kingdom · Korea and Japan

Chuzan

1314 CE – 1429 CE (approx.) · capital Urasoe, later Shuri

The central kingdom of 14th-century Okinawa, which opened tribute relations with Ming China and under Sho Hashi united the island as the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Origins

Chuzan emerged in central Okinawa as one of three rival kingdoms that formed in the early 14th century, the traditional date being 1314. Its early seat was Urasoe castle, and its rulers claimed descent from earlier legendary dynasties of Shunten and Eiso.

Rule and society

King Satto opened tribute relations with Ming China in 1372, gaining access to Chinese trade and receiving skilled immigrants who settled at Kume village near Naha. Chuzan traded with Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, and its kings were overlords of local aji lords in their gusuku castles. In 1406 Sho Shisho and his son Sho Hashi overthrew King Bunei and moved the capital to Shuri.

Decline and legacy

Sho Hashi conquered Hokuzan in 1416 and Nanzan in 1429, uniting Okinawa as the Ryukyu Kingdom, whose kings kept the title King of Chuzan in their dealings with China.

Lineage

ChuzanRyukyu Kingdom 1429 CE – 1872 CE

Connections (3)

  • Chuzan paid tribute to Ming Empire1372 CE – 1429 CE
  • Hokuzan was conquered by Chuzan1416 CE
  • Nanzan was conquered by Chuzan1429 CE

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Chuzan. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/chuzan
MLA
“Chuzan.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/chuzan. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Chuzan.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/chuzan.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Chuzan’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/chuzan (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻