Wakayama Castle, A Great Lord, Yorinobu, laid the foundation of the Kishu's prosperity
In 1619, three years after Tokugawa Ieyasu's passing, his 10th son, Tokugawa Yorinobu (1602-1671, 徳川頼宣), received 555,000 koku, equivalent to the rice crop of yield (*) and established the Kishu domain (present-day Wakayama and southern Mie Prefectures). Wakayama Castle, the Kishu Tokugawa Family's residence, was extended and constructed at the mouth of the Kino River, […]
Odawara Castle: Hojo Clan's Independence from Shogunate and People-Centered Policy
A remarkable Hojo clan, a pioneering and the final force of Sengoku Daimyo, a territorial lord in the Warring States Period (1467-1573), who reigned supreme in the Kanto region for a century-spanning five generations. Their unwavering ambition was to be independent of the vested interest of the Muromachi shogunate (1336-1573) and to safeguard the livelihoods […]
Inuyama Castle: Japan's Oldest Original Castle and the Legacy of Naruse Masanari
Discover the history of Inuyama Castle, Japan’s oldest original National Treasure castle. Explore its samurai legacy and the life of Naruse Masanari, trusted retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Osaka Castle: The Symbol of Japan’s Unification and the Rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Discover why Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, and how his political genius—not just military power—led to the unification of Japan. Explore the hidden strategy behind one of history’s greatest rises to power after Oda Nobunaga’s death.
Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu, A symbol of samurai loyalty during the Meiji restoration
Bells rang in the center of the castle town of the Aizu domain, signaling the invasion of Meiji government forces. Despite the Aizu domain's allegiance to the Tokugawa shogunate and generations of shoguns, the castle fell under incessant bombardment. This is in contrast to the shogun's residence, Edo Castle, which surrendered without bloodshed. Why did […]
Tokyo Imperial Palace: Edo Castle Ruins and the Bloodless End of the Samurai Era
Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace: Edo Castle Ruins and the Legacy of the Samurai Era
Nijo-jo Castle Watched the Rise and Fall of Tokugawa shogunate
Nijo-jo Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage and National Treasure site - is a residence of successive Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto. This stunning castle had witnessed the growth, development, fall, and eventual end of the Tokugawa shogunate. What was the final stage of the Tokugawa shogunate that Nijo-jo Castle saw? How did the last shogun, […]
Himeji Castle: The Stunning White Fortress That Broke the Enemy’s Will to Fight
Discover the hidden strategy of Himeji Castle. From Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s rise to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s rule, this stunning white fortress projected power that broke enemies’ will to fight.
Azuchi Castle, the first picturesque light-up event in Japan
The most powerful warlord, Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582, 織田信長), had a great zeal to realize a peaceful nation through his clever strategies, rationalism, and immense military power to end the Warring States Period. After seeing people’s joyful faces at the light-up event, he likely felt a deep sense of emotion and elation, realizing his lifelong ambitions […]
Why was Nagoya Castle Built? For the Iron Defense of the Tokugawa shogunate
Nagoya Castle was built by a warlord, Tokugawa Ieyasu, as a solid fortress in 1612, just two years before the Winter Siege of Osaka against the Toyotomi clan. After Ieyasu's victory, Nagoya Castle kept the western lords in check in the middle of the Tokaido road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Osaka. He was eager to […]