Matsusaka Castle: The Legacy of Martial, Scholarly, and Economic Talent of Gamo Ujisato
Gamo Ujisato (1556-1595, 蒲生氏郷) was a military commander of remarkable skill, both in martial arts and scholarship, who won the admiration of Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582, 織田信長) and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598, 豊臣秀吉), during the Warring States period (1467-1573). Known not only for his military expertise, Ujisato also excelled in economic policy and was celebrated as a […]
Komaki and Nagakute Battlefield, Ieyasu's Strategy Toward Victory
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-16161, 徳川家康) laid the foundation for the 260-year Edo period (1603-1868) after a lifetime of numerous battles. His victory at the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute was later celebrated in the words of historian Rai Sanyo: "Ieyasu's power as a ruler of Japan was not the victory of the Siege of Osaka or […]
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, 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 […]
Nikko Toshogu Shrine – The Sacred Intersection Where Tokugawa Ieyasu Guards Japan Beyond Death
Discover why Nikko Toshogu Shrine was chosen as Tokugawa Ieyasu’s eternal stronghold—at the sacred crossroads linking Mount Fuji and Edo, guarding Japan beyond death.
Kenrokuen, a Scenic Garden, the Maeda Clan's Survival Strategy
Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa is a symbol of Maeda Toshiie, Toshinaga, and Toshitsune, the great lords who protected Kaga's one million koku domain against the Tokugawa Shogunate. Thier strategy was brilliant.
Okehazama Battlefield: Genius, Nobunaga's Victory
"Charge!, Charge!" Oda Nobunaga ordered the fierce charge to his elite troops on the headquarters of Imagawa Yoshimoto. On May 19, 1560, a pivotal event occurred in Japanese history as Imagawa Yoshimoto was defeated by 2,000 elite troops commanded by Oda Nobunaga.
The Battle of Nagashino and Shitaragahara
On May 21, 1575, the decisive battle at Nagashino and Shitaragahara began between Takeda Katsuyori’s forces (1546-1582, 武田勝頼), numbering 15,000 forces, and the 38,000-strong allied forces of Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582, 織田信長) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616, 徳川家康). The Takeda forces charged towards the 2-km-long fence constructed by the allies. For nine relentless hours, the Takeda forces […]
Myokakuji Temple, Nobunaga's Innovative Venue for Tea Ceremonies
Oda Nobunaga held his tea ceremonies at Myokakuji Temple, his lodging during his stay in Kyoto. Here, Nobunaga and Sen no Rikyu met. The two innovators began to resonate with each other in their rational minds. Nobunaga appointed Rikyu as the tea master for the tea ceremony held at Myokakuji Temple in 1573. Encounter between […]
Hamamatsu Castle, Ieyasu's Journey of Building a Peaceful Era
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616, 徳川家康) was freed from his hostage of Imagawa Yoshimoto (1519-1560, 今川義元) defeated at the Battle of Okehazama, and took a step forward as the lord of Okazaki Castle. He put down the Mikawa Ikki riot and brought stability to the Mikawa region in 1645. Following the surrender of the Imagawa clan's Sunpu […]