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To-te Sakugawa.

Alternative suppositions suggest that Sakugawa was first sent to Yaeyama while still in his thirties to became the chief registrar of the island. This theory maintains that because of his accomplishments in Yaeyama, he received the name “Sakugawa of Nakagusuku District.” If this were true, then it would seem that Teruya changed his family name to Sakugawa in his thirties rather than in his fifties. However, I feel more secure supporting the evidence from the official records of Yaeyama, than trusting folklore.

Sakugawa Kantei’s information also revealed that Kanga was born across the lane from Kougibo Sokuhoku’s home, the residence which once faced Osumiza Street, in Shuri, between Torihori and Akata. However, all that remains of that district these days is an empty space used as a parking lot.

The birthplace of To-te Sakugawa.

Shortly before the Americans returned control of Okinawa to Japan, I heard about an old man from Shuri’s Ishimine district by the name of Sakugawa who knew many stories about To-te Sakugawa. One day, together with my student, Shinjo Kiyoshi, I visited Sakugawa’s house.