Todo Takatora’s Battle Flag

How a Sweet Treat Became The Symbol of a Warlord

Todo Takatora (1556 – 1630) was known as the premier castle architect of Sengoku (warring States) period and early Edo period Japan. He built over 22 castles across Japan, including castles such important castles as Imabari, Tsu, Iga Ueno, Ozu, Edo, Akagi, Osaka and is known to have helped design or improve the defensive capabilities of many others. The word “castle” in Japanese is “shiro” (城) Because he was known to have built and owned a number of castles, he was known as a Shiro Mochi. (Castle owner城持).