SAMURAI CASTLES: Matsumoto Castle - Time and Tide
NHK WORLD-JAPAN・15 minutes read
Matsumoto Castle in Japan, one of the few remaining original castles, showcases advanced engineering and architectural technology with strategic defenses and unique features, symbolizing power and authority through the use of black lacquer. The castle's history, design, and maintenance reflect the significance of Samurai castles in Japanese history and culture.
Insights
- Matsumoto Castle in Japan, constructed in 1590, stands out for its advanced engineering and architectural techniques of that era, showcasing the historical prowess of the builders and their strategic defensive planning.
- The use of black lacquer on Matsumoto Castle's walls, a departure from earlier castles like Azuchi and Osaka, signifies a shift in displaying power and authority during the peaceful Edo period, reflecting a change in cultural and architectural trends over time.
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Recent questions
How many original castles remain in Japan?
12
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Summary
00:00
"Matsumoto Castle: Japan's Historic Engineering Marvel"
- Over 40,000 castles were built in Japan historically, with only 12 original castles remaining, such as Matsumoto Castle.
- Matsumoto Castle, constructed in 1590, incorporated advanced engineering and architectural technology of its time.
- Matsumoto Castle, located in Nagano prefecture, is known for its imposing black structure and picturesque reflection in the moat.
- The castle was built by Ishikawa Kazumasa and completed by his son Yasunaga, with later extensions added during the Tokugawa shogunate.
- The Taomon gate on the Eastern side of the castle features loopholes for samurai to defend against enemy infiltration.
- The Taomon gate design includes two gates facing the same direction, creating an effective defense strategy.
- The Kagami Ishi, a large rock near the gate, symbolizes the power and financial strength of the castle's master.
- Matsumoto Castle's main tower complex includes the Tenu, subke, and connecting turrets, each serving different purposes.
- The castle's main tower has multiple floors with specific functions, such as storage, strategy meetings, and samurai housing.
- Matsumoto Castle's strategic location, reinforced foundation, and unique architectural features reflect its historical significance and advanced technology.
24:21
"Black Lacquer: Symbol of Power and Authority"
- Boards are replaced every year to maintain the brilliance of the tower, which has retained its shine for over 400 years. The black color of the tower is due to the use of sacred lacquer, known as lacer, on special items in Kyoto, giving the walls a silver appearance when reflecting light. Various historical figures, such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, used black lacquer on their castles, like Azuchi Castle and Osaka Castle, to display power and authority. Matsumoto Castle, built during Hideyoshi's rule, showcases the shift in the use of black lacquer to signify authority and taste, with the castle surviving through the peaceful Edo period. The construction and location of these castles were influenced by local conditions and terrain, highlighting the impressive technology and ingenuity of the original Samurai castles.
