Japanese Castles AD 250–1540

Osprey Fortress #74

by Stephen Turnbull, Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

Renowned expert Stephen Turnbull examines the castles built in Japan, from the first primitive fortifications in the Yayoi Period (300 BC-AD 250) through to the first proper castles which began to be developed with the rise to power of the Yamato Court, the first emperors of Japan in around AD 250. Examining the close ties that early Japanese dynasties had to both China and Korea, Turnbull assesses how Japanese defensive architecture betrays these influences.

Also examined is the effect that the terrain in Japan had on fortifications - from the early reliance on earthworks and palisades and the development of wooden and earth castles, often sited on the top of the mountains, into more elaborate stone constructions in the 15th century. Finally, the emergence of the stone towers that are so characteristic of samurai is investigated, as is the gradual adaptation of Japanese castles to accommodate the introduction of firearms. With previously unpublished photographs from the author's private collection and full-color artwork, including detailed cutaways, this is an essential guide to the fascinating development of Japanese castles.

Genres: Military History, History, Nonfiction, Japan, Japanese History

64 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2008

About the author

Stephen Richard Turnbull is British a historian specializing in eastern military history, especially the samurai of Japan. His books are mainly on Japanese and Mongolian subjects. He attended Cambridge University where he gained his first degree. He currently holds an MA in Theology, MA in Military History and a PhD from the University of Leeds where he is currently a lecturer in Far Eastern Religions. He has also written a number of books on other medieval topics. He is semi-retired but still holds the post of Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan.

Reviews

[Mehmet Kır · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a detailed book written about historical castles in Japan. I liked it.
Especially Dazaifu and Yoshinogari archaeological site are very important places. You can understand this, if you watch videos about the castles in Japan on Youtube.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry read, but the reconstructions shown make me want to go see them in person.

[Shrike58 · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there is nothing actually wrong with this booklet, that Turnbull is covering a 1000-plus years in sixty-four pages makes it feel unusually slight. Maybe this is to be best regarded as a tourist guide for someone actually planning on visiting Japan.

[Morgiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Japanese castles and fortresses from this time period, recommended for those interested in Japanese military and political history.