Me living in oki over 3 years, went there twice all i have is memories.

[christinwong]

Oh so sad, homework done to shuri castle on my okinawa trip on this December.

[Curlyheart]

Rest in peace Shuri Castle, Rest in peace.

[ダンディーな黒電話]

沖縄県民の自分としてはあまりにも悲しすぎる出来事です...
修復してほんの数十年しか経ってないのに...

[Righteouslivebyfaith]

Absolutely devastating. It breaks my heart. I hope they can restore it to its former glory.

[NoobMaster-wexe]

I moved to Okinawa 8 months ago and I actually got to visit the castle but unfortunately my parents and I didn’t wear the right shoes for all the walking and we planned to go back but we never got to 😞

[rogerscottcathey]

And to realise it came from an era that relied strictly on fire for illumination and heat, and fared intact centuries.

[ToaGatanuva]

I want to make the Cod Waw reference, but this is too sad

[jarrodyuki]

dont worry, as long as we have 3d simulations we can rebuild all of them.

[caswati]

IAM LUCKY ... because i go there before fire.... but i really so