MALAY KERIS AT ENKAKUJI TEMPLE , OKINAWA

Prof. Dr. Kurayoshi Takara, a leading historian and professor emeritus at the University of the Ryukyus, has indeed been a central figure in identifying the keris blade discovered at Enkakuji Temple in Okinawa as a significant link to the Kingdom of Malacca.

Here is a breakdown of the discovery and Prof. Takara's insights:

1. The Discovery (1989)

The keris was not actually found on the seabed, but rather buried on the grounds of Enkakuji Temple (the family temple of the Ryukyu kings) near Shuri Castle during restoration work in 1989.

• The Artifact: It is a wavy (luk) steel blade measuring approximately 22.1 cm.
• Context: It was found inside a porcelain pot alongside other ritual offerings, including a gold-plated door hinge and a plate depicting a dragon boat.
• Condition: The wooden hilt and sheath had rotted away, leaving only the metal blade.

2. Prof. Kurayoshi Takara’s Assessment

Prof. Takara has conducted extensive research into the Rekidai Hōan (the official diplomatic records of the Ryukyu Kingdom), which document vibrant trade and diplomatic exchanges between the Ryukyu Kingdom and Southeast Asia.

• The Malacca Connection: Prof. Takara has stated his belief that the keris likely originated from Malacca. He points to the fact that Ryukyuan trading vessels (junks) made at least 10 official voyages to Malacca between 1463 and 1511.
• Diplomatic Gifts: Because the keris was found at a royal temple in a ritual context, Takara suggests it was not a mere trade item but a tribute or diplomatic gift from the Sultan of Malacca to the King of Ryukyu.

3. Historical Significance

The presence of this keris is physical proof of the "Golden Age of Maritime Trade" in the 15th century.

• Letters from Malacca: The Rekidai Hōan contains letters from the "Laksamana" (Admiral) of Malacca to the Ryukyuan court. Some Malaysian historians, such as Dr. Hashim Musa, have even hypothesized that these letters may have been sent by the legendary Hang Tuah, and that the Enkakuji keris might have been part of the gifts mentioned in those correspondences.
• Cultural Exchange: At the time, Malacca was a global hub for spices and "nipah wine," while Ryukyu provided porcelain, silk, and sulfur from China and Japan.

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Comparison of the Kingdoms (15th Century)

Feature	Kingdom of Ryukyu	Kingdom of Malacca
Location	Okinawa, Japan	Malay Peninsula
Primary Role	Maritime Middleman (East Asia)	Maritime Hub (SE Asia/Indian Ocean)
Key Artifact	Shuri Castle / Enkakuji Temple	The Keris (found in Okinawa)
Records	Rekidai Hōan	Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals)

While the Rekidai Hōan (Precious Documents of Successive Generations) contains numerous records of the Ryukyu Kingdom's diplomatic relations, specific letters detailing the exchange of gifts between the King of Ryukyu and the Sultan of Malacca are found in Volume 39 and Volume 42 of the collection.

Prof. Kurayoshi Takara and other historians highlight the following key letters and gift exchanges:

1. Letter from the Sultan of Malacca to the King of Ryukyu (1480)

One of the most famous letters in the Rekidai Hōan is a response from the Sultan of Malacca (believed to be Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah) to King Shō Shin of Ryukyu.

The Message: The Sultan acknowledges the arrival of the Ryukyuan envoys and expresses a desire for continued friendship and trade.

The Gifts from Malacca: The Sultan sent high-value items typical of the region, including:

• Calambac (High-grade Aloeswood): A rare and precious incense wood.
• Tin: A major export of the Malaccan Empire.
• Nipah Wine: Mentioned as a luxury beverage for the Ryukyuan court.

2. Letter from the Laksamana (Admiral) of Malacca (1481)

There is a specific letter sent by the Laksamana of Malacca to the Ryukyuan court officials.

• Historical Theory: Some Malaysian scholars hypothesize that this "Laksamana" could have been the legendary Hang Tuah, as the dates align with his service to the Sultanate.
• Gifts Mentioned: The exchange included "fine local products" and potentially weapons, which supports the theory that the Enkakuji keris was a formal diplomatic gift from this period.

3. Gifts from the King of Ryukyu to Malacca

In return for the Sultan's hospitality, the King of Ryukyu sent cargo that reflected his role as a middleman for China and Japan:

• Porcelain and Silk: Sourced from China.
• Japanese Swords and Fans: Highly prized items from Japan.
• Sulfur: A critical ingredient for gunpowder, which was a major trade commodity for the Ryukyuans.

Summary of the Correspondence Period

The Rekidai Hōan records at least 10 official diplomatic missions between Ryukyu and Malacca during the "Golden Age" of the 15th century (specifically between 1463 and 1511). These records are significant because they provide a rare, non-Western contemporary account of the Malaccan Sultanate's diplomatic sophistication before the Portuguese conquest in 1511.

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5/1/2026: 11.50 p.m