Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle (Japanese:首里城 Shuri jō, Okinawan: 首里城 Shui gushiku) is a Ryūkyūan castle on Okinawa Island in Shuri, Okinawa (now part of Naha). It was the last capital of Chūzan and the capital of Ryūkyū until 1872. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History
Shuri Castle was built in the Gusuku Period. During the reign of Shō Shiso, the capital of Chūzan was moved to Shuri from Urasoe Castle. It remained the capital of the Rūkyū Kingdom. It was burned down in 1453 during a succession dispute and soon rebuilt. Shuri Castle was captured during an invasion in 1609 by Satsuma Domain. In 1872, Emperor Meiji of Japan declared Ryūkyū to be a Domain of Japan, and changed the King's title to "Domain head"; the capital was then moved to Naha. It became an army barracks after Ryūkyū was annexed by Japan in 1879. In 1945, it was used as a Japanese HQ and was completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa. The University of Ryūkyū was built on the site, but was later moved. In 1991, the castle was rebuilt.

In popular culture
Shuri Castle is attacked and destroyed by U.S. Marines in the game Call of Duty: World at War.