Framed words hang above the gate. These words may just be the key to understanding the Ryukyu Kingdom: “Shurei no Kuni” (守禮之邦). Roughly translated, these words mean “a country that upholds rules of courtesy,” but this does not just mean “politeness.”

As a retainer state of China, when the throne was passed between generations, an envoy would come from China to appoint the new king. At times, this party of envoys would consist of over 500 people. This visit called for the people of Ryukyu to go above and beyond to serve them. Shurei-mon is the gate where these envoys would be greeted.

The “rei” in Shurei-mon means gratitude and was directed towards China. The words hung above the gate also serve as a reminder that the kingdom was upholding the Chinese teachings. At times, when the envoys weren’t in Ryukyu, the sign would be removed and replaced with one that read, “Shuri.” However, the people of Ryukyu were certainly proud to be a country that “upheld the rules of courtesy,” and they would pass through the gates accordingly.

Those who lived around Shurijo, from the samurai to the common folk, would all proudly proclaim that past this gate is Shurijo Castle.
Do you find yourself gazing upon the gate with a longing feeling?

After it was burned down in the Battle of Okinawa, Shureimon was the first structure to be rebuilt. Do you know why?

During the Ryukyu Kingdom Era, Shuri Castle was not a place for common folk. However, they were able to come to Shurei-mon. Or more accurately, Shurei-mon was like a symbol of Shuri Castle itself to the common people.

After the war, there were barely any traces of the former structure, but the people unanimously decided they wanted to rebuild Shurei-mon. With the help of not only the government, but donations from the people themselves, they were able to rebuild this mighty gate. This was only shortly after the war in 1958, a time when people did not have much extra to give.

This spirit is also representative of “Shurei no Kuni,” upholding the rules of courtesy.