A historical Perspective During the Reign of

CHU NO BU

(Comments Section)
Comment #1
(Shinkosen (Tribute Bearing ships)]
Tribute bearing ships is the next subject we will touch on.

The tribute-paying scheme was initiated to put money back into China's economy. Eventually this tribute paying was very popular. Okinawa and China were mainly the two partners in this venture.

It all started around the 14th century during the year 1372. This was Satsudo "O"'s beginning. This tribute paying lasted up until the 19th century during the Meiji era around the year 1874.
China at a glance during, Shoken "O"'s era during the Ming Dynasty thru to the Manchu Dynasty the administrations changed drastically. During this time Shinkonsen was almost terminated. Shinkosen were a convoy of 2 15 ships. The crews totaled no more than twenty people per ship. There were though other classes of ships that were also considered Tribute-bearing ships which at times carried a crew of seventy.
There were thoughts of combining these different ships to make one type and one fleet, and making one trip each year instead of the usual three or four. Generally during the in spring when ships left from Kyumei Shima it took a couple of days or more to reach Foochow.
One had to be prepared and armed for pirates along this route. When arriving at Foochow from Okinawa an officer from the Ryukyu Kan Ju En Eki always met the ships. The idea of having officers/guards at each point of embarkation debarkation was one of mutual consent according to the treaty signed by both China and Okinawa. This was due to safety reasons. For the sojourn expenses have to be considered for the whole crew and any national guests. This was true of the envoys. The envoys were usually military/martial arts trained who would be bearing gifts upon arrival or departure depending on who is coming and going.

When going to Peking via Foochow, Enkei, Konnei, Eishu, Genshu, Koshu, Kakyo, Soshu, Chinko, Yoshu and Seinan, required a senior envoy, vice envoy, interpreter, and write.

This culminated approximately 20 people. A portion of this journey was by water and the other portion is by land. From Konnei to Eishu the trip was by land. From Genshu to Yoshu was by waterway. It took some time to get to Peking from Japan and vice versa. Usually the ships left on the 11th or 12th of the month. Once on land in China it was about 880 (Ri) to pass thru each area, time for gift giving and then moving on.
If waterways were involved then it took considerably longer. As said before some of the tributes bearing ships were of different sizes. Some carried horse and wagons for transportation once the ship arrived to save money. Each castle province had many places of lodging and official residences. Whenever travelers arrived in either Peking or Okinawa reservations were a must at local Ryokan's.
Whenever arriving or leaving the capital it was a rule to stay for at least forty days. Usually 5 or 6 people were required to make reservations and preparations for arrival and departure. There were always people on duty at the capital gates to assist travelers as they arrived or departed if they ran into difficulties.
Paying tribute was for emperor or kings of the country being visited. The emperor of China was always having audiences with representatives or leaders from Japan, Korea, Ryukyu, Annam and Burma. Attire or dress was most important during an audience with the emperor.
After arriving and meeting the emperor while utilizing the traditional bowing methods tribute was usually in the form of the following: Sulfur (12,600 Kin), Copper (3,000 Kin), Gold Copper Alloy (1,000 Kin).
This type of presentation to the king or emperor was very important for both the audience and face. Due to the high price of some goods replacement goods were always considered. But a price was paid for the use of substitutes. The price at times was either loss of face or no audience.

During ones stay after arriving great quantities of tea, sake, candy, and silver were also presented to the emperor. The senior envoy would usually present these items. Also quantities of sheep, goose feathers were presented as conciliatory gifts. Usually a party ensued after the ceremony of tribute bearing and or gift giving.

Envoys of various levels at the outset of this ceremony also exchanged gifts. During government business talk’s envoys from each province when seeing someone off always had grand parties as customs dictate.
At Foochow and Ryukyu Castles each country left vast qualities of goods to sell to pay for freight purchases or shipments and to do this required permission from the government was required. Three people were assigned to a special group, which handled these negotiations. Normally promissory notes were issued when buying goods for shipment.

During this time many side private businesses were being negotiated from time to time, often times bypassing the bureaucratic system. The trade during the Tang Dynasty (618 907) nearly doubled making it very profitable for both sides. Tribute paying was expensive but necessary. During the Tang Dynasty the tribute established in silver for example was 402 Kamme (1 Kamme= 8 1/2 lbs).

The round trip from Foochow was expensive. Many official travelers from Peking to Foochow paid a cost of 30 Kamme. Also 50 Kamme in appreciation money was given. Individuals from small castles pay about 6 Kamme. Often times a ships repair kept a lot of people in site. Most ships weight was between 241 900 Kamme with freight. It was expensive to ship anything during this time period. Also the ships were expensive to maintain. Also when the ship had to be berthed for repair the cost for lodging went up to possibly 10 50 Kamme.

An interesting note in 1609 an Okinawan named Toshin Shi received, shipped or smuggled illegal items i.e., drugs and silk goods. Since then government officials from Yaeyama and Kyubei Shima were made inspectors who checked all shipments to ensure that no contraband was being shipped or received.

Okinawan Historical Report

Page 2 3

Chuyama Shomo Edited from the

Okinawan Historical Dictionary

Note #2 Items I, II, III

Ryukyu Castle Way Station

Shikan Ju En Eki

(Juen (C) Kyuen (J)
The above Ju/En are two old ideographs dating back to 8th century B.C. They were used in an old Chinese classic the Shi_King or (Book of Songs).
Ryukyu Shikan & Ju En Eki
More to follow in the following passages
From Naha harbor on Ryukyu to the harbor mouth in Foochow the established sea route is 480 sea miles. Most ships waited foe word of good weather and winds during any season for reasonable travel. Often after ships arrival they were escorted to tranquil waters for anchoring. There were people who watched the seasons and were the early warning weather forecasters.
Guards were also posted at selected key points for military purposes and as signalmen to alert incoming or outgoing ships of any hazardous sea conditions that may affect their departure or arrival. Various coastal ports have certain names, which indicated a good or bad passage. However, these spots changed with the seasons. Some were called soft spots and some were called difficult spots.
When taking passage to a particular place or province by ship or land each captain or leader always wondered what strange weather conditions they would encounter. Ryukyu had many questionable seasons, which Tribute Bearing Ships (TBS's) had to pass through.
When one arrived at Foochow usually the ships came into the harbor in an area known as five tigers. Minanchin and Shinminso were two other good anchoring spots. When ships departed their departure depended on many variables i.e., time of the month, hour of the day and time of the year. Each season affected each area differently.
At each port of call there were officials who had information on each ship arriving and departing. This entailed a detailed manifest of passengers, crew, and cargo.
In addition these officials were assigned as watchers for the Chinese Coastal Defense Agency (CCDA).
The new with certainty what ships were coming and going and who or what was being transported? As far as the coastal defense issue these watchers kept track of all ships to ensure they were going were they were suppose to go.
Each ship had different characteristics in relation to their cargo. This made them easy to spot. Once confirmed as to what they transport on a regular basis safe passage was approved. Ships were also checked a regular intervals to ensure maritime compliability.
There were some harbor areas that were important for coastal defense as dictated by the lords of the castles at Ryukyu and Foochow. Ships knew which ones these were and steered away from them unless in times of emergency.
Passage on ships was limited as to how many people could be transported safely and which entrance or gate they could pass according to their status. Strict limits were set because of wary coastal defense officials.
There were many directions a person could take. If in doubt there were always interpreters available to guide people or parties to their destination. This was also a must because it helped in ease of business transactions and official government business transactions.
Ryukyu had certain customs or ways they wanted dealings performed or structures built. It was the same with the Manchu's. Each living area or work building was different depending on the customs.

Both the Ryukyuan and the Manchurian guard force were trained in the military and martial arts. These guards were used as official greeters, gate guards, and or palace guards at either location. All were permitted to carry military arms for protection of their charges, personnel defense or palace security.

There were limits on the guard force through at either end. Both parties for security reasons agreed this to.
Tribute paying times at each location was also limited as to what could be brought in and in what quantity. This was especially true during the winter months.

In the beginning senior envoys and vice envoys were akin to diplomatic personnel, and were allowed unrestricted access if accompanying a party of 10 or less people. There was quite a large waiting list of people to go either to Ryukyu or Foochow.

Tribute bearers were allowed access to the following areas on their way to Peking; Enkyo Fu, Koshu Fu, Kakyo Fu, Sushu Fu, Chinko Fu, Yoshu Fu, and Sainan Fu.
From Kennei Fu and up thru to Anshu Fu was by land. From Yoshu Fu to Yamato was by open ocean sailing. From Yamato to Fukien was difficult at times because of the varied routes. Some routes could be used during different seasons and some could not.
This could cause big delays because of detours. Each captain or guide had different opinions as routes and often wrote about them and their experiences in poems.
Each tribute paying ship had 5 6 people used for messengers, or servants to set up appointments, lodging, supplies and gifts for audiences etc. The tribute bearers prior to arrival to a province to meet an emperor or leader always briefed the senior envoy.
When going by land senior envoys rode in expensive wheeled vehicles, while the tribute bearer’s follow up on horseback.
Tribute bearer’s who pass through a gate into a residence or castle will be announced by ringing a loud bell.
Tribute bearers usually had small stipends to use for traveling expenses.
Tribute bearers were allowed to have guests while staying at official residences in another country.
Tribute bearers normally stay in Foochow 2 3 days prior to following on to Peking.
The distance from Foochow to Toyama is about 6,000 Ri. The traveling time by ship from Ryukyu to Peking was about 40 days on the average. In Japan Edo was the meeting place for the emperor of China.
Usually in China in the early morning a big blue flag was flown to indicate that the emperor was ready to receive an audience.
From Chuyama the envoys tribute bearer’s usually brought gifts to the emperor in the form of gold 12,600 Kin, gold/copper 3,000 Kin, and copper 1,000 Kin.
The four countries that most had an audience with the emperor were Chosen, Ryukyu, Annam, and Menkai.
Before entering a castle both parties are to dismount and the gate and proceed by foot. Also before entering they were required to surrender their weapons and bring an offering.
Afterwards they would eat food and offer tea as conciliatory gifts, then present the present or gifts they were bearing and state their business.
This appears to be a difficult and often times a boring ceremony, but it had its purpose and was proper for that era. After the audience, the envoys party can retrieve their weapons and proceed the way they came. This was the function of the tribute bearers.
All this 1,000 years of history can be reviewed in the historical documents at the Okinawan Shobi bookstore.

Once the envoys and tribute bearer’s arrive in Foochow from Okinawa a majority of the party stays behind. Messengers and aids prepare rations, lodgings, return travel and any freight to be shipped. The logistical problem begins when there are many transactions to complete during any sojourn.

Eisho "0" Tei was founder and legitimate heir to the Ryukyu Castle for four years (no dates given). From China Safu Shi stayed at the castle in Naha. He took care of all the problems with travelers from China in reference to tribute bearing, lodging and expenses for VIP's. One of Ryukyu castles side functions was to provide as stated above aid to travelers, dignitaries and their representatives. Also strict rules were adhered to by both parties, in that the established rules were setup to control who got what and when, and who had to sign for and make good on promissory notes.
Ryukyu castle government officials also set limits on people and tribute bearing ships. Tribute bearing ships were limited to two ships with a maximum 100 to 250 people to include captain crew and guests per trip. This was set for a number of reasons, logistics, storage, and personnel accommodations.

Limits were also set out of fear that too much to soon or to often would come to Okinawa or on the Chinese side and cause problems. Trade reductions were in place to quell the influx I believe of modernization. The Ming Dynasty at that time was also in peril of being abolished. Also the Chinese thought that a reduction in trade would also be beneficial due to current and changing economic and political situations in both countries.

DAI SAN SHO

- INFORMATION ON OKINAWA AND FUKIEN PROVINCE  
During the changing times on Okinawa and in China many things were happening some are related to below.
This next narrative was taken from some larger volumes, some of which was recited or gained verbally. This involves the House of Te Do Kon.

The translation of this is in romanized version hirgana:

Te Do Kon no Daiyaku

Tau no Michi Akiwache he,

Tedo konsu, ni Hon Uchi ni

Tomyome tedo Kno no, Sato Nushi

This article also involves a man called I Ha Fu. Below are some excerpts in Katakana in reference to Te Do Kon.
The question is how are the above supposed to be read? There are a lot of vague references to this writing. It appears that Te Do Kon was a landlord during the old days. This house was of some importance and played some significant role as things developed historically. Let me try and I emphasize try to explain a little better in the next few paragraphs.
The early landlords of this new land had quite a bit of influence on how things were started and managed especially I think by the government. Let’s take a look at the Tang Dynasty as it was just starting.
Let’s see how I Ha Fu Yu Shi and Te Do Kon and their houses as China's first landlords were related and what part they played in the developing of China. Some notes on I Ha Fu Shi must be understood in order to understand what is actually transpiring during this era in an area called Sakaku Sendai. Also during this time Safusho Anshi petitioned Chuyama "0" on behalf of another individual named Satsufu Shi. This petition was to ensure he is allowed to keep his standing or class during the change of dynasties. Supposedly I Ha Fu Shi was one of the original landlords of Sakaku Sendai.
In this account included another plea to Chuyama "0" by Safusho Anshi for the home and family of Heiden Dai Hi Oku no Shi to also keep their rank or standing during the transition from Ming to the Manchu era. There was one small change however Safusho’s name was changed to Shokashi.

Historical information on Satsufu was gleaned from the Saiyama and Ryukyu areas. As was pointed out the authentic history as referred to by I Ha Fu Shi concerning Te Do Kon is scant at best.

The original petition for Satsufu Shi that was passed to messengers is still in question. Not many references are available to substantiate this request and the request for the name change for Safusho also.
During the time of Shohashi "0" which was during the Ashikaga era (1338 1573) information concerning Te Do Kon was supposedly sent from Ryukyu, however for reasons unknown this information never got back to China.
As it stands no one can actually say how the information was lost. Even today information concerning the house and lineage of Te Do Kon Dai Oku Shi is difficult to come by.
Information from the Tang and Manchu Dynasty's concerning Te Do Kon will be explained a little further. In Japan during this era Te Do Kon Dai Oku Shi's name and family were even famous on mainland Japan.
On Okinawa there are even songs sung of this famous family and their deeds. There were people within the Manchu government that also praised this family for efforts they put forth for people and businesses in this area.
Information on Shohashi "0" was that he came into power late in life and according to sources was placed into power because of several important incidents that happened on Ryukyu. Most of this information was written for informational purposes. An account as explained by I Ha Fu Shi was that the House of Te Do Kon was still active during Shohashi "O's reign. This was at the height of tribute bearing between Ryukyu and China and Japan and China and the problems that occurred with the treaty.

From the standpoint of Shohashi "O" his reign in the House of Te Do Kon was exploited and not much credit was given to their contributions to their people and country. In order to understand about this house one would have to extensive research into this family to determine what their significant contributions were.

So what can be derived from this narrative on Te Do Kon and Shohashi? What about the House of Heiden Dai Hi Oku no Shi? Just that their contributions to China and its people were significant.
The head of the Heiden House died in battle by a stray arrow it is said. Records show that the younger ascended to the leadership of this house. He was a talented 55-year-old man. He also died in battle shortly after his claim to the house. Te Do Kon was only a mere 20 years old during this time. When Te Do Kon was 35 he became founder of Ryukyu Kan. He prospered for 10 years. After this time Shohashi "0" was then legitimate heir during the 4th year, lst month, 20th day. He was 68 years old.
Shin Oku Fu Ko Han Cho

Shinko Okinawa Sennen Shi

Yuyama Kaku yori

DAI SAN SHO
- INFORMATION ON OKINAWA AND FUKIEN PROVINCE  

Part III (Ju En Eki) Ichi Mei Ryukyu Kan (One name for Ryukyu Castle)
To begin with Manchu, Mongolia, and the southern seas face all other countries. Most barbarians from faraway lands came to pacify the Chinese to gain access to shipping and the lucrative tea markets, which were just one of many areas of interest.
Most middle country ships docked at the following locations: Ningpo, Senshu, and Koshu. When ships left from Ningpo they usually went to Japan. When going to Ryukyu they usually left from Koshu. The barbarians from all countries came to trade in the area of Koshu. Eiraku managed this place during a three-year period from the year 1405. Shohashi by order of King Bunei tried to destroy this treaty between Japan and China.
They changed it so that Fukein, Setsuko, and Kwangtung were the three provinces that would be the new trading ports. The station for these three ports would be changed as follows: Fukien ships would stop at Rai En Eki, Setesuko ships would stop at An En Eki, and Kwangtung ships would stop at Kai En Eki.

In those days Fukien ships used the Senshu area quite a bit. This would continue until 1470. Also during this time Japan was embroiled in the Ojin Ran (Ojin Rebellion) for three years following 1470. After this they moved one of the ports to Foochow and its stop station was Rai En Eki.

During the first year of reign on Ryukyu by Shotoku the following 9 years were relatively problem free as far as trading goes. Ju En Eki was a popular way station at Ryukyu Kan as was the names of Foochow Nan I and Manshu Kyo. The distance between these two areas was about 3 Ri. These areas gave easy access to central China by natural roads, which at one point travelers had to go through a gate at Nankoen in order to get thru to central China. The walk along this southern gate was arduous and led to a bigger and broader street called Chuteigai.
This ran north and south into Chujiki which ran into two streets at right angles which eventually led to a mid axis point 2 Ri in diameter. These streets led eventually to Ryukyu Kan in China. Ryukyu castle was in the center of this area, which was surrounded by three other smaller castles, which had two roads for access. Each road was a main road for access to the larger castle. All this information was marked on map and was used for reference purposes.
The distance on the map indicated that the two roads were about 50 meters apart. Most of this reference information was lost after an important official died. However during present day there are according to historical records there are ruins that within show two partial roads, which led to a stone gate, which did exist. This gate was located during the year 1800 and restored as a national monument. According to certain literary texts from Kai Fu Yoha and information from ancient times

the tablet or gate in this area was designed for tribute bearers for direction. In the authors preface there is information in reference to Teijunsoku also from the imperial court Fuku Taku En Hi direction was given to Kai Fu Yoha to construct this tablet.

The tablet as was said before was made for direction purposes and to lay praise to Ju En Eki.
Along the castles paved roadway the tablets were considered monuments. Then the thoughts were when the tablets were discovered were what to do with them rebuild them, tear them down, or leave them as is. In present day they wanted to tear them down near the city, which is called Naha during the 16th year of Showa according to messr's Gikan Seichu and Taikichi Yoho to build a manufacturing factory.
Information on Ju En Eki no Daigaku was located in Naha City prefectural library in two volumes. However this information was lost during a razing during the Great War by fire. In finishing the book stated that tribute bearers and overseas traffickers used this area where the library was located. The new Okinawan Historical Information Dictionary provided information.
Chui #3 Satsu Fu Shi
According to old Ryukuan Kings since the Meiji era the Satsu Fu carried messages from the Chinese crown and was accompanied by senior and junior envoys. They brought diplomatic messages from China to Okinawa and back. The Chinese Overseas Merchants dealt a lot with the envoys on certain occasions.
There was quite a sizeable guard force in place to assist O/C/M and envoys at either end, they were primarily there for protection however, they were also used to provide support to travelers who ran into problems of any kind. They solved disputes between ships and their crews.
This information was from the Okinawan Historical Dictionary.