Representing both wartime and peaceful times

Matsumoto Castle stood quietly in the darkness of the night. Head of the management office, Otake, greeted us. Matsumoto Castle was built in the 1590’s in the age of civil wars. Around 1630, feudal lord Naomasa Tokunaga built ”Tsukimi Yagura (moon viewing tower)” to welcome Shogun Iemitsu Tokunaga. ”The two buildings that were built at a very contradictory era stand side by side, reflecting the era each was built”. Matsumoto Castle has small window-like openings for guns and spears, and ”ishi otoshi” to drop stones at the enemy during time of war.

Admiring the castle at moon viewing feast

It was the ”chushu no meigetsu (mid-autumn moon)” when we visited. As in the Edo era, people gathered for the special festival, admiring the castle while listening to the performance of traditional Japanese instruments. ”Chushin Sankyou Corporation” group gave special performance from ”Tsukimi Yagura” just like the old days. The sound of ”koto” and ”shakuhachi” echoed in the air, and Nakata commented, ”it feels refined and luxurious” as he enjoyed the evening scenery with music.

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