The living area immediately behind the Seiden, the kings private space, is called “Kushino-Una”
If your back is facing Seiden and you look to your right, you'll see “Yuinchi,” the kitchen. Behind the kitchen, you’ll see “Nīkeī-Udun,” the living room. That living room connects to the Kugani-udun, the private area for the king and his family.

Let’s take another look at Kushino-una. The building ruins lie right under where you are standing. There is a building called the Yohokoriden which was the sleeping area for the wife of the king. Yes, in fact there was a queen as well as another wife who lived separately. They each were part of the royal family with their own royal duties-- while the queen held a position as the leader of O’uchibara, the wife would manage the court ladies.

The women who took care of the queen and wife commuted from home, but the court ladies who took care of the king lived here, at the “Nyokan residence. It’s believed that many women lived and worked here during those times.

The women who served at O’uchibara were said to be the simpleton daughters of local farmers.
The women chosen to work at Shuri-jo Castle were recommended for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity. At the castle, the fellow workers would teach them how to work, how to talk, and how to act. Those who excelled in their studies were promoted to the title “Amushirare,” and the highest ranking among the Amushirare was the “Ufushidobi,” who would work with the king directly. Such a high rank held a high level of influence, even powerful enough to be seen as above male government officials.

Aside from Ufushidobi, most of the court ladies were servants. Living in a world of women, these women didn't have many opportunities to leave the castle, and when they would, they’d have to use a separate gate in the north called “Shukujun-mon.” Living such an isolated life in the castle, it wasn't unheard of for them to fall in love with the first man they saw.

You can still find some Okinawa-style poetry (Ryu-ka) about Shuri-jo Castle and the different gates. “I don’t care if Keisei-mon closes, so long as the Shukujun-mon that carries my love does not .” We can imagine the scene, as the court ladies peer their heads out of the stone walls of the castle, looking out into the world. “Towards the court lady who lies there daydreaming, a monk waves his handkerchief.” Just beyond in the distance lies the Buddhist temple, Enkaku-ji.