Most As in other parts of the world, the Japanese built fortifications from the earliest parts of their recoded history. As in other locale's, these initial defenses were constructed of wood and earth, but it wasn't until the third century and the rise of the Yamato Court, that definitive styles of architecture arose. This was, of course, based on Chinese or Korean examples as there was a considerable amount of information that passed from the mainland to Japan through trade. This included the use of both stone and timber (of which Japan has an abundant supply) for construction. 

Thankfully, the Japanese have a great interest in their history and so have made substantial efforts to restore many of their castle sites. This has allowed author Stephen Turnbull, an internationally recognized researcher on the subject, to provide us with a most complete look at Japanese castle construction.

The book covers the complete design and implementation of castle styles and shows how the various works were modified or improved to meet the needs of the areas in which they were placed. As the Japanese constantly feared invasion, they built a number of defensive outposts, each tied wo a specific castle to provide advanced warning. This includes the various works of the periods such as the beginning of Imperial Japan, the founding of the shogunate and the Mongol invasion.

All of this is additionally enhanced by photos of the current sites, period art work and the illustrations of Peter Dennis. Though some of the fortifications are either gone or inaccessible, many are still extant and those areas are shown and discussed.

In all, a superb addition to the Fortress series and a book that I believe you will find interesting.

May 2008

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