The most beautiful castle of Japan.

Trip Start Sep 21, 2006
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Trip End Ongoing


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Friday, January 25, 2008

Built in 1580 by the Shogun, Himeji-Jo is unanimously acclaimed as the most splendid Japanese castle still stranding.

Here's a little of info to help understanding Japanese society back then:

In those days the Emperor was primarily a symbolic figure and the Shogun reigned over Japan as a cruel dictator. His army of Samurai had the exclusive right to bear arms and had the right to kill. They were carrying two swords at all times. A longer one to fight and a shorter one to commit suicide should their honor be at stake. The Shogun's spies were called Ninja. The two other classes people at the time were the Peasants and the Merchants.

Even though the Shogun was the ultimate ruler he still paid tribute to the Emperor in order to keep the people happy for they always beloved him and remained loyal to him. In face of the foreign powers threatening to invade (namely commender Perry from the USA) the Emperor was able to retake full power in 1868 when he was backed by the young Samurai whose slogan was let's fight for the Emperor's honor.

Andre.
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