Okinawa, Ryukyu Kingdom, Biography 

"There is a general consensus among Okinawan historians that Saion is the most outstanding scholar-statesman of Ryukyuan history. The influence of his thought and the practical results of his economic and social policies not only brought new prosperity and stability to the society of his day, but benefitted the nation far beyond the years of his administration. The special problems of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the pre-modern period stand out in bold relief as one studies the life and administration of Saion. His writings and policies reveal much about the real political situation of Ryukyu in relation to China and Japan and about the social conditions prevailing in Okinawa during the first half of the eighteenth century"--From Preface.

Contents:
Part I: the life and times of Saion -- The historical background : the hundred years before Saion -- From indolent youth to confident salesman : a record of personal awakening -- Saion's thought : a unique Ryukyuan synthesis -- Saion's administrative policies : managing the "wild horse" -- A challenge to Saion's power : the Heshikiya affair -- Part II: translations of selected works of Saion -- The articles of instruction -- The soliloquy -- The autobiography -- Important views after waking from dreams -- Brief remarks of an old man wearing a straw raincape.

Includes bibliography and appendices.