After landing on the island of Shikoku, we spent the afternoon at Matsuyama castle. It is one of the oldest castles remaining in Japan and very impressive. To reach the castle visitors can walk, take a chairlift or a cable car. Since it was raining, the walk and chairlift were not an option. High on a hill overlooking the plains of Matsuyama and the Inland Sea, this castle seems impossible to conquer. Built in 1627, it is both beautiful and insurmountable. The defenses were clever and many.
Look carefully at the photos and list as many different defenses that you can deduce.
(You can click on a photo to enlarge it.)
10 comments:
Why are people fighting with umbrellas? Is the man in the blue shirt you?
Reply to anonymous
Those are not JUST two guys fighting with ubrellas. Those are authentic samuri warriors engaged in ancient ritualistic battle. Yes, it's true that the warrior in blue does look like me, but it can't be me or how could I have taken the photos?
Hey Mr. Lahr,
In the photos of the castle, you can see that it's built on high ground. That means they could better survey the land around them for enemies. Another thing is that if you look closely on one of the photos, you can see holes in the walls. Those might have been used to fire weapons or as a sort of peephole. I don't know, that's just a guess.
-Shadow
Looks like the walls are pretty smooth, with no way to scale them from the outside because there are no handholds.
Hello Mr. Lahr,
Hmmm...well I was going to say that the landscaping and the holes, which are used for shooting arrows or to throw some kind of liquid or dangerous stuff at the enemy, such as hot water or peprica, are used to defend the castle, but those were already taken. I have some new ones however. The wall are built of tough stone, which protects the castle very much. Also the thickness of the walls can also be detected. The towers on top are probably for arrow shooters, much like spiners. The towers can also be used to look out for enemies.
Your EPIC Student,
Akash Salam
Ultimate Math Matician
P.S. Do you write a post everyday?
Hello Mr. Lahr,
Who is the guy you are fighting with?
Your EPIC Student,
Akash Salam
Ultimate Math Matician
P.S. Can you please tell us about the family you are staying with?
Reply to all:
Well, You've mentioned some of the defenses, but here are some more:
1) The broad area where the umbrella fight is taking place was a broad area for battle.
2) Closer to the castle the approach narrows and makes a series of right-hand turns limiting the number of people that can assualt the main gate.
3) Look how narrow the stairway is. This is easier to defend.
4) Next to the main Gate is a smaller gate to allow for a counter attack.
Clever, huh? If all these defenses failed the castle samurai would climb to the highest place in the castle a commit seppuku (ritual suicide).
Reply to all:
Well, You've mentioned some of the defenses, but here are some more:
1) The broad area where the umbrella fight is taking place was a broad area for battle.
2) Closer to the castle the approach narrows and makes a series of right-hand turns limiting the number of people that can assualt the main gate.
3) Look how narrow the stairway is. This is easier to defend.
4) Next to the main Gate is a smaller gate to allow for a counter attack.
Clever, huh? If all these defenses failed the castle samurai would climb to the highest place in the castle a commit seppuku (ritual suicide).
Hi Uncle Jeff,
We've been enjoying your blog, wishing we were there. You've got some great photos! Did you ever get to do some laundry after that first dinner in your lap? How's the weather? Is it humid?
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