Publication on Japanese Castles for the Royal Society for Asian Affairs in London
- Olivier
- Jul 30
- 6 min read
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 castles classified as national treasures, which I had previously written about in this article. Finally, I briefly revisit Kumamoto Castle, before and after the damage caused by the 2016 earthquake.
Since the magazine is reserved for members of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, I am unable to present it here in its entirety. If you would like to learn more about the RSAA, you can visit their comprehensive website (link below).
Consequently, you will find below a condensed summary of this article titled The Timeless Majesty of Japanese Castles. If you are interested in the history and architecture of Japan's castles through photography, you can read my articles dedicated to them.
The Timeless Majesty of Japanese Castles
In Japan's landscape, castles stand as silent sentinels of history, their stone walls and wooden interiors whispering tales of feudal lords, samurai warriors, and ancient battles. These architectural marvels are not merely fortifications but symbols of power, culture, and ingenuity.
The history of Japanese castles reflects the nation's feudal past and shifting power dynamics. The earliest fortifications date back to the late Heian period (794-1185) and were rudimentary structures for defense against tribal conflicts. During the Sengoku period (1467-1615), an era of near-constant civil war, castle architecture flourished. Regional daimyō, or warlords, constructed elaborate castles to assert dominance and protect territories. The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603) saw the zenith of castle construction under leaders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Himeji Castle © O. Robert
As Japan entered the Edo period (1603-1868), the need for military fortifications waned, and castles evolved into symbols of authority and cultural heritage. During the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), many castles were destroyed or left to decay. Despite this, some castles, including Himeji, Matsumoto, Kumamoto, Nijo, and Matsue, were preserved and repurposed.
Japanese castles are renowned for blending aesthetic beauty with functional design. The "tenshukaku," or keep, is a multi-story tower serving as the castle's centerpiece, typically constructed from wood and stone with elegant curves and tiered roofs. Defensive structures such as stone walls, moats, and intricate gate systems were crafted to withstand attacks. The interiors, adorned with sliding doors, ornate screens, and intricate woodwork, testify to the craftsmanship and artistry of the period.
Himeji Castle: Known as the "White Heron Castle," Himeji Castle in Hyōgo Prefecture is Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved castle. Built under Ikeda Terumasa between 1601 and 1609, its complex network of buildings, gates, and walls showcases the pinnacle of defensive architecture.
Himeji Castle © O. Robert
Matsumoto Castle: Referred to as the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture is renowned for its moon-viewing pavilion and strategic use of surroundings. Its three turrets and main keep are connected by walkways, creating a unified defensive structure.
Matsumoto Castle © O. Robert
Inuyama Castle: Known as the "White Emperor Castle," Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest castles. Built in 1537 under Oda Nobuyasu, its strategic location and defensive features reflect the military considerations of its builders.
Inuyama Castle © O. Robert
Hikone Castle: Located in Shiga Prefecture, Hikone Castle, or the "Castle of the Golden Turtle," is renowned for its well-preserved structures and beautiful gardens. Construction began in 1603 and was completed in 1622, showcasing early Edo period architecture.
Hikone Castle © O. Robert
Matsue Castle: Known as the "Pine Castle," Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture is the only castle in the San'in region that retains its original wooden keep. Built between 1607 and 1611 under Horio Yoshiharu, its black exterior and elegant curves reflect the refined tastes of the feudal elite.
Matsue Castle © O. Robert
Kumamoto Castle: Also known as the "Ginkgo Castle," Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture symbolizes resilience and longevity. Built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1588, it features an impressive defense complex with a main keep and several secondary towers. Currently undergoing reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake, much of the castle remains closed to the public.
Kumamoto Castle © O. Robert
Brief History of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs
The Royal Society for Asian Affairs, known as RSAA, started as the Central Asian Society in 1901. It was renamed the Royal Central Asian Society in 1931 and took its current name in 1975.
In November 1901, a proposal to create the Central Asian Society was introduced by Dr. Cotterell Tupp, Captain Francis Younghusband, Colonel Algernon Durand, and General Sir Thomas Gordon. Their goal was to form a group focused on Central Asia, covering political, geographical, commercial, and scientific topics.
They noted that while other groups like the Royal Geographical and Royal Asiatic Societies occasionally discussed these subjects, there was no dedicated organization for Central Asia. They wanted a place where travelers and those interested in the region could meet.
Many believed the Society's focus was solely on "the Great Game", the strategic rivalry between British interests in India and the expanding Russian Empire. However, although Central Asia was a primary focus, the Society also considered any Asian developments affecting British interests in the region.
Thus, the name change in 1975 to the Royal Society for Asian Affairs reflected its broader scope, which had been in practice since its early days. By then, the Society's journal, first issued in 1914, had already been renamed Asian Affairs in 1970.
What are the activities of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs
Its primary objective is to advance public knowledge and understanding of Asia through various activities, including public events, publications, and research support. The society is independent of governments and political bodies, ensuring a neutral stance on policy issues in its meetings and publications.
Originally focused on Central Asia, the RSAA expanded its scope over the years to encompass the entire Asian continent. The society's journal, "Asian Affairs", has been continuously published since 1914 and is currently issued quarterly by Taylor & Francis. The journal features original research articles, commentaries, essays, and book reviews, catering to a global audience interested in Asian politics, current affairs, and international relations.
The RSAA organizes lectures and events, traditionally held at various central London locations such as the Royal Astronomical Society and the Army and Navy Club. The society also supports educational initiatives, including schools' days in collaboration with the School of Oriental and African Studies, offering sixth-form students insights into Asian topics and languages.
In addition to its educational and publishing activities, the RSAA administers travel awards to young people for projects and research contributing to scholarly or public knowledge. It also awards two prestigious medals: the Sir Percy Sykes Memorial Medal and the Lawrence of Arabia Memorial Medal, recognizing significant contributions to cultural relations, exploration, research, or literature related to Asia.
If you would like to learn more about the activities of the RSAA, you can visit their website:
If you would like to learn more about a specific aspect of the history or architecture of Japanese castles, you can refer to the list of hashtags below.
