4 Nov

Donations have been collected at an event in the United States to help rebuild Shuri Castle in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture. The castle was destroyed by fire last week.

A group of people with links to Okinawa held an exchange event in North Carolina on Sunday. About 200 people, including immigrants from Okinawa and their families, took part.

Okinawa Prefectural Government Washington DC Office chief Osamu Unten said Okinawans were shocked by the destruction of Shuri Castle, adding they should overcome their grief and restore the beautiful castle.

Participants made donations and enjoyed Okinawan food and dancing.

T-shirts featuring an image of Shuri Castle were also on sale.

One woman from Okinawa said she was brought to tears by the fire. She said she hopes the castle will be restored soon so her children and grandchildren will be able to see it.

The leader of the community group, Toshie Cerveny, said members agreed to send donations to Okinawa. She said they will stand together to support efforts to rebuild Shuri Castle from scratch.

Nhk