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The Valor of the Samurai: The Fierce Beauty of the Samurai Family Embodied in Armor and Swords
Nagoya Castle was built in 1610 (Keichō 15) by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ordered daimyōs from across the country to construct it for his ninth son, Yoshinobu. Yoshinobu became the first lord of the Owari Domain, and Nagoya Castle became the seat of the Owari
Tokugawa clan, the leading branch of the Tokugawa Three Houses. Even today, it remains a place where visitors can experience the legacy of this historic samurai culture.
When people think of samurai, many likely picture armor and swords. These essential pieces of military equipment in battle also served as symbols of a family’s status. Armor with distinctive designs catches the eye, while swords were crafted by renowned master artisans. At Nagoya Castle, numerous exquisite pieces created during the peaceful Edo period have been preserved and passed down through the generations. Through the beauty of these uniquely crafted suits of armor and swords,
one can sense the profound depth of samurai culture.
A Culture of Craftsmanship Nurtured Alongside the Castle and the Town
Nagoya flourished during the Edo period alongside Nagoya Castle. Its foundation was laid by the “Kiyosu Relocation,” in which the entire population—including people, buildings, and shrines and temples—was moved from Kiyosu, which had previously served as the region’s center. At that time, skilled artisans also relocated to the area, helping Nagoya’s traditional industries to flourish.
For example, the Arimatsu-Narumi shibori dyeing technique. In Narumi Village, established by the Owari Domain, a variety of dyeing colors and tying techniques were developed. Another distinctive feature of Nagoya is that lower-ranking samurai contributed to the development of craftsmanship through side businesses officially sanctioned by the domain.
The production of Nagoya folding fans, wooden barrels, and paper lanterns flourished, laying the groundwork for the handicraft industries that emerged in the Meiji era and beyond. Even in recent years, the techniques for crafting decorative metal fittings for Shinto and Buddhist ritual implements
have been utilized in the restoration of the Honmaru Palace. The skills cultivated in this city continue to be passed down through the ages.
Experience the History of This Glamorous Entertainment District in Traditional Japanese Attire
Nagoya is famous not only for its industry but also as a city of traditional performing arts. In particular, during the reign of the seventh feudal lord, Muneharu, the performing arts were strongly encouraged. The local culture of enthusiasm for traditional arts and crafts—such as Noh and Kyogen—has been passed down to the present day. In a city that comes alive with the performing arts, the beauty of traditional Japanese attire stands out even more. Why not take a stroll through the castle grounds in traditional Japanese attire while reflecting on the culture of Nagoya, the “City of the Arts”?
One of the crafts associated with traditional Japanese attire is a type of fabric created using a unique technique called “Nagoya Yuzen.” It features a limited color palette that gives it a subdued, elegant impression, offering a different charm from Kyoto’s “Kyoto Yuzen.” This understated Nagoya Yuzen emerged during an era of frugality that followed the reign of Munenori, who favored a lively, extravagant lifestyle. Through Nagoya’s kimono culture, one can glimpse the changing tides of history.
translated by AI