Surrounded by coral stone walls and topped with a red tile roof, this wooden structure is an excellent example of a traditional home in Izena Village.

The settlement of Jitchaku on Izena Island has retained many of its traditional coral stone walls, which exemplify the sea’s abundance.

This residence stands out among the traditional homes on Izena Island, and it has come to serve as a symbol of the community.
The Nashiro family held some of the top positions within the village administration.

During the Meiji era (1868–1912), they held the key position of shui ufuyaku . Shui ufuyaku were the equivalent of deputy village chiefs and would assist the jitodai (village chief) with their work at the bansho (village office). The Nashiro family also served as village and ward councilors during the Taisho and Showa eras (1912–1989).

This illustrious history suggests that the family was relatively well-off within the village.
Traditional Okinawa details are present throughout the interior and exterior of the former Nashiro Residence.

The residence was built facing south and has a low-pitched hipped roof that lends it a dignified appearance.A traditional amahaji canopy shields the building from harsh sunlight, and the floor plan is relatively open.

The rooms are arranged from east to west: the ichibanza (first room), the nibanza (second room), and the sanbanza (third room). The sanbanza was reserved for members of the warrior and propertied classes. Each room would have an uraza (back room) directly behind it.

Typically, the nibanza would be a single room containing a Buddhist altar. However, this house divides the nibanza into two rooms, one of which contains a Buddhist altar. The back of the decorative panel beneath the Buddhist altar bears the inscription “Meiji 38” (1905). This suggests the former Nashiro Family Residence was constructed around this time.