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Anne McLean's avatar

62 turrets!

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Samurai History & Culture's avatar

Yes, so you can see how Kiyomasa overcompensated, making his designs difficult to breach, but equally difficult to protect, as he needed many more samurai manning those yagura to defend it.

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Samurai History & Culture's avatar

Incidentally, Nagoya Castle only had 11 yagura, and relied on its simple yet effective design to remain unchallenged.

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Anne McLean's avatar

Still, Kumamoto must’ve been magnificent to behold.

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Samurai History & Culture's avatar

The old photos do make it seem that way.

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Anne McLean's avatar

I think I’ve only seen Meiji era photos, and the ones in your articles do attest to its grandeur, however it seems a lot had gone by then. When I made the comment I was kind of thinking earlier on…but even now it’s a fine castle.

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Anne McLean's avatar

Nagoya wins! 😀

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João Carlos's avatar

The Honmaru resembles a lot the one em Nagoyajo. A guess its the "Kyomasa Style".

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Samurai History & Culture's avatar

Yes, it is similar to the Honmaru Goten of Nagoya, however, Kiyomasa only worked on the stone bases of the two tower keeps, and no other part of Nagoya. The similar style is an architectural type known as Shoin-zukuri, a style preferred by the samurai caste, hence the similarities.

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João Carlos's avatar

Oh, thats a great info. So, time to research and study about Shoin-Zukuri

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Paul Vandermaelen's avatar

I'm going to visit Kumamoto castle for a second time in October. I see that I missed a lot during my first journey. Nice read. Can't wait to read the second part.

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