Around the end of the 12th century, the development of increased trade with
Song Dynasty China and other countries led to the emergence of a ruling class. Many warlords ruled over the Yaeyama Islands until the Oyake Akahachi Rebellion, led by
Oyake Akahachi, a native of Hateruma Island, brought the islands under the control of the
Ryukyu Kingdom in 1500. Although small in size,
Hateruma Island is dotted with fortification ruins and other remains believed to date from this period. One such example is Shimotabaru Castle, located on a cliff about 25 meters above sea level near Odomari Beach in the northern part of the island. Based on the discovery of Chinese
celadon ware fragments dating from the 15th to 16th centuries, Shimotabaru Castle is believed to have been built around this time, but the exact date and who built it are unknown. Shimotabaru Castle measures 150 meters east-to-west and 100 meters north-to-south. Surrounded by cliff walls made of piling coral limestone, it comprises eight enclosures. Remains of observation decks, stone chambers, wells, and other structures also remain. As it escaped damage in
World War II, the ruins are in good condition; however, it has suffered from lack of maintenance and long exposure to the tropical elements. It is about a 15-minute walk from Hateruma Port. File:2016-02-26 Shimotabaru-jou,Hateruma 下田原城・ぶりぶち公園 波照間島 DSCF2513.JPG|Near the entrance where the stone monument for "Buribuchi Park" stands. File:2016-02-26 Shimotabaru-jou,Hateruma 下田原城・ぶりぶち公園 波照間島 DSCF2549.JPG|Castle walls constructed from piled coral limestone.。 File:2016-02-26 Shimotabaru-jou,Hateruma 下田原城・ぶりぶち公園 波照間島 DSCF2565.JPG|Castle ruins covered in coral reefs and vegetation. File:2016-02-26 Shimotabaru-jou,Hateruma 下田原城・ぶりぶち公園 波照間島 DSCF2525.JPG|Castle ruins surrounded by coral stone walls. ==See also==