Tsujigiri Tsujigiri originally referred to traditional duels between warriors, and later, during the Sengoku period, became associated with the indiscriminate cutting down of people. Those partaking in the practice were also known as Tsujigiri. A samurai cuts down another undercover of darkness There are stories [...]
Suna-Teppo, Secret Samurai Weapon Suna-Teppo (literally sand-gun) also known as a Sokutoki, was a weapon said to be used by Yoshitsune in the Heian period, and by Miyamoto Musashi too. A Suna Teppo or Sokutoki This particular piece was owned by the Sanada clan of Shinano [...]
Nobeoka Castle and the 1,000 Enemy Killer Stone Walls One of Nobeoka Castle’s most impressive features is the 22 meter high stone wall around the central Hon-Maru citadel. The story goes that if the castle should ever come under attack and a certain keystone was moved, the wall would tumble, killing 1,000 invaders! [...]
Oda Nobunaga (20,000)/ Tokugawa Ieyasu (8,000) VS Azai Nagamasa / Asakura Kagetake [Asakura Yoshikage] (20,000) The Battle of Anegawa was fought in the wide, shallow waters of the River Ane that flows from east to west before meeting Lake Biwa north of Nagahama (Shiga Pref.) between the 28,000 combined forces of Oda Nobunaga [...]
Tsuyama Castle（Okayama Prefecture） Tsuyama Castle in Tsuyama city, Okayama Prefecture is known as one of Japan's top three major Hirayama (hilltop) styled castles, along with Himeji and Matsuyama Castles. Tsuyama Castle once consisted of 77 structures, including the main keep, various yagura (watch-towers), gates, and the palaces and living quarters. Hiroshima Castle by [...]
Dragonflies and Samurai Samurai armor, weapons, clothing and items often feature Dragonfly motifs. One of the reasons is that dragonflies were seen as auspicious creatures. Dragonfly motif tsuba sword guard Japan was once known as the “Land of the Dragonfly”, as the Emperor Jimmu [...]
Yari, Samurai Long Spears When approaching the enemy in battle, spears were often not pointed at the enemy as would be expected, but raised, then dropped onto the opponents! Samurai enter a battle with spears raised Being clobbered before being stabbed and cut with a [...]
Horio Yoshiharu (1542 - July 26, 1611) Horio Yoshiharu was born in Niwa-gun, Owari (Aichi Prefecture) in 1542. Yoshiharu, also known as Horio Mosuke, was called “Hotoke no Mosuke”, or “The Buddha Mosuke”, after the enlightened god, Hotoke, because of his serene demeanor, and ability to remain calm even under intense pressure. His father [...]
Hakone Checkpoint Hakone Sekishisho (Checkpoint) was one of the biggest and most important of the 53 major checkpoints located along the old Tokaido route between Edo and the capital, Kyoto. Travelers along the Tokaido were expected to undergo strict checks at these checkpoints. The imposing gates of [...]
Iga Ueno castle（Mie Prefecture） Most international tourists head to Iga Ueno to see the ninja, without even realizing the heart of the city is Iga Ueno Castle, one of the finest examples of a Warring States period fortress, and that the ninja museum and Iga Ueno Castle share the same location, the modern [...]