Investigations into the history of karate

Okinawa is the island of karate. It may sound like a marketing slogan, but it is simply true. The island is home to hundreds of karate dōjō; every year, countless visitors travel to Japan’s southernmost prefecture to explore the birthplace of karate and kobudō, to train, and to immerse themselves in the history of the former Ryūkyū Kingdom, where the old masters once passed down their art from generation to generation.

Modern Okinawa is rich in memorial sites, too: graves, monuments, statues, and museums. There is truly a great deal to discover. Soon, Okinawa will gain another noteworthy attraction: the Chōjunkan, a memorial dedicated to the life and legacy of Gōjū-ryū founder Miyagi Chōjun 宮城 長順 (1888–1953), one of karate’s most influential figures. I conducted a short written interview with Miyagi Tōru, a grandson of the founder and the driving force behind the Chōjunkan project.

The driving force behind the Chōjunkan, Miyagi Toru

Please tell me a little about your family, especially about your grandfather, to whom you are now dedicating a place of remembrance.

My name is Miyagi Toru, and I am a grandson of Miyagi Chōjun, the founder of Gōjū-ryū Karatedō. I was born and raised in Naha, Okinawa, where the Miyagi family has lived for generations. I began practicing karate in the 3rd grade at Jundōkan in Asato, Naha, and continued training until high school. In my final year of high school, I became the Okinawa champion in the kata category. I did not continue competitive karate after entering university, and I did not become an instructor. After graduating from university, I worked in the banking industry for 35 years before taking early retirement. I never met my grandfather personally, as he passed away long before I was born. Everything I know about him comes from historical materials and from the accounts of people who knew him. Even so, his presence has always been strong within our family, and his name continues to be respected around the world.

Miyagi Toru paying respect to his grandfather Miyagi Chōjun

Which memories about Miyagi Chōjun have been preserved within your family that are not widely known to the public?

Since I did not meet my grandfather in person, I do not have personal memories of him. However, within the family and from people who trained under him, I often heard that he was very disciplined yet gentle, and that he strongly valued humility and sincerity in daily life. These are not new historical facts, but rather family impressions passed down from those close to him.

Miyagi Toru (right) together with his father Miyagi Ken (1931–2003)
and his mother Naoko (1936–2023)

Why are you building a memorial hall for your grandfather?

The idea for the Chōjunkan began when I relocated the Miyagi family tomb from the Urasoe Castle site cemetery to the Ryūkyū Mausoleum. This was the first time I seriously reflected on what I should preserve for future generations as a descendant. Later, in December 2024, I transferred my grandfather’s urn and related items to an indoor ossuary, and I donated the zushi (urn container) and nameplate to the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, receiving a letter of appreciation from Okinawa Prefecture. This experience further strengthened my resolve to create a place where visitors can learn about my grandfather in a respectful and organized environment. Although various materials related to Miyagi Chōjun exist, they are spread across different places and formats. There has not been a single place where visitors—especially those coming from overseas—can learn about his life and the cultural background of Okinawan karate in an accessible way. My intention is not to teach techniques or reinterpret history, but to create a calm, welcoming place where people can learn about Miyagi Chōjun as a historical figure and better understand the roots of Gōjū-ryū.

The Chōjunkan in the making (2025)

What artifacts will be exhibited at the Chōjunkan?

Chōjunkan will focus on historical introduction rather than technical instruction. Items planned for display include: Photographs of Miyagi Chōjun, selected items and materials preserved by the Miyagi family, documents and written materials related to his life, exhibits explaining the historical and cultural background of Okinawa during his time. In addition, several simple experiences will be offered, such as: Wearing a karate uniform for commemorative photos, lifting training stones, traditionally used for strength conditioning in Okinawan karate, a respectful incense-offering experience at a Buddhist altar, where a memorial tablet of Miyagi Chōjun will be enshrined, simple introductions to Japanese or Okinawan cultural traditions (depending on availability)

When do you expect the opening date to be?

The current plan is to open the Chōjunkan in January next year, depending on final preparations. Once everything is confirmed, I will make an official announcement.

What can individuals do to support the project?

There are two main ways people can support the Chōjunkan project: by sharing information, and by making a financial contribution, if they wish. We offer Stripe support options (credit card, no shipping required). We also provide PayPal support options, which are convenient for supporters worldwide (for all options see lists below).

Thank you for the conversation and good luck with the Chōjunkan! I am very much looking forward to seeing it in person.

All photos were graciously supplied by Miyagi Toru. I am profoundly thankful for this contribution and for his readiness to participate in the interview.

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Stripe Support (Credit Card / No Shipping Required)

¥5,000 – Thank-you email
¥10,000 – Thank-you + Digital Certificate

From ¥30,000 and above: your name will be displayed inside Chōjunkan (supporter wall)

¥30,000
¥50,000
¥100,000
¥300,000
¥500,000

The PayPal support links :

¥5,000
¥10,000
¥30,000
¥50,000
¥100,000
¥300,000
¥500,000

Bank Transfer (Japan domestic and international):

Okinawa Bank (0188)
Main Branch Account
Type: Ordinary Account Number: 2668927
Account Name: TSUBOYABASE (Ka)

Ryukyu Bank (0187)
Main Branch Account
Type: Ordinary Account Number: 1341127
Account Name: TSUBOYABASE (Ka)