Soo

Soo lies in eastern Ōsumi, where inland plains lead toward the harbour of Shibushi. In the Middle Ages the port served the vast Shimazu estate, whose lands extended across Ōsumi, Satsuma and Hyūga. Shimazu Ujihisa, who held Shibushi Castle, sent an envoy to Ming China in 1374. Imported objects found at the castle recall the maritime connections that linked this southern coast with China and Southeast Asia.