The Legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Ambition
Nagoya Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a base for the Bunroku and Keicho Campaigns (Invasions of Korea).
Surrounding the castle, a town with a population of over 200,000 flourished, populated by samurai and merchants from across Japan.
The daimyo (feudal lords) engaged in cultural activities like tea ceremonies and Noh performances, contributing to the rich and elegant Momoyama culture. Although the castle, once the second largest after Osaka Castle, was abandoned shortly after Hideyoshi's death, its remains, including stone walls, still testify to its historical significance and it is designated a Special Historic Site.
Nagoya Castle was a showcase of the best Japanese engineering of its time, built for Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea.
Over 150 daimyo encampments have been confirmed around the castle, illustrating its grand scale and the power of the era.
After Hideyoshi's death, the castle was abandoned just seven years later. The remaining ruins, including stone walls and moats, evoke the grandeur of Hideyoshi's ambitions.
In addition to its military history, Nagoya Castle was a center of cultural exchange. During the Bunroku and Keicho Campaigns, skilled artisans from Korea were brought to Japan by the daimyo.
These artisans established kilns across Kyushu, contributing to the development of famous ceramics like Karatsu ware and Arita ware.
