A year after Okinawa’s historic Shuri Castle was destroyed by fire, rebuilding plans confirmed

The fortifications built in the 12th century made Shuri the centre of politics, diplomacy and culture in the Ryukyu kingdom, which was formally annexed by Japan in 1879.

The castle was in 1925 designated a national treasure before being destroyed during the fight for Okinawa in the closing stages of World War II. Much of the site was reconstructed, although archaeological work and rebuilding continues in some parts.

That project was undertaken using original plans and photos of the structure dated from 1712, which will be used to again rebuild it, this time fitted with fire detection equipment, alarms and automated sprinkler systems.

The Unesco World Heritage Site, which dominates the hill overlooking Naha, was undergoing renovations before a blaze broke out in the main hall around midnight on October 31 last year. The fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, engulfed six wooden buildings that covered more than 4,00 square metres.

“This devastating fire brought sadness and shock to the people of Okinawa, but in the months since we have received warm words of support from around the world,” Tamaki said on Thursday.

“With the support of well-wishers from at home and abroad and the financial support of the government of Japan, together we are on schedule to complete the restoration of the main chambers of the castle by 2026 and to open up to visitors once again.”