The Mekaru Family Residence is one of the most important historic structures on Izena Island. It once served as the home of the Mekaru family, who were blood relatives of King Shō En (1415–1476).

The Mekaru family held a privileged status during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The royal court guaranteed their social standing, appointing them to the position of bujito (deputy to the village chief) on a hereditary basis and providing them with a generous stipend.
The Mekaru Family Residence is the ancestral home of an aristocratic family descended from an uncle of King Shō En. It is an important historic landmark of Izena Island.

The Mekaru family held the position of bujito in the Ryukyu Kingdom, passing the post down from one generation to the next. Bujito were usually selected from among the peasantry and served fixed terms as deputies to the jitodai (equivalent to a village headman).

The Mekaru, however, were specially appointed to this position by the royal government on a hereditary basis, effectively securing their status as blood relatives of the royal family. As such, the family was not responsible for the administrative tasks that would usually come with such a position.

Despite their official position of bujito, the family was recognized as members of the warrior class. This marked the Mekaru as a family of good pedigree within the kingdom.
The Mekaru Family Residence also functioned as a center of administration and culture on Izena Island and embodies the local governance that underpinned the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The layout of the residence reflects Ryukyuan architectural principles and social hierarchy of the time .

The entrance is shielded by a hinpun wall. This architectural feature blocks the line of sight into the building, offering some privacy and warding off evil spirits.

The main building has a red tile roof. On the right, there is a tatami room reserved for receiving guests (zashiki). On the left, there is a detached stable for livestock.

This configuration is typical for the residences of warriors in the Ryukyu Kingdom .
Upon entering the gates, one is immediately comes face to face with what is known as a hinpun wall. This wall was built for privacy and protection from malevolent spirits.

The red roof tiles were a symbol of the warrior class. The building’s layout clearly separates spaces used for official business from those used for daily life and agriculture, indicating the dual purpose of the residence.
The current building is a reconstruction from 1906. It is one of the few buildings that escaped the ravages of the Second World War, and it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1977. It remains in use today.

The Mekaru Family Residence is a valuable piece of architecture that offers a detailed glimpse into the regional administration and warrior culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.