Hananchi

Hananchi (攀安知, d. 1416) was the third and last king of the Okinawan kingdom of Hokuzan.

He became king in 1397, upon the death of his father. He sent missions to Korea announcing his succession, and to China seeking investiture and recognition as ruler of all of Okinawa.^[1] He was the most active of all kings of Hokuzan in diplomacy and trade with China, sending 14 tribute missions.^[2]

Hananchi is said to have had great military prowess, but to have relied too much on his personal strength and skill, to the detriment of his relationship with his retainers. When his home castle of Nakijin gusuku came under attack from the armies of Shō Hashi in 1416, the attackers were kept at bay for a time, as the castle itself was quite strong. However, Hananchi was betrayed by a retainer, Motobu Taihara, who opened the gates and allowed Shō Hashi's forces in. Defeated, Hananchi committed suicide.^[2]

References

1. Kerr, George. Okinawa: The History of an Island People. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2000. p82.
2. "Hananchi." Okinawa rekishi jinmei jiten (沖縄歴史人名事典, "Encyclopedia of People in Okinawan History"). Naha: Okinawa Bunka-sha, 2002. p64.