Comparing and Contrasting Japanese and European Castles
Comparing and Contrasting Japanese and European Castles
Castles can be located all over the world representing historical stories, epic events and achievements. Western architecture has remained a vital part of our world’s history having taught us a lot about what makes great architecture. Western civilizations display a plethora of magnificent buildings including castles of great fortitude. Japan and Europe are home to a number of these significant castles. In this essay I will discuss Japanese Edo castles and European Medieval castles. By using examples of Japanese and European castles, I will discuss the similarities but also some very significant differences pertaining to different areas including symbolism.
One thing remains true no matter the location of a castle; a castle is a large dwelling. This is a similarity that seems to be permanently glued to the word “castle”. Japanese and European castles alike dominate their surrounding areas in size. Size is something often used to create extravagance or as I stated dominance. The Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey North Wales (fig.1) is no exception to this idea. With more than 16 towers and 2 massive gate houses laid into thick brick walls, this castle exceeds dominating other buildings and the surrounding area. Edo Castle (fig.2, fig. 3) of Japan although it no longer exists beyond its base, once stood a good 5 stories high. This is another comparable display of size.
Another similarity between the European and Japanese castles are some of its structures. Structures built as part of the Medieval castles were also built as part of Edo castles. Many of these similar structures were the defensive aspects of the castles. One of these defensive vices was the bridge. Most castles had some sort of bridge or draw-bridge that was easily dispensed in battle. Although not common among Japanese castles, Matsuyama (fig.4) castle also had a sort of gatehouse which was very commonly used in European
Castles can be located all over the world representing historical stories, epic events and achievements. Western architecture has remained a vital part of our world’s history having taught us a lot about what makes great architecture. Western civilizations display a plethora of magnificent buildings including castles of great fortitude. Japan and Europe are home to a number of these significant castles. In this essay I will discuss Japanese Edo castles and European Medieval castles. By using examples of Japanese and European castles, I will discuss the similarities but also some very significant differences pertaining to different areas including symbolism.
One thing remains true no matter the location of a castle; a castle is a large dwelling. This is a similarity that seems to be permanently glued to the word “castle”. Japanese and European castles alike dominate their surrounding areas in size. Size is something often used to create extravagance or as I stated dominance. The Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey North Wales (fig.1) is no exception to this idea. With more than 16 towers and 2 massive gate houses laid into thick brick walls, this castle exceeds dominating other buildings and the surrounding area. Edo Castle (fig.2, fig. 3) of Japan although it no longer exists beyond its base, once stood a good 5 stories high. This is another comparable display of size.
Another similarity between the European and Japanese castles are some of its structures. Structures built as part of the Medieval castles were also built as part of Edo castles. Many of these similar structures were the defensive aspects of the castles. One of these defensive vices was the bridge. Most castles had some sort of bridge or draw-bridge that was easily dispensed in battle. Although not common among Japanese castles, Matsuyama (fig.4) castle also had a sort of gatehouse which was very commonly used in European