Shigemajo Ward

Section of Nakijin Castle where the king's most trusted warriors are believed to have lived. Its position protected the rear gate, which provided the only access down the steep slope to the Shigema River below, the castle's main water source. Excavations in 1981 turned up large quantities of broken Ming-dynasty ceramics alongside arrowheads and weapons, suggesting both wealth and military occupation. So much fine imported Chinese pottery was found across the site that it may have been considered nearly disposable, pointing to the kingdom's strong trade ties with China. Legend holds that when the castle fell in 1416, it was through a betrayal at this very gate.