Shō Eki

Shō Eki (尚 益, 1745 – 1768) was a member of the Ryukyu royal family, belonging to the Second Shō Dynasty. He held the title of Prince of Tomigusuku (富盛王子).

Shō Eki was the fourth son of King Shō Boku and is known primarily for his role in a historical incident. In 1768, the Amami Islands, then part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, experienced a severe famine. Shō Eki, along with other members of the royal court, advocated for increased aid to the suffering islanders. His efforts highlight the complexities and challenges faced by the Ryukyu Kingdom in governing its far-flung territories under the watchful eye of Satsuma Domain, Japan. While records of his life are relatively sparse, Shō Eki's involvement in the Amami famine relief efforts provides a glimpse into the internal politics and humanitarian concerns of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the 18th century.