Ogiyaka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ogiyaka宇喜也嘉 |
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| 世添御殿大按司加那志 (Yushiiudun Ufuanjiganashi) 世添大美御前加那志 (Yushiiufumi Gumeeganashi) |
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| Queen of the Ryukyu Kingdom | |
| Reign | 1469–1505 |
| Successor | Kyoni |
| Born | 1445 |
| Died | 1505 |
| Burial | Tamaudun, Shuri |
| Spouse | Shō En |
| Issue | Shō Shin, Crown Prince Kume-Nakagusuku Princess Otochitonomo-kane Uchima Ufuya Adaniya Wakamatsu Yamauchi Shōshin |
| House | House of Shō |
Ogiyaka (宇喜也嘉), also known as Ukiyaka or Yosoidon (1445-1505), was a very important queen of the Ryukyu Kingdom. She became Queen in 1469 and stayed in power until she passed away. Ogiyaka married Shō En before he became king. She also acted as a regent for her son, Shō Shin, when he was too young to rule by himself.
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Ogiyaka: Queen of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Early Life and Royal Marriage
Ogiyaka was born in 1445. She might have been born in Shuri, Okinawa, which was an important city. She became the second wife of a man named Kanemaru. In 1465, when she was 21, she gave birth to a son.
In 1469, something big happened. The king at the time, Shō Toku, died. After his death, Kanemaru became the new King of the Ryukyu Kingdom. He took the name Shō En. This made Ogiyaka the Queen. Her son, Shō Shin, became the next in line for the throne. Their oldest daughter became the royal high priestess, a very important religious leader.
Ogiyaka held special titles. These included 世添御殿大按司加那志 (Yushiiudun Ufuanjiganashi) and 世添大美御前加那志 (Yushiiufuchura Gumeeganashi).
A Queen's Influence: The Regency
King Shō En died in 1476. His brother, Shō Sen'i, then became king. However, the royal high priestess soon had a vision. She said that the King should step down and let Shō Shin rule instead. Shō Shin was almost 13 years old at this time. So, Shō Sen'i agreed and gave up his throne.
Some people believe that Queen Ogiyaka planned this. She might have wanted to keep her power and influence. Ogiyaka then became the regent for many years. A regent is someone who rules for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule. She ruled until Shō Shin was old enough to take full control.
Building for the Future
During her time as regent, Ogiyaka oversaw many important building projects. She made sure the Enkaku-ji temple was built. She also oversaw the construction of the Tamaudun mausoleum. This was a special burial place for royal family members. She also made the Sogen-ji temple larger. These projects show her dedication to the kingdom's culture and history.
Later Years and Legacy
Ogiyaka passed away in 1505 when she was 61 years old. She was buried in the Tamaudun mausoleum. Even after her death, stories about "the Queen Mother" were still told as late as the 1540s. This shows how important and memorable she was to the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
