Ueekata

For people named Ueekata, see Ueekata (surname).

For the sumo term with the same kanji, see oyakata.

Ueekata (親方),^[1] in the Okinawan language, was the highest rank in the yukatchu aristocracy of the former Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa, Japan), though it was still below the aji nobility. Members of the Council of Three (三司官, Sanshikan), a very high-ranking governmental body, were chosen from among the ueekata.

Ueekata rank was generally obtained as the last step in a progression from shii (子) rank to satonushi (里之子), then to peekumi (親雲上), and finally to ueekata. As with other Ryukyuan aristocratic titles, a member would often be referred to by their title, along with an associated placename. For example, royal government official Tei Dō (1549-1611) is equally well known by the title Jana Ueekata, or "ueekata of Jana," Jana (謝名) being an area (specifically, an azana) within what is today the city of Ginowan, Okinawa.

Holders of ueekata rank wore purple hachimachi headbands, the color being a symbol of rank.

Notes

1. The same kanji (親方) are pronounced oyakata in Japanese, in which the term is used in a variety of contexts with meanings roughly corresponding to "master." For example, in sumo, the term is used to refer to coaches.

References

• "Ueekata." Okinawa konpakuto jiten (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo (琉球新報). 1 March 2003. Accessed 5 January 2009.