Todo Takatora’s Ishi Mochi Battle Flag Todo Takatora Todo Takatora was known as the premier castle architect of Japan. He built over 22 castles across Japan, including castles such as Imabari, Tsu, Iga Ueno, Ozu, Edo, Akagi and many others. Castle in Japanese is “shiro” (城) Because he [...]
Todo Takatora (February 16, 1556-November 9, 1630) Todo Takatora Todo Takatora was born in Todo Village, Omi Province. He commenced his military career as a lowlyashigarufoot soldier, working his way up to the rank of daimyo, during which he changed his allegiance seven times, working for ten [...]
Fukushima Masanori (1561 – August 26, 1624) Fukushima Masanori Fukushima Masanori was born in Ama, Owari Province (western Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture) in 1561, and is believed to have been a cousin of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He first saw action as a 17-year-old at the Siege of Miki Castle (Hyogo [...]
Seven Spears of Shizugatake At the battle of Shizugatake, fought in like many samurai battles, the samurai performing the most meritorious deeds were named as the “spears” of the battle. Although Ishida Mitsunari, Otani Yoshitsugu, Ikeda Tsuneoki, Gamo Ujisato, Kuroda Kanbei and many other famous warriors of the Toyotomi forces also fought well [...]
The White Arrow (Shirahana no Ya) The White Arrow “Shirahana no Ya” is an arrow with a white feather fletching. According to traditional Japanese samurai customs or lore, in the early Heian period, carrying the Shirahana no Ya or White Arrow was associated with being a sacrifice. Despite the great honor, the warrior [...]
Umadashi Umadashi were an effective defensive barrier and compound complex built in front of castle gates, outside of the main moats, and used as a screen to facilitate cavalry charges and attacks during times of siege. Like a barbican gate system, the Umadashi worked like an airlock for a castle, allowing attack parties [...]
Sanada (Yukimura) Nobushige (1567 - June 3, 1615) Sanada (Yukimura) Nobushige was one of the greatest samurai of the Sengoku Period. Born the second son of Sanada Masayuki and younger brother to Sanada Nobuyuki, he was never referred to as “Yukimura” during his lifetime, as his real name was Nobushige. [...]
Yamanaka Castle Hojo Ujiyasu Yamanaka Castle was established by Hojo Ujiyasu in the 1560’s in what is now eastern Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture. It was to be a first line of western defense in protecting the main Hojo Castle at Odawara. Carved and dug from the side of a [...]
Iwamura Castle Iwamura Castle is considered one of Japan’s Best Three Yamajiro, mountaintop castles, and was once under the command of a warrior woman. Built atop a 717m high peak as protection for the south-eastern areas of Mino Province, Iwamura Castle, also known as Kirigajo, (Castle of the Mist) located above the township [...]
Shimazu Yoshihisa (February 9, 1533 - March 5, 1611) Shimazu Yoshihisa Shimazu Yoshihisa was daimyo of Satsuma Province and the eldest son of Shimazu Takahisa. Yoshihisa is seen as one of the greatest leaders of his time, rising from lands in Kagoshima, southern Kyushu to almost conquering all of [...]