【National Designation：Historic Site】Sakishima Islands Hibanmui “Tomibansho (Lookout)” Karimata Tomi

Five (5) locations in Miyakojima City (Ikema, Karimata, Shimajiri, Kurima, Uruka)
These sites are lookouts points that functioned as observation and reporting (using beacon fire) stations, watching over the maritime traffic. They were established by the Ryukyu government controlled under the Satsuma Clan during the Edo period, during the time when the nation was closed to the outside world in 1644. Located at the westernmost point in the Ryukyu Archipelago, the Sakishima Islands directly face the tensions in the East China Seas, and therefore, these lookouts are significant sites as they complete the closure of the nation at the time from the outside world.

Located atop a hill behind the Karimata settlement, the lookout has a column-shaped stone compass, or Peiisu (pronounced pee-isu) set here. Until the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912), the lookout site remained in Karimata (approximately 10m2, which included the walls, piled stones and roof tiles). The main function of this lookout was to oversee national ships going to and from Okinawa Island, and to search and discover derelict ships, and it played a broad role in guarding the waters of this area. According to lore, the lookout was manned on rotation day and night, and once the men on guard spotted at ship, they would immediately report to the Bunmya, or the village guard. Sokatsu and Yusazu officials were stationed at the Bunmya, and when they received notice of a ship, they sent farmers as Pyatsukai or messengers to the general overseer in charge.