Ryukyu Kingdom facts for kids

The Ryukyu Kingdom was a special country that existed a long time ago in a place we now call Okinawa. Before Japan took control of it during the Meiji Era, it was a country all on its own. It had its own unique culture, its own way of being governed, and even its own language.

Okinawa was a very important place for trading goods across Asia. Because of this, the Ryukyu culture became a cool mix of ideas from China, Japan, and other Asian countries.

The name Ryukyu comes from the Chinese name for the area, which was Liuqiu. It's like how we write down a foreign word so we can say it in English.

Before the Ryukyu Kingdom was formed, Okinawa was divided into three smaller kingdoms: Nanzan, Chuzan, and Hokuzan. One of these, Chuzan, grew strong and took over the other two. This brought all three together and created the Ryukyu Kingdom. The kingdom had its own line of kings who ruled from a grand place called Shuri Castle. Shuri Castle was in the city of Shuri, which is now part of the bigger city of Naha.

Images for kids

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  Royal seal of the Ryukyu Kingdom (首里之印)

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  Seal from Qing China giving authority to the King of Ryukyu to rule.

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  The main building of Shuri Castle

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  Ryukyu Tribute Ship Folding Screen (circa 1830)

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  An 1832 Ryukyuan mission to Edo, Japan; 98 people with a music band and officials.

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  Traditional Ryukyuan clothes in late period, which were much closer to the Japanese kimono.

See also

In Spanish: Reino de Ryūkyū para niños