What is Matsumoto Castle known for?
Matsumoto Castle is one of the grandest castles in Japan. Its five-storey main tower, built in late 16th century, is the oldest surviving castle tower in the nation. It’s famously photogenic, with a wide moat, vermillion bridges, and original stonework, backdropped by views of the Northern Alps.
Is Matsumoto Castle original?
Nicknamed the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castles in all of Japan. Castles in Japan are deemed original if they retain a keep that was constructed before the end of the feudal era (before 1868).
Who is Matsumoto?
Hitoshi Matsumoto (松本 人志, Matsumoto Hitoshi, born September 8, 1963), commonly known as Matchan (松ちゃん (まっちゃん)), is a Japanese film director and one of Japan’s most popular comedians and TV hosts.
Who ruled Matsumoto Castle?
Back in those times, this territory was ruled by samurais of the Ogasawara family but within few decades Matsumoto Castle was conquered by Takeda clan. After endless wars of mighty clans, Matsumoto was taken over by Ishikawa clan in the end of the 16th century.
Was Matsumoto Castle attacked?
The Ogasawara clan stayed in this castle after being attacked by the Takeda Clan, to restore his power in an attempt to fight back.
Why is Matsumoto Castle Black?
Matsumoto Castle’s black painted, wooden keep (donjon) is the oldest surviving such structure in Japan, dating from 1595. The black color gave Matsumoto Castle its nickname “Karasujo” (Crow Castle) and the brooding, somber color was designed to sow fear in the hearts of any approaching attacker.
How did the local residents save Matsumoto Castle?
From Meiji period, citizens have made great efforts to protect Matsumoto castle, such as cleaning activities. Now many local people participate in cleaning activities to maintain Matsumoto castle. Moreover, some volunteer organizations are working with visitors in order to let them have a good time in Matsumoto.
What nationality is Matsumoto?
Japanese
Japanese (common in western Japan and the Ryukyu Islands): from a common place name; many bearers therefore may be unrelated. According to folklore, a habitation near a pine tree (matsu) from which a deity would issue to visit mortals would be named Matsumoto: ‘place of the (divine) pine tree’.
How old is Matsumoto Hitoshi?
58 years (September 8, 1963)Hitoshi Matsumoto / Age
Why was Kumamoto castle built?
The castle keep (天守閣, tenshukaku) is a concrete reconstruction built in 1960, but several ancillary wooden buildings remain of the original castle. Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle….Kumamoto Castle.
| Transcriptions | |
|---|---|
| Romanization | Kumamoto-jō |
Where is the Matsumoto Castle?
Matsumoto Castle is located in the basin of flatlands 590 meters above sea level. It is a “flatland castle” built on flat ground. Gates and scaffolds were built on the triple moats, earthen berm, and stone walls that surrounded the castle.
Who designed the Matsumoto Castle?
Ishikawa Norimasa and his son Yasunaga built the tower and other parts of the castle, including the three towers: the keep and the small tower in the northwest, both begun in 1590, and the Watari Tower; the residence; the drum gate; the black gate, the Tsukimi Yagura, the moat, the innermost bailey, the second bailey.
