| Sho Tai (1843-1901), the last king of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. He ascended to the throne in 1848 when he was six years old and ruled for 34 years. In 1850, he made the final obligatory procession to Edo (Tokyo). In 1866 he welcomed the final visit of Chinese investiture envoys. In 1872 he was made 'King of the Ryukyu Domain' by the Meiji government. In 1879 he was forced to abdicate by enforcement of the "Dissolution of the Domains and Establishment of the Prefectures" edict issued by the Meiji government. . Forced to leave Shurijo Castle, he was ordered to live in Tokyo. At 59, he died of illness. He was interred in Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum in Shuri. Photograph: Naha City |
