姫路城

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-98) was the son of a humble peasant in Owari (Aichi prefecture). His original name was Kinoshita Tokichiro. Following his employment in the service of the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga (1534-82), he changed his surname to Hashiba. The assassination of Nobunaga at the hand of his own vassal Akechi Mitsuhide (1528?-82), the ‘rebel of Honnoji’, prompted Hideyoshi to pursue and defeat Mitsuhide, subsequently emerging as Nobunaga’s successor and the most powerfull of all Japan’s contending warlords. Having effectively gained control of the entire country, he was promoted to junior first grade and chancellor in July 1585. In late 1586, he changed his surname to Toyotomi.It seems certain that the portrait shown here was painted at this time, at the height of his powers and the highest ranking man in Japan – notwithstanding the emperor. Having risen from the status of commoner, this was a unique feat and one of which he clearly seems to have been proud and self-satisfied. Seated on an age-datami mat hemmed with rainbow-colored silk, a mat normally reserved for the exclusive use of the emperor, he is wearing the formal regalia of his position – a crown, a courtier’s ceremonial dress, a girdle and a ceremonial sword in an ornamental mounting around the waist, and a scepter in his hand.

One of Japan’s most iconic and beautiful castle complexes, Himeji Castle remains as impressive as it was when it was first built over 400 years ago. Affectionately known as the White Heron Castle because its elegant shape and color are said to resemble such a bird spreading its wings, this hilltop castle overlooking Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1993. Although notable for its distinctive white exterior and aesthetic design, this architectural marvel was first and foremost a military structure. The complex as it stands today was constructed over nine years from 1601 by master castle builder Ikeda Terumasa. Himeji Castle’s main tower has six floors above ground (although only five are visible from the outside) and one below, and is connected to three smaller towers by roofed passageways. The ingenious layout ? including a maze of winding paths and gates that slow down, expose, and confuse would-be invaders ? combined with earthen walls featuring small openings through which defenders could fire guns and shoot arrows to create a highly advanced and imposing military fortress. Despite being built with defense in mind, Himeji Castle has never seen battle. The signature white plaster covering the walls and even the joints between the roof tiles also bolstered its ability to withstand fire and snowstorms, so the main tower, passages, gates, walls and other major structures have survived virtually unscathed since the castle was constructed. A five-year restoration project completed in 2015 has ensured Himeji Castle’s splendor will remain for many generations to come. The castle can be viewed year-round but is widely considered to be at its most spectacular in spring when more than 1,000 cherry trees on its grounds come into bloom.

酒井雅楽頭 写

撮影者不詳

徳川家康の家臣・池田輝政が、豊臣方をけん制するために築いた強大な城・姫路城。５層６階の大天守は、木造建築としては世界屈指の規模です。巨大な天守を支えるのが東西２本の心柱。そのひとつ、西の心柱に刻まれたある物語を紹介します。<br><br>（この動画は、２０１２年に放送されたものです。）