Foreign Friday

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Kumamoto Castle entry and walls
Kumamoto, Japan
April 1980

The signature curved stone walls, known as musha-gaeshi, surrounding the castle were designed to prevent attackers from penetrating the castle. "Musha-gaeshi" literally means repelling warriors. Also notice the stone steps in the foreground which lead to the castle sitting on the hilltop.


On my way up to the castle, I was drawn to the contrast between the delicate blossoms and the unyielding stone wall.


I wonder how many warriors walked up these steps in the 400 years the castle was inhabited.



Comments

  1. Tracy BatchelderSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    I must have taken a long time to build such a formidable fortress.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BevSeptember 30, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Wow...can you just see them walking up those steps!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SissySeesSeptember 30, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    It is a stark contrast. I too wonder about those who have trod the same "ground" over the centuries... I think that a lot as I drive through the various battlefields and such around here.

    ReplyDelete
  4. kathy bSeptember 30, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Nancy I love your foreign fridays! I too am drawn to the life of the vine and the stones contrasting.

    ReplyDelete

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