Born a son of Shishō, the aji (local chief) of Sashiki in southern Okinawa. Okinawa was then in the Three Kingdoms period, contested by Hokuzan, Chūzan and Nanzan.
Around this time he is thought to have succeeded his father as aji of Sashiki (year debated). Short but strong and well loved, it is said; one tale has him obtaining iron to make farm tools for the people.
He overthrew Bunei, king of Chūzan, and made his father Shishō king, with Shuri as capital, and pressed trade with Ming China.
He attacked the king of Hokuzan in the north and destroyed him by taking Nakijin castle (year debated).
On his father's death Shō Hashi became king of Chūzan, said to have been granted the surname Shō by the Ming emperor. He improved Shuri Castle and laid out gardens and ponds around it.
He destroyed Nanzan in the south and united the main island of Okinawa: the founding of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.
Through entrepôt trade linking Ming China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, Ryūkyū prospered greatly; ships and goods from everywhere gathered at Naha harbor.
He died at Shuri. His dynasty was later replaced by another royal line, but the Ryūkyū Kingdom itself lasted some 450 years.
Ashikaga MotoujiShiba YoshimasaAshikaga YoshimitsuZeamiMansaiAkamatsu MitsusukeAshikaga YoshimochiAshikaga Yoshinori
People of the Muromachi period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.