Thank you for uploading this! The modern history of Japanese castle sites is an oft overlooked topic. I'm particularly interested in the history of the reconstruction of castle structures. I run a group on Facebook called "Japanese Castles", which now has nearly 4,000 members. I'll share your website and videos there. And I have just ordered your book.
Thank you for this fascinating insight into Himeji's modern history! I visited the castle last year to see it after the conclusion of those extensive renovations that put the keep behind scaffolding for so long. The site looks great. Shame the post-war bicycle track is gone though...
Thanks! Keirin tracks were a big thing right after 1945, as the government gave special permission to war-damaged cities to build cycle tracks to raise funds for the recovery. A few ended up in castles, such as up in Aizu-Wakamatsu, where it was quite controversial.
This was really interesting. I used to live nearby for many years and I'm a huge Japanese castle fan, though I've only been to around 150 thus far, so there's still a long way to go to visit them all. ;)
Thank you for uploading this! The modern history of Japanese castle sites is an oft overlooked topic. I'm particularly interested in the history of the reconstruction of castle structures. I run a group on Facebook called "Japanese Castles", which now has nearly 4,000 members. I'll share your website and videos there. And I have just ordered your book.
Thanks, I really appreciate it! I hope to finish the next episode soon, which will talk a bit more about the reconstruction aspect.
Love this project! Great idea 😊
Thank you for this fascinating insight into Himeji's modern history! I visited the castle last year to see it after the conclusion of those extensive renovations that put the keep behind scaffolding for so long. The site looks great. Shame the post-war bicycle track is gone though...
Thanks! Keirin tracks were a big thing right after 1945, as the government gave special permission to war-damaged cities to build cycle tracks to raise funds for the recovery. A few ended up in castles, such as up in Aizu-Wakamatsu, where it was quite controversial.
I know Oleg!! ;)
Seriously, useful materials for teaching and greetings from Montreal, Mikael Bauer.
Thanks, Mikael! I hope you and your students find them useful, and all the best from your former stomping grounds!
This was really interesting. I used to live nearby for many years and I'm a huge Japanese castle fan, though I've only been to around 150 thus far, so there's still a long way to go to visit them all. ;)
Thanks! I'm not sure we'll make it to 150 episodes, but we'll do our best! ;)
It would be better if you clarified in the title that this will say nothing about the most interesting part, which is the medieval history.