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 [...]
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. [...]
Mori Terumoto (January 22, 1553 – June 2, 1625) Daimyo Mori Terumoto Mori Terumoto was a late Sengoku, early Edo period Daimyo born in Yoshida, Aki Province (modern-day Hiroshima Pref.) in 1553 to the distinguished and influential Mori Clan. Mori Terumoto’s grandfather was Mori Motonari, and his father [...]
Nagoya Castle’s Aomatsuba Incident The Aomatsuba Incident was a mysterious incident that occurred at Nagoya Castle on February 16, 1868. Between February 16th and the 21st, 1868, 14 high-ranking retainers of the Owari Tokugawa clan were suddenly captured and executed within the grounds of Nagoya Castle, and another 20 were imprisoned and demoted. [...]