HISTORY OF LIFE
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Cave of Life, Two Miracles
The first miracle is tied to the
Nakijin King legend.
At the site said to have saved the king,
the quiet air holds the memories of Ryukyu,
and ancient stories are etched into the stalactites.
The second miracle occurred during
World War II.
"Nuchishinuji" protected people's lives amid the flames of war.
Not a single evacuee lost their life,
and all survived.
This event remains a cherished memory passed down to this day.
The First Miracle
Nakijin King Legend
During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, the prince of Nakijin Castle (the Nakijin King) nearly lost his life due to civil strife.
It is said that by hiding in this cave at that time,
he was saved.
Since then, this place has been passed down as "the cave that protected life,"
where, in the stillness, the memories of Ryukyu and
the tales of antiquity continue to breathe.
STORY - 01
Salvation and a fateful encounter marked
the beginning of a new history
During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, the prince of Nakijin Castle (Iha Anji) was on the verge of death amid internal conflict. While hiding in this cave, he was rescued by a local woman, and the two are said to have later married. He subsequently built Iha Castle and began to carve out a new chapter of history. To this day, this cave quietly tells the story as "the miraculous place that saved a life."
STORY - 02 The path to building Iha Castle
"Iha Anji" is the title adopted by the Prince of Nakijin—descendant of the ruler of Hokuzan (the Northern Kingdom) and later known as the first Iha Anji—when he built Iha Castle in Misato Magiri Iha (present-day Iha, Ishikawa, Uruma City, Okinawa) and became its lord. Thereafter, his successors who ruled the same castle also bore this title. Backed by vigorous trade, the lineage expanded its influence across central Okinawa Island. When Sho Hashi succeeded to the position of Aji of Sashiki and later founded the Ryukyu Kingdom, the first Iha Anji served as his guardian. After the first lord's daughter married Sho Hashi as a consort, the Iha Anji family formed kinship ties and, together with Sho Hashi, fought across various regions to help unify the Three Kingdoms (Hokuzan, Chuzan, and Nanzan).
The Second Miracle
Nuchishinuji During World War II
In the midst of World War II,
approximately 300 residents sheltered here for about three months.
Despite the fighting, there were
no combat-related casualties; every life was protected.
During the evacuation, two babies were born in this very place.
Remembered as "Nuchishinuji — the cave where life was preserved,"
this story is still passed down today.
STORY - 01 Courage safeguarded 300 lives.
During World War II, roughly 300 residents took refuge in this cave for about three months. One day, American soldiers surrounded the cave entrances and called on the people inside to surrender. Frozen with fear, no one could respond. At that moment, the village head, Mr. Seiken Yamashiro, resolved to step forward and surrender. Spurred by his decision, all the residents became prisoners of war, and not a single person was lost to combat. Moreover, during the months of refuge, two babies were born here. The cave has since been remembered as "Nuchishinuji — the cave where life was preserved," and the miracle continues to be told today.
STORY - 02 Two lives that carried the future forward
Amid a harsh life of evacuation shrouded in darkness, two babies were born in this cave. Their first cries rang out through the wartime gloom, bringing light to hearts weighed down by fear and despair. The birth of new life gave hope and courage, becoming a symbol of the miracle that saw everyone survive. This event is still told today as part of "the cave where life was preserved," passing on the preciousness of life to the future.
