The "King and Queen of Ryukyu" Reappear on the Streets of Naha
According to local Ryukyu media *Ryukyu Shinpo*, on November 1, the "Reconstruction Festival of Shuri Castle" was held, with a procession reenacting scenes from the Ryukyu Kingdom's historical past.
Following the fire at Shuri Castle in October 2019, the reconstructed main hall is scheduled to open to the public on the 23rd of this month. The procession featured 13 large groups, involving approximately 900 participants—more than in previous years.
Among the parade were figures dressed in vibrant traditional attire portraying the "King and Queen of Ryukyu," alongside a reenactment of the envoys dispatched by the Chinese imperial court, complete with queue hairstyles. The scene brought to life the historical presence of the Ryukyu Kingdom within the modern urban landscape.
In the procession, a band performed melodies originating from mainland China, followed by the ceremonial palanquin carrying the "King and Queen." The solemn atmosphere drew the attention of onlookers.
Behind the royal entourage marched the contingent representing the Chinese imperial envoys known as "Census Commissioners," along with performance groups showcasing traditional Ryukyuan arts and culture, including Ryukyu dance and lion dancing.
Toshinori Chinen, chairman of the event’s executive committee and mayor of Naha City, stated: "In this significant year, I sincerely feel gratified to witness the inheritance and promotion of Ryukyu’s cultural heritage. We have taken a historic step forward together."
The "Shuri Castle Reconstruction Festival" will feature a special stage on the 2nd at Shuri Castle Park, while on the 3rd, an event titled "Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Shuri," organized by the Shuri Promotion Association, will include a traditional procession departing from the Ōkōmon Gate in Naha’s Shuri Castle Park, passing through Shōri-mon Gate and Longtan Street.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880641440580672/
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