Urakusai: Nobunaga's Brother and the Samurai Tea Master Who Created Jo-an
Who was Urakusai (有楽斎 / Oda Nagamasu), Oda Nobunaga’s brother and a samurai tea master? Discover the story behind Jo-an (如庵), a National Treasure tea room, and his philosophy. 書籍でさらに詳しく解説。
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 Diety 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 of Karamon Gates at Daitokuji Temple, Nishi-Hongwanji Temple, and Toyokuni Shrine. These gates were relocated from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s retreats, JUrakusaidai 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.
Cherry Blossoms and Red Leaves at Hakodate Goryokaku Fort
Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭) is Japan’s first western-style star fort located in Hakodate. The view from the top of the observatory, situated 90 meters above the ground of Goryokaku Park Tower, offers a truly spectacular sight. The iconic five-star shape, filled with approximately 1,600 cherry blossom trees in spring and adorned with vibrant autumn leaves in […]