Warring Times

Learning the history of Sengoku Period will make your trip more enjoyable! An account where you can learn about it in a fun way, visit #WarringTimes

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

Amazing news! Personally, I would appreciate updates to the character portraits of minor regional generals, a reassessment of their abilities, and a significant increase in the number of character portraits for registered generals.

[信長の野望シリーズ(公式)@最新作『信長の野望･飛翔』発売決定！ @nobunaga_kt]

“生きろ、「大義」のために。”
シリーズ最新作『信長の野望･飛翔』発売決定！🎉

武将たちはなぜ、何のために戦うのか──

“大義名分”が描き出す新たな戦国体験にぜひご期待ください。

▼詳細はこちら
https://t.co/o9YnLD3APj

＃信長飛翔 ＃信長の野望

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Visiting The site of Gokusho Castle 🚶🏻
The birthplace of Horio Yoshiharu, who built Matsue Castle, He served as a senior councilor under the Toyotomi regime ⚔️

☆ Within the grounds of the old castle site is Yatsurugi Shrine which was built by the Horio clan when they moved to the area in 1382❗️

☆ There is a large stone monument marking the "site of Horio Yoshiharu's residence," and bronze statues of Horio Yoshiharu's son, Kinsuke, and his mother, who are famous from the story of the Saidanbashi Bridge where Kinsuke lost his life in the battle of Odawara and never came back to his awaiting mother 😢
The area has such an authentic and beautiful feel to it and some of the rock formations looks really old it’s impressive.

📍 2 Chome-28 Horioseki, Oguchi, Niwa District, Aichi

#御供所城跡 #大口町観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Visiting Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure🚶🏻
One of Japan’s oldest and best preserved castles, positioned atop a hill overlooking the Kiso River, a strategic role as a border fortress between former provinces of Owari and Mino 🤩

☆ The Original structure was built in 1537 by Oda Nobunaga’s uncle, Oda Nobuyasu. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed significant historical events including the Battke of Komaki and Nagakute in 1584❗️

☆ From 1617 it was under the control of the Naruse family, vassals of the Tokugawa clan until the end of the Edo Period 👀 Thanks to local efforts the main tenshu (keep) was preserved during the Meiji Restorarion.

☆ Inuyama Castle is a classic example of a yamajiro (hilltop) castle. The main keep has four above-ground floors and two underground levels, though it appears to have only 3 outside. It features and ancient watchtower at the top, a rare architectural element among Japanese castles 🏯

📍Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi

#犬山城 #犬山市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

@romuli2239 Would Kagekatsu been able to expand the territory if he was head of Uesugi during the time of pinnacle of Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga? I believe Kenshin would have also been able to expand if he was at the time of Kagekatsu.

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

I had time to look at the other exhibits at the Tokyo National Museum #東京国立博物館 especially related to the Sengoku Period❗️

☆ Kobayakawa Hideaki’s famous red Jinbaori with crossed scythes

☆ Blade for Dagger Tantō, named “Okayama Tōshiro”owned by Kobayakawa Hideaki

☆ Sakakibara Yasumasa’s Armor Gusoku with European-style Cuirass and dark blue-lacing

☆ Long Sword Katana named “Ishida Masamune” owned by Ishida Mitsunari

You have to be thankful that these treasures have survived the turbulent times and preserved for all of us to see ☺️

#戦国時代 #榊原康政 #小早川秀秋 #石田三成

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

Nagoya ⇒ Tokyo 🚆
The museum day continues and I have made it to the Maeda Legacy Exhibition
#加賀前田家展 at the Tokyo National Museum #東京国立博物館 👀

☆ Right from the start, I was blown away by the golden armor, I couldn’t help but think “this was THE armor worn by the legendary Maeda Toshiie” and circled around it numerous times, analysing every detail and engraving them in my brain 🤩

☆ There was successive generations of armor, and the array of stylish jinbaori that looked just like Sukajan jackets, and then it was National Treasure, National Treasure, yet another National Treasure, with the occasional Important Cultural Property—such an enormous volume that I was like, "Are they seriously just casually showing off this many National Treasures like it's no big deal?" 😅

I'm moved and grateful to the Maeda family for preserving these valuable items and passing down the techniques to future generations! 🙏🏻

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

☆ Made it to the Toyotomi Brothers Exhibition #徳川美術館 held at the Tokugawa Art Museum #豊臣兄弟展 in Nagoya City 🏢

We all know about Hideyoshi but it was a fascinating incite into Hidenaga, a man of integrity who had a broad perspective and a watchful eye who kept his brother grounded, I’m sure most will agree after learning about the man through the vast amount of original items on display and the watching the NHK taiga, that it is because of his support, Hideyoshi was able to achieve unification. We can all be more like Hidenaga 😊

While most of the exhibition didn’t allow photography, we were blessed to have been given the chance to take photos of 2 important cultural items in the last section and those were:

☆ 17th century wooden statue of Hidenaga, crafted in yosegi-zukuri with polychrome and crystal eyes.
☆ 16th to 17th century Statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi crafted using joined wood technique and painted.

Plenty to see 👀 and lots of memories made, make sure to take a photo with the Cast of the taiga drama at the end ! 📸

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

[Nagoya Castle Complex 📸]
☆ The Nagoya Castle Tower shows the prestige of the Tokugawa and the new symbol of their power 💪🏻

☆ The castle was originally built in 1610 as a “nationwide construction” project by 20 Sengoku warlords from western and northern Japan. In particular the castle tower base on which the castle tower stands was designed and overseen by the master builder Kato Kiyomasa.

☆ Burnt down during the World War II Air Raids, it was rebuilt in 1959 (Showa 34) to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the founding of Nagoya’s it is a reinforced concrete museum and observation deck, but in reality it is a reproduction of the old castle tower based on pre-war survey drawings and dry plate photographs.

☆ The stone walls of the castle tower base still exists, built 410 years ago and I am impressed by the amazing technology used at that time. Visitors aren’t able to enter the castle tower as there are plans to actually rebuild the tower in its original wooden form but that has been delayed due to well… “politics”. Although a concrete reproduction the tower has a close and complete restored exterior, majestic and dignified 🏯

📍Honmaru, Naka ward, Nagoya, Aichi

#名古屋城 #名古屋市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Touring the Nagoya Castle complex🚶🏻
Visiting the indispensable symbol of Owari associated with Imagawa, Oda and Tokugawa clan ✨

☆ Upon entering Nagoya Castle complex through the east gate, you’ll find the Ninomaru Garden. Most people pass by this monument without paying much attention, quietly standing within the park grounds. The “Old Nagoya Castle Ruins” monument 🏯 and its location are essential for understanding the pre-construction history of the current Nagoya Castle❗️

☆ In the first half of the 16th century, the eastern half of Owari Province such as this area was under the control of the Imagawa clan with the lord being Imagawa Ujitoyo (3rd son of Imagawa Yoshimoto). Oda Nobuhide seized the castle in 1538 and in 1542 cedes it to his son Oda Nobunaga. At some point after the castle was abandoned but before Tokugawa Ieyasu built the current Nagoya Castle at its current location finishing construction on 1615, the “original” Nagoya Castle was at this very spot 👀

☆ If you look closely there is the lettering on the ancient stone that only reads “Nago” but perhaps due to war damage it’s corroded and chipped away making it difficult to discern.

📍Ninomaru Naka ward, Nagoya, Aichi

#那古野城跡 #名古屋市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

[Nagoya Castle Complex 📸]
☆ The splendid Honmaru Palace that was faithfully restored to its former appearance.

☆ Originally completed in 1615 (Keicho 20) as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa, it was lavishly decorated with wall paintings and decorative metal fittings from the finest artists in the country. Unfortunately it was destroyed by the World War II Air raids in 1945 (Showa 20). Thankfully the city pulled together the finest craftsmans they could find and rebuilt and restored it in 2018 (Heisei 30).

☆ Visitors will be left breathless by the magnificent world that unfolds before them. The Entrance Hall, decorated with tigers and leopards and the Jorakuden was particularly impressive. The lavish use of gold leaf makes the walls sparkle and reflects the light, making every look breathtaking ✨

📍Honmaru, Naka ward, Nagoya, Aichi

#本丸御殿 #名古屋市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

[Nagoya Castle Complex 📸]
☆ Kiyomasa Stone, the magnificent “Mirror Stone” just inside the Honmaru Higashi-Ninomon Gate east side 🪨

☆ The largest boulder the size of 8 tatami mats and weighs about 10 tons. There is a legend that this stone was hauled here by the renowned general Kato Kiyomasa hence the name after him, but there are some who says that the daimyo who was actually in charge of that section of the wall was Kuroda Nagamasa. Perhaps Nagamasa was in charge of hauling the stone and then Kiyomasa was the one who installed it in place ? The truth is unknown 🤔

☆ There is also a statue of Kato Kiyomasa called “Kiyomasa Stone pulling” which describes the tale of him being atop this very stone he is standing on, issuing commands and supervising the construction of the wall. Around 20 Sengoku warlords were involved in the construction of the new Nagoya Castle, that must have been impressive having all of these famous figures in one place 🤩

📍Ninomaru Naka ward, Nagoya, Aichi

#清正石 #清正公石曳きの像 #名古屋市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

[Nagoya Castle Complex 📸]
☆ The Southwest Corner Turret, a key defensive structure for the main keep located after the Ninomaru Garden.

☆ This existing “two-story turret” dates back to around 1612 (Keicho 17) when Nagoya Castle was being built. Standing at 14.1m tall, It features a three-tiered tiled roof and its two distinctive large “bay window-type stone drops” which are impressive 👀

☆ There is a distinctive feature unlike other parts of the Castle complex and that it has the Imperial “Chrysanthenum Crest on the roof tiles” That is because in 1906 (Meiji 39) the turret was damaged by typhoon and at the time the area was under the jurisdiction of the imperial Household Ministry. So they repaired it and rebuilt it with the imperial crest instead❗️

📍Ninomaru Naka ward, Nagoya, Aichi

#東南隅櫓 #名古屋市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Touring the sites related to Sengoku heroes in Ama Region🚶🏻
Visiting Kifunesha Shrine in Otokono, is said to be associated with Toyotomi Hidetsugu. ✨

☆ Hideyoshi’s nephew from his older sister “Tomo”, Hidetsugu would be adopted into 2 families before being taken in as Hideyoshi’s son❗️
He distinguished himself in the Invasion of Shikoku and became lord of Omi with 430,000 koku⚔️

☆ In the 20th year of Tensho (1592), Toyotomi Hidetsugu celebrated his inauguration as Kanpaku, In addition, in the hope of long-lasting military luck, Hidetsugu's biological father, Miyoshi Yoshifusa built this shrine in the alleged place of his birth although there is theory that he is born in Midori Ward in Chita district of Nagoya 🤔

☆ After Hidetsugu's seppuku, many buildings related to him were destroyed,
Miraculously, this shrine remained intact to the present. Knowing the tragic tale of Hidetsugu you can’t help but feel the exuded an overwhelmingly solemn atmosphere while walking around the shrine complex 😔

📍Yashiki Otonoko, Ama, Aichi

#豊臣秀次 #あま市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Touring the sites related to Sengoku heroes in Ama Region🚶🏻
Visiting the birthplace of "Omatsu no Kata," the principal wife of Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Maeda clan✨

☆ Just over 10 mins walk south from Meitetsu Shippo theres a wooden marker post which stands at the edge of a large parking lot in front of a main hall of a modern temple. If it weren’t for the pink contoured flags with the Maeda crest, It's unassuming with no explanatory sign except for the large one as you turn from the main road, but I think it's admirable that it's being maintained through the enthusiasm of the "Omatsu-no-kata Birthplace Preservation Society."

📍 Kitayashiki Shippocho Okinoshima, Ama, Aichi

#お松の方 #あま市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Visiting Hozoji Temple associated with Hachisuka Koroku✨

☆ The principal image of Hozoji Temple is an iron standing statue of Jizo Bodhisattva (Iron Jizo) bearing an inscription from the second year of Kanki (1230), making it one of the oldest inscribed statues. According to temple tradition, during the Battle of Okehazama, Hachisuka Koroku attempted to move the Jizo from near the east gate of his residence where Rengeji Temple is now to this location to pray for victory, but gave up due to its immense weight. Instead, he took the staff the Jizo was holding and achieved victory. Hozoji Temple was afterwards established in 1564 to enshrine the Iron Jizo that was left behind at that time.

☆ Whether you walk eastwards from Rengeji Temple or northwards from Meitetsu Kida station, it will take you at least 20 mins on foot, it makes you wonder how long it actually took Koroku and company trying to carry the Jizo! Its height is 157.40cm and Looking at the Jizo in person I could feel the overwhelming weight. Look also at the hand with the missing staff! 👀

📍 Gonaka-43 Nakahashi, Ama, Aichi

#蜂須賀小六 #法蔵寺 #あま市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆ Touring the sites related to Sengoku heroes in Ama Region 🚶🏻
This time visiting the birthplace and joint memorial tombstone 🪦 of Hachisuka Koroku and his son Hachisuka Iemasa ✨

☆ In 1585, after Invasion of Shikoku, Hideyoshi awarded Koroku Awa Province as a fief, but he declined in favor of his son, Iemasa who took headship of the clan.

☆ A 15 mins walk north from Meitetsu Aotsuka Station you’ll find the epicentre of the Hachisuka clan. First there is a sole stone monument which says “Site of Former Residence of Hachisuka Koroku”, no ruins but that’s just before you enter the now temple complex where Hachisuka Castle (more like "square-shaped mansion") used to stand once arrived there is an impressive monument honoring “Hachisuka Koroku”a beloved local figure and trusted partner of Hashiba Hideyoshi. What is in its place is the Rengeji family temple of the Hachisuka. Deep into the wooded back of the temple on a hill you’ll find the memorial tombstone erected to commemorate Koroku and his son Iemasa (they are not the official one). Plenty to see and appreciate 👀

📍 Odera-1352 Hachisuka, Ama, Aichi

#蜂須賀小六 #蜂須賀家政 #あま市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#WarringTimes] ☆A Tour of the sites related to Sengoku heroes in Ama Region 🚶🏻
Visiting the birthplace and memorial tower of Fukushima Masanori ⚔️

☆ He was one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, lord of Kiyosu Castle in Owari Province ⇒ lord of Hiroshima Domain in Aki Province. His mother was the sister of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's mother (Omandokoro), and through that connection, he became Hideyoshi's page—a true twist of fate!
It was quite a strenuous 15 mins walk north west from Shippo Station to a district called Futatsudera. It’s noticeable that he is well beloved by the locals with many places named after him, there's "Masanori Nursery School," "Masanori Elementary School," and "Masanori Bridge.". Personally I feel his birthplace could do with some nice illustrated board or flags with his crest similar to Shobata Castle Ruins of Oda Nobunaga, it feels too plain for someone of his caliber !

☆ A short distance north is Fukushima Masanori family Temple called Kikusenin where at the back of the precinct lies a Memorial Tower commemorating his achievements. Despite his achievements, it is regrettable that he met such an unrewarding end, being stripped of his title. 😔

📍 Yashiki Futatsudera, Ama, Aichi

#福島正則 #あま市観光

[Warring Times @warringtimes]

📸[#愛知県美術館] 🎨 I went to see the second half of the Utagawa Kuniyoshi exhibition~!

🖼️ There were a few pieces that allowed photography such as the famous:

☆ Miyamoto Musashi's Whale Hunt
☆ Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Specter

For me I more of a fan of his 'Warrior Prints' ✨of which many Miyamoto Musashi and of Minamoto no Yoritomo was on display and it was a joy to see in person! 👀

The variations in ink strength, shading and the fineness of the preparatory drawings for the woodblock prints left me in awe! So precious! Although it was only for a brief moment, I spent time as if I had wandered into the everyday life of Edo. Finished off the exhibit with a memory photo with Kuniyoshi’s fishes 🐟 and not with the cats 🐈 just to be different !