Product Description

This enlarged and revised edition of the full-color illustrated guide to Japanese castles adds the latest research and topics, expanding the original 2017 volume by 32 pages. A brand-new chapter, “History of the Development of Japanese Castles,” explains how early fortifications evolved into mountain castles, the rise of gigantic strongholds, the mysterious appearance of tenshu (main keeps), nationwide castle-building booms, and the impact of the Castle Abolition Ordinance and the Second World War.

The book also covers the recent restoration of palace buildings and castle gates, as well as modern castle events, offering an up-to-date look at castles on the front line of heritage and tourism. Rich illustrations and clear diagrams help international readers understand how Japanese castles were planned, built, defended, and experienced in war and peace.

• Chapter 1: How to Explore Castles & the Five Great Castles of Japan
• Chapter 2: History of the Development of Japanese Castles
• Chapter 3: Castle Basics – History, Structure & Siege Warfare
• Chapter 4: Castles as Battlefields
• Chapter 5: Special 20 – Design & Attack of Sengoku Period Castles
• Chapter 6: Special 20 – Design & Attack of Early Modern Castles