Private House of Amami
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- Private House of Amami
Private House in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima ― Differences from that in Okinawa
The model of the private house in Amami is a private house in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is generally characterized by two buildings with a main house and a kitchen [Togura] separated.
The main house had an [Omote], a guestroom, in the front, and a [Nesho], a bedroom, in the back. A partition was placed at the center of the [Nesho] later, so, there are 3 rooms in total. The main house and the kitchen [Togura] are connected by a walkway [Toima, Kayoi]. A floor is laid in the [Togura], and an oven is set in the western side. It is a place for cooking and eating meals.
In other private houses in Native Okinawa Village, the alcove in Okinawa is set up in the east side, corresponding to the upper seat (Ichibanza) and facing the south. However, the alcove [Toko] in this private house (as well as the ancestor shelf) is set up in the east side and faces the west. This is one different point from Okinawa style layouts.
The [Romaji notation] listed here are dialects of Amami.
History of Amami Islands
In parallel with the ancient world – Amami Period [Amanyu]
From the Jomon Era, the culture was based on fishing. In the 7th to 8th centuries, the Ritsuryo system is formed in Japan. Around this time, the Amami Islands were called the “southern islands,” and tributes were made.
Middle Ages – Aji Period [Ajiyu]
Late 10th Century - 13th Century: Amami Islands were called Kikaigashima. Trading of great green turbans and bischofia (timbers) between “Kikaigashima” and the main land of Japan was conducted. Agricultural culture and ironware culture also spread.
Ryukyu Kingdom Era Naha Period [Nahan-yu]
After the birth of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Naha became under the rule of the Ryukyu Kingdom in around the middle of the 15th century. Features of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s administrative organization, such as Magiri (administrative units, similar to prefectures) and Noro were adopted.
Satsuma Domain Rule Era: Yamato Period [Yamatoyu] 1609: After Satsuma invaded in the Ryukyu Kingdom, part of the Kingdom was ceded to Satsuma Clan.
Meiji, Taisho, Showa era
Meiji Era: Satsuma Domain becomes Kagoshima Prefecture and former territories, including the Amami Islands, were taken over.
United States Military Occupation Era America Period [Amerikayu]
1945-1953: After the war, it was occupied and ruled by the US military and returned to Japan in 1953 (Showa 28).
The main house had an [Omote], a guestroom, in the front, and a [Nesho], a bedroom, in the back. A partition was placed at the center of the [Nesho] later, so, there are 3 rooms in total. The main house and the kitchen [Togura] are connected by a walkway [Toima, Kayoi]. A floor is laid in the [Togura], and an oven is set in the western side. It is a place for cooking and eating meals.
In other private houses in Native Okinawa Village, the alcove in Okinawa is set up in the east side, corresponding to the upper seat (Ichibanza) and facing the south. However, the alcove [Toko] in this private house (as well as the ancestor shelf) is set up in the east side and faces the west. This is one different point from Okinawa style layouts.
The [Romaji notation] listed here are dialects of Amami.
History of Amami Islands
In parallel with the ancient world – Amami Period [Amanyu]
From the Jomon Era, the culture was based on fishing. In the 7th to 8th centuries, the Ritsuryo system is formed in Japan. Around this time, the Amami Islands were called the “southern islands,” and tributes were made.
Middle Ages – Aji Period [Ajiyu]
Late 10th Century - 13th Century: Amami Islands were called Kikaigashima. Trading of great green turbans and bischofia (timbers) between “Kikaigashima” and the main land of Japan was conducted. Agricultural culture and ironware culture also spread.
Ryukyu Kingdom Era Naha Period [Nahan-yu]
After the birth of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Naha became under the rule of the Ryukyu Kingdom in around the middle of the 15th century. Features of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s administrative organization, such as Magiri (administrative units, similar to prefectures) and Noro were adopted.
Satsuma Domain Rule Era: Yamato Period [Yamatoyu] 1609: After Satsuma invaded in the Ryukyu Kingdom, part of the Kingdom was ceded to Satsuma Clan.
Meiji, Taisho, Showa era
Meiji Era: Satsuma Domain becomes Kagoshima Prefecture and former territories, including the Amami Islands, were taken over.
United States Military Occupation Era America Period [Amerikayu]
1945-1953: After the war, it was occupied and ruled by the US military and returned to Japan in 1953 (Showa 28).