The great Okinawan statesman Saion was born and raised in Kume Village. He developed an interest in Feng Shui during his boyhood and made a detailed study of its precepts. During his stay in Fujian, he studied under Feng Shui master Ryusai and was given a compass and Feng Shui books.

In 1713, Saion made a Feng Shui survey of Shuri Castle and Sogenji, as well as Tamaudun and other royal tomb sites. This and a survey made as the basis for national land-use planning survive. These surveys indicated that Shuri Castle in particular was ideally located from the Feng Shui point of view, so there was clearly no need to move the capital.

In 1728 Saion became a State Minister. During his 24-year tenure, he made innumerable outstanding contributions to the country's well-being and development. In addition to carrying out a comprehensive land survey, he also developed farming techniques, improved flood control, fostered the protection and development of forest lands and encouraged commerce and industry.

Feng Shui principles were prominent in Saion's policies, especially with regard to farming practices.

It was forbidden to cut trees in "pathway forests," "village protection forests," and "Feng Shui foci" that were important locations in Feng Shui. Preserving these places fostered protection of the natural environment.

With policies like these, Saion set the Ryukyu Kingdom on a firm basis as a Feng Shui polity.