Series Japanese Natural History : Castles and Fortifications in Japan

During the pre-modern era (16th century - 1868), castles that stood over the towns and cities represented a symbol of power and were a source of pride to those who lived in their shadows. After the Meiji Restoration of 1867, when the powerful military ruler, the shogun, and the system of feudalism were overthrown, many castles were torn apart. Today however, efforts to rebuild and restore castles are taking place throughout Japan. With an emphasis on Edo Castle, the largest castle that existed in Japan, we would like to present the special features of architectural history in castles from the pre-modern era.

Starting with the "Map of Edo from the Choroku Era" (1457-60), which predates the location of the capital to Edo by shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (1546-1616), this display also contains a painting of the "Keep of Honmaru Palace", which was painted prior to its destruction in the Great Meireki Fire, and an album that contains photographs of Edo Castle, which were taken before it was torn down by the government in the Meiji Period. Furthermore, the gorgeous preliminary paintings by Kano Seisen'in (1796-1846), the shogun's highest ranked painter, who was able to paint inside the castle, and his "Daily Records of Office" that illustrate the stages of construction are also introduced.

The Edo Castle materials are complimented by painted illustrations and early photographs of other castles throughout Japan, so you will be able to view and understand what castles in the pre-modern era looked like.