Guide
Tamagusuku Udun is a royal lineage that served as the Aji (local lords) of Tamusuku Magari (the current Tamusuku district in Nanjo City) for a long period. As a branch of the Second Sho Clan of the Ryukyu Kingdom, its origins trace back to Kochinda Oji Choten, the sixth son of King Sho Sei. This family played vital political and social roles within the Ryukyu Kingdom, inheriting the administration of Tamusuku Magari through successive generations. The history of Tamagusuku Udun serves as a crucial window into the governance structure of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the deep connections between the royalty and local communities.
The history of Tamagusuku Udun begins with its founder, Kochinda Oji Choten. When the 9th-generation head, Tamusuku Aji Tomonaga, became the Aji of Tamusuku Magari, the lineage continued to hold this position until the era of the Ryukyu Disposition. The family's history is filled with notable episodes that highlight their high status. For instance, it is recorded that Omasa Tsurugane, the daughter of the 8th-generation head Sho I, married King Sho Mu and became a Queen (Sashiki Aji Kanashi). Furthermore, the wife of the 12th-generation head, Sho Takashi, named Nuimei Oshu, was of noble descent as the third daughter of King Sho Kai. Thus, Tamagusuku Udun was not merely a local influential family but a lineage closely tied to the central royal authority. The family's genealogy, including the Kosei lineage, allows visitors to trace the historical transitions of many successive heads of the house.
The historical value of Tamagusuku Udun lies in its detailed genealogy and its role within the political system of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The lineage of the Aji and Jito, starting from Kochinda Oji Choten to the 14th-generation Tamusuku Hidesato, provides essential material for understanding the ruling structure of the kingdom. In particular, the historical fact of producing a Queen and the presence of women of noble descent are key elements that illustrate the marriage ties and political connections between royal families of that era. Through documents such as the Kosei family records, one can learn how the lineage was passed down and how it met the turning point of the Ryukyu Disposition.
Tamagusuku Udun is primarily an existence of historical record rather than a specific tourist facility with set opening hours or seasonal variations. To deepen your understanding of the historical background of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it is recommended to consult literature and historical documents, focusing on periods of political shifts or eras of expansion through royal marriages.
Information regarding Tamagusuku Udun can be primarily explored through historical documents, family trees, and archival materials. You can gain a deeper understanding of the Ryukyu Kingdom's history—specifically the local governance systems such as the Aji and Udun, and the role of the Second Sho Clan branch—through literature research and studying the historical context. This allows for a scholarly grasp of the role of royalty in Okinawa's history.
The Tamusuku Magari area, which was historically under the jurisdiction of Tamagusuku Udun, is located in the current Nanjo City (Tamusuku district). This region is home to many cultural heritages and sites with deep historical significance. Exploring the historical background of this entire area is an effective way to understand the governance systems of the time.
When studying the historical background of Tamagusuku Udun, please keep the following in mind: