Contents

Introduction

Japanese castles in their historical context

Chronology

Design and development of the Japanese castles

The first Japanese castlesThe sengoku yamashiroThe introduction of stone
The development of the tower keepJapanese castles in KoreaThe use of earthworks

Elements and features of the Japanese castles

The overall layoutThe castle wallBridges and gatesCastle towersThe castle keep
Building a castleThe principles of defenceMining and counterminingCatapult bombardment

The living site

Daily life in the castle in peacetimeThe castle garrison in peacetimeThe castle as palace
The preparation for warFood and waterPsychological pressures

The operational history of Japanese castles

Early yamashiro operationsSengoku yamashiro operationsOperations against castles of stone

Aftermath

The castle town

Japanese castles today

Bibliography and further reading

Glossary