News: World Heritage site Shuri Castle, Okinawa burned down

hiscension (40)in #recent • 5 years ago (edited)

Relaying images & snippets from various news outlets of a Historic monument which had burned early Thursday morning.

Source: Nobuaki Sumida/ Sebun Photo

Quoting the Nikkei Asian Review
"Twenty-seven years have passed since the restoration, and I was happy to see an increasing number of young people who grew up looking at the "red castle." But on Thursday tragedy struck. Witnessing Shuri Castle, which I visited countless times, succumb to flames was gut-wrenching. All I can do now is to embrace this deep sorrow.

The castle is not only for Okinawans. When you incorporate the history of Ryukyu into that of Japan, you will see that the kingdom was a gateway to Asian countries and built a rich culture. Shuri Castle was proof of that."

Quoting the Japan Times
"The castle long served as the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled from 1429 to 1879, but was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in the closing days of World War II. The structures were reconstructed in 1992, and the castle ruins were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000."

Source: KYODO

Source: KYODO

Quoting the Straits Times
"It is highly likely at least 420 of about 1,500 artworks stored at the castle were destroyed by the fire.

The artworks, which were not stored in a fire-resistant repository, include artifacts from the Ryukyu Kingdom that had been displayed and stored in the Seiden main hall and other places in the castle, the Okinawa Churashima Foundation said during a press conference in Naha last Friday."

Source: KYODO