News Discussion

Shuri Castle's Main Hall Revealed as Restoration Enters a New Phase

A symbol of Ryukyuan culture, Shuri Castle's main hall was unveiled as reconstruction continues after the 2019 fire, with completion expected in autumn 2026.

Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa, once served as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It has been under reconstruction since it was destroyed in a fire in 2019.

On December 15, the media were shown the progress of restoration work on the South Corridor at the Seiden, or main hall. The protective cover that had shielded the Seiden from wind and rain was removed, revealing its elegant appearance beneath the deep blue subtropical sky.

According to the Cabinet Office's Okinawa General Bureau, reconstruction of the Seiden began in November 2022. Exterior work on the main hall has been completed, and the temporary protective roof, known as a "suyane," was

removed at the end of October 2025. Restoration work on two corridors connecting to the Seiden began in December.

The exterior of the Seiden is painted with a natural reddish-brown pigment called bengara, giving the structure a vivid vermilion hue. This has made the front porch, or kohai, stand out even more. The porch is also decorated with richly colored ornamental details.

Completion Target

The restoration work is being carried out by a joint venture led by Shimizu Corporation, together with local firms Kokuba-Gumi and Daiyone Kensetsu. Work is currently continuing on structures other than the Seiden. Koji Okumura, the construction manager at Shimizu Corporation, said, "We are doing our best to complete the project by next autumn."

Before World War II, the Seiden of Shuri Castle was designated a National Treasure, but it was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa near the end of the Pacific War. After Okinawa's reversion to Japan in 1972, the national and prefectural governments launched a reconstruction project. The restored Seiden was completed in 1992, but it was completely destroyed by fire in October 2019.

1. 1. reconstruction 再建、復興
   After the accident, reconstruction of the road took several months.
2. 2. restoration 復元
   The library began restoration of an old map to make it readable again.
3. 3. exterior 外観、外側
   The exterior of the building was cleaned before the grand opening.
4. 4. ornamental 飾りの、装飾用の
   She chose an ornamental lamp to add style to her living room.
5. 5. venture 事業、ベンチャー
   The two friends started a small venture selling handmade accessories online.

1. 1. Which part of Shuri Castle has been completely rebuilt?
2. 2. Which companies are working on the reconstruction?
3. 3. How many times has the castle been destroyed?
4. 4. Have you ever had a chance to visit Okinawa? If so, what did you experience there? If not, would you like to go?
5. 5. What castles have you visited in Japan? Do you have a favorite?

かつて「ブルートレイン」と呼ばれ、日本各地の交通網を支えた夜行（寝台）列車が復活の兆しをみせている。JR西日本が令和2年に関西と山陰を結ぶ新たな夜行列車の運行を開始したところ、ほぼ満席が続く人気ぶり。JR東日本も9年春から首都圏と北東北を結ぶ新たな夜行列車を運行する。インバウンド増加に伴い、宿泊料金が高騰する中、宿泊と移動を兼ね、夜の旅情も味わえる夜行列車の良さが見直されている。

2019年の火災で焼失し、復元が進む首里城の正殿で、「南之廊下」の復元工事の様子が報道公開された。

令和元年の火災で焼失し、復元が進む首里城（那覇市）の正殿（せいでん）で12月15日、「南之廊下」の復元工事の様子が報道公開された。正殿を風雨から守っていた覆いが外され、南国の青い空の下、あでやかなが姿を現した。

内閣府沖縄総合事務局などによると、琉球王国の歴史をつなぐ正殿の復元工事は令和4年11月に着工。正殿外観の工事は完了し、今年10月末には「素屋根」と呼ばれる覆いも撤去された。今月から正殿につながる2本の廊下を復元する工事が始まっている。

正殿外観の塗装には「弁柄（べんがら）」と呼ばれる赤褐色の天然顔料が用いられ、鮮やかな朱色に塗られた正殿正面の「向拝」がより際立って見えるようになったという。向拝には極彩色の装飾も施されている。

復元工事は清水建設と地元・国場組、大米建設の共同企業体（JV）が担当。現在は正殿以外の復元作業が進む。清水建設の奥村耕治工事長は「なんとか来年秋の完成を目指し、進めている」と話した。

首里城正殿は戦前、国宝に指定されていたが、先の大戦末期に始まった沖縄戦で破壊された。昭和47年の沖縄の本土復帰後、国と県が復元整備事業に着手。復帰から20年の平成4年に完成したが、令和元年10月に全焼していた。