織田信長の弟・有楽斎：人を動かし、茶の湯で歴史を繋いだ言葉の力
国宝茶室「如庵」を建てた織田有楽斎を解説。織田嫡流として徳川と豊臣をつないだ「和議の力」とは。天下泰平の真の立役者として生きた有楽斎の生きざまを、J-Histories代表が現代の視点で紐解きます。
Oda Urakusai and Jo-an: Moving Hearts and History Through the Power of Words and Tea
Discover how Oda Urakusai built the National Treasure Jo-an and shaped Japanese history. Explore his "power of words and harmony" from the founder of J-Histories.
Battle of Mikatagahara: How Takeda Shingen Crushed Tokugawa Ieyasu
The Battle of Mikatagahara (1572): How Takeda Shingen lured Tokugawa Ieyasu into a devastating trap, crushed his army, and came within reach of total victory—until fate intervened.
Ueda Castle: The Fortress That Repelled the Tokugawa Army Twice
In the turbulent age of the Warring States period, when warlords vied for supremacy, a genius strategist, Sanada Masayuki, who rose from the rank of an ashigaru commander to warlord, built the formidable Ueda Castle, renowned for repelling the overwhelming armies of Tokugawa not once, but twice. Masayuki was described by the unifier of the […]
Kamikura Shrine: The Firefall of Mt.Kamikura Slope, a Down Dragon
Annually, on the 6th day of January, the New Year of the lunar calendar (February 6th), for over 1,800 years, the Oto-Matsuri takes place at night as a sacred festival of Kamikura Shrine. During this festival, around 2,000 men clad in white attire rush down the 538 steps from the summit to the base of […]
Siege of Osaka: The Last of Toyotomi & Begining of Tokugawa Era
Toyotomi Hideyori, A Wise Man In 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598, 豊臣秀吉), who had risen from a peasant to become the ruler of Japan as regent, passed away, leaving behind his five-year-old son, Hideyori (1593-1615, 豊臣秀頼). In 1600, the Battle of Sekigahara broke out between Ishida Mitsunari (1560-1600, 石田三成), a loyal vassal of the Toyotomi, and […]
Kashima Jingu Shrine Enshrines the Deity of War, Takemikazuchi
Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture Enshrines the Diety of War, Takemikazuchi
Three Karamon Gates Reflect Hideyoshi's Authority as a Ruler
Kyoto is home to three national treasures: the Karamon Gates at Daitokuji Temple, Nishi-Hongwanji Temple, and Toyokuni Shrine. These gates were relocated from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s retreats, Jurakudai and Fushimi Castles. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598, 豊臣秀吉) ended over a century of warlike period in Japan. The Karamon Gates feature the distinctive Karahafu, an undulating bargeboard on the […]
Engakuji Temple: A Monument to Japan’s Victory Aginst the Mongols
Engakuji Temple, ranked second among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, is located near Kitakamakura Station. It was founded in 1282, a year after Regent Hojo Tokimune overcame two Mongol invasions, intending to protect the nation, promote Zen teachings, and mourn for all war victims on both sides. Upon entering through the Sanmon gate, […]
One-Eyed Dragon, Date Masamune: The Life, Legacy, and Beliefs of Japan's Great Samurai
Discover the story of Date Masamune, the legendary One-Eyed Dragon of Japan. Explore his beliefs, legacy, and the magnificent Zuihoden mausoleum that reflects the spirit of this great samurai.