Iconic Red Exterior of Shuri Castle’s Main Hall Seen for 1st Time in 6 Years; Partial Removal of Scaffolding Allows Glimpses of Building in Mid-Restoration

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:47 JST, October 3, 2025

NAHA — Part of the scaffolding protecting the Seiden main hall of Naha’s Shuri Castle — which has been undergoing restoration work after it burned down in 2019 — was removed recently, revealing the hall’s vibrant red exterior.

Restoration of the hall’s exterior is nearly complete, and work is now underway to paint the interior and prepare a pair of stone pillars, known as the Great Dragon Pillars, to be installed at the front of the hall, according to the Cabinet Office’s Okinawa General Bureau. Work is scheduled to be completed in autumn next year.