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The envoys sent by the Chinese emperor to enthrone kings of tributary countries. The Sapposhi came to the Ryukyus 22 times, beginning in the time of King Bunei (1404) and continuing until the time of the last king, Sho Tai (1866). The duties of the Sapposhi were to perform the ritual ceremony to deify the former king and continue with the Sappo ceremony to enthrone the new King of the Ryukyus. The party consisted of a Chief and his deputy-envoy, along with several hundred people, and it is said that they usually stayed for about half a year. There were literary men, technical experts and calligraphers in the party, and this largely effected the development of Ryukyu culture. The event in which they were entertained was called the Ukansen event, and most of Okinawa's proud performing arts found today were created as a part of this welcoming.
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