OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

It is an honor to be invited to write an article on the history and architecture of Japanese castles for the Royal Society for Asian Affairs (RSAA) in London. This article, published in their magazine Caravanserai n°7 (July 2025), is illustrated with several of my photographs. In this publication focused on the architecture of Japanese castles, I address the essential events that, through important periods of history, allowed castles to develop. I also discuss the five major

The Nori seaweed farms, with their entanglement of geometric nets, offer a unique landscape for photographers, especially in the field of minimalism. These structures lend themselves to interesting artistic compositions. They highlight the duality and ephemeral beauty of nature, as well as our intrinsic relationship with it. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Ariake Sea, located on the island of Kyushu, is known for being the country's largest inland bay. Characte

Nori seaweed, emblematic of Japanese cuisine, embodies a rich tradition and a unique symbiosis between humans and the sea. It is in the heart of Ariake Bay, a distinctive region of Kyushu Island, that this ancestral tradition reaches its pinnacle. A craftsmanship that represents both the simplicity and the cultural richness of Japan. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) In the calm waters of Ariake, farmers, or rather "aquaculturists," engage in the meticulous cultivati

Nestled in the heart of Kyushu's maritime landscapes, the Tanajibu, these traditional fishing huts, emerge as sentinels over the Ariake Sea. These structures, perched on stilts and battered by the tides, represent a fascinating chapter of harmony between man and sea, a living tableau of age-old traditions that defy time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) In this article, I invite you to explore the world of the Tanajibu, delving into their construction, significance,

The Ariake Sea is a vast bay located in the southwest of Japan, extending into the prefectures of Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka. It is the largest bay in Japan in terms of area and features many interesting spots for photography such as Torii gates, fishing huts and the famous Nori seaweed farms. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Also known as Ariake-kai in Japanese, the Ariake Sea covers an area of about 1700 square kilometers. A notable feature of the Ariak

The Kumamoto earthquake in April 2016 caused considerable damage to its iconic castle and the surrounding area, illustrating the vulnerability of historic structures to natural disasters. Among the most significant damage to the castle, the collapse of important centuries-old stone walls is lamented. © O. Robert These imposing support structures, which had perfectly withstood the vicissitudes of time, ended up yielding under the impressive force of the shakes. These walls, kn

Kumamoto Castle, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Kyushu Island, stands as a silent witness to the country's historical and cultural evolution. Founded in the 15th century at the beginning of the Edo period, this iconic monument embodies the splendor of Japanese castles with its ingenious defenses, peaceful gardens, and imposing structure. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Despite the ravages of time, Kumamoto Castle, located in the Kumamoto Prefecture, c

The Suizen-ji Jōju-en Garden, located in Kumamoto within the prefecture of the same name on Kyushu Island, stands as a quintessential example of Japanese garden art. Emblematic of the Edo period, this garden is a harmonious blend of spirituality, history, and culture. Featuring "borrowed" elements from nature (Shakkei), it vividly reflects the aesthetic and architectural ideals of its era. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Origin of the Garden The Suizen-ji Jōju-en G