University of the Ryukyus

The ceremony for the presentation of the University of the Ryukyus’ original shiisaa and a letter of appreciation for their creator

The University of the Ryukyus’ original shiisaa, which were designed by honorary Prof. Sadao Nishimura, were completed, and the ceremony for their formal presentation was held on Thursday, June 9, 2011, in the office support center on the first floor of the main administration building.

Since the University of Hawaii and the University of the Ryukyus concluded academic exchange agreements in 1988, both universities have conducted numerous research, educational, and other exchanges. These shiisaa were made to celebrate the opening of the Okinawa Research Center at the University of Hawaii, which was established in 2008. The International Okinawa Research Center was established at the University of the Ryukyus in 2009. This shiisaa project was begun with a view towards furthering both universities’ cooperation and research related to Okinawa.

Three shiisaa were presented at the ceremony, a big one, a medium one, and a small one. The big shiisaa will be presented to the University of Hawaii. Honored Prof. Nishimura designed his original shiisaa based on extensive research about Okinawan shiisaa and also took into consideration the history and regionality of this university. The two additional shiisaa were donated to the University of the Ryukyus.

After the public announcement, an appreciation ceremony was held. During this ceremony, Prof. Iwamasa, the university president, presented a letter of appreciation to Prof. Nishimura, who had readily consented to a request to create the shiisaa.

Greeting by Prof. Nishimura

I give thanks to President Iwamasa and everyone involved for giving me the chance to make the Ryukyu Daigaku original shiisaa. I am honored to be their creator.

Okinawans’ relationship with shiisaa is special, and I think that shiisaa are becoming established as a symbol of Okinawa. The purpose of shiisaa is to protect a location from all disasters, bring happiness, and send out message of peace. Shiisaa are set up on the roof of house, a gate, a public building or street, in living spaces, with great consideration for the direction they face. I believe that the University of the Ryukyus has considered these things and made a plan that shiisaa are a messenger of friendship, peace, and wisdom to Asia and the world.

I have been studying the progression of shiisaa, which were made during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, to stucco shiisaa, and also compared Okinawan shiisaa with ones in other parts of Asia, including China. When I participated in the reconstruction of the Shuri Castle main building, I searched for the relationship between the Chinese-style figure of a lion and a pair of guardian dogs, and I formed a clear view of typical Okinawa shiisaa. As a result of this, I came up with the form for the University of the Ryukyus’ original shiisaa.

Today, I had the opportunity for a formal presentation ceremony under current University President Iwamasa and everyone involved, and this is significant for the shiisaa, I believe. Thank you very much.

Honored Prof. Nishimura (left) and University President Iwamasa