One of Okinawa’s most spectacular ruins, Katsuren Castle, will be lit up next week as the start of the Kimutaka Culture Festival. The lights festooning the old hilltop fortification will be turned on next Saturday October 14 and for every night until the Sunday of the following weekend. At 5.30 p.m.on Saturday October 21 and Sunday October 22 the Culture Festival opens and a stage performance begins at 6.30 p.m. The festival commemorates a 15th century peasant, Amawari, who rose to become Lord of Katsuren Castle. Becoming powerful through international trade, Amawari attacked Nakagusuku Castle in 1458 and killed its Lord Gosamaru. He plotted to take over the whole island of Okinawa and usurp the power of the King at Shurijo Castle. This plan did not succeed and history is divided over whether he was a brave warrior or a treacherous rebel. For more information on the festival phone 098 978 2227.
