After more than 450 years of trade and cultural relations with China, Japan has produced a unique heritage of its own, the Kingdom of Ryukyu. Shurijo Castle was the center of the kingdom's politics, economy, and culture. __47__ The “administrative sphere" was centered on the forecourt. It was composed of several buildings—Seiden, Nanden/Bandokoro complex, Hokuden, and others. __48__ Political and ceremonial activities involving the King himself also took place here. Many religious sites around the administrative sphere, foremost among them the largest Kyo-no-uchi, made up the “sacerdotal sphere." __49__ On the sacred sites, priestesses prayed for the prosperity of the royal family, safe sea voyages, and good harvests. __50__ Here lived the King and his family along with their many female attendants. Men were strictly forbidden to enter this area. The Ouchibara was a private space where women ruled. 【題組】48 (A)The kingdom officials worked in the sphere. (B)The castle can be thought of as comprising three main spheres, divided according to function. (C)Dances created during the Ryukyu Kingdom period to celebrate the arrival of the Sappushi were called court dances. (D) This gate was normally for daily use, but when a king died, his successor entered through it to receive the crown.