First of all, let’s understand the translation of Muchimi. It comes from the word “mochi” (餅), which means (sticky) rice cake. In standard Japanese, it is pronounced “mochimi,” while in Okinawan, it is pronounced, “muchimi.” Imagine sticky rice that can be pounded into a thick paste—it’s dense and clings to everything it touches. In karate, […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Hierarchy in the Ryukyu Kingdom – A Complex Caste System. The Ryukyu Kingdom, a historical gem situated in the captivating landscapes of what is now Okinawa, Japan, was characterized by a meticulously structured social hierarchy known as the Ryukyuan Caste System. This intricate system, in place for centuries, assigned specific roles, privileges, and distinctions to […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
The families from Min, known as the 36 families from Min (閩人三十六姓), were sent to the Ryukyu Islands (modern-day Okinawa) under the orders of the Ming Chinese Emperor. These families hailed from the Min region of Fujian Province in southern China. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Ming Emperor recognized the strategic importance of maintaining […]