Castle towns originated around fortresses built during the Muromachi period for protection, with towns developing around castles inhabited by daimyo, samurai, and merchants. As military technology advanced, large central castles replaced scattered fortifications, becoming centers of government administration and economic activity. Castle architecture evolved over time, incorporating materials, construction techniques, and defenses designed to withstand attacks, while interiors featured artistic embellishments befitting the elite residents.

1. Castle Towns Leighton Boiar Grace Kennedy Brian Nelson

2. How were Castle Towns able to support a large population? During the war times the samurai built castles for protection from invaders. During that time the daimyos lived in castles and the rest of the family also lived in the castles In 1576, a warlord named Oda Nobunga built the first castle palace in Azuchi. It was seven stories high and was surrounded by moats and stone walls. Nobles were ordered to supply materials and workmen to build the castles. Around the castle, the workmen for the castles, workmen families, the noble families, and samurai lived and made a living in the castle town. Castle towns trace their origin to the Muromachi period and the construction of wooden defenses typically located on hills for reason of protection. These fortresses were the precursors to the castles and castle-building styles that grew more elaborate during the Warring States period. As they learned about European military technology, the technology used to defend the great castles changed. Stockades and little castles, which hitherto had been scattered on strategic high points, were replaced by a single large central castle in a daimyo’s domain, mostly built in the last quarter of the sixteenth century.

3. How were Japanese castles built as defensive fortresses? The first castles were rough wooden forts set beside rivers and swamps or on hilltops and rocky cliffs. Protected by natural defenses these castles sheltered samurai bands fighting to protect their lords estate Since most castles were located among main trade routes, on sites with no natural protection, they had to build their own built defenses. Through trap doors in the stone foundation, defenders could dump rocks on the attacker. The windows were barred, and the doors had locks and bolts. Slits and the wall let hidden defenders shoot guns and arrows, and balconies served as shooting platforms. The grounds and buildings were surrounded by rows of stone walls and water filled moats. If the attackers managed to get through all these defenses. They will be welcomed by a bath of boiling liquids poured through holes above the castles gates. But the inside of the castle was a lot nicer Painted screens brightened their rooms, and the ceilings were carved and painted with colorful designs. Tables, chest, vases, and other furnishings were made by the finest material and artisans.

4. How did Castles become the center of government administration? Castles became the centers of the government’s administration. Castle towns grew up around castles inhabited by artisans and merchants. Inns, stables and stores established along the roads between Edo and the Castle towns. As the military and political significance of castles grew, they also became the focal point of economic activity within their local region. With a the rise of commerce around castles, merchants, artisans, and peasants joined the warrior class in taking up residence within the castle‘s sphere of influence. By late 16 th century, castle towns began their transformation into town and city complexes, because castle towns served as government administration centers .

5. What are the social classes in Japan Emperor was a godlike figure to most people in Japan who was a religious leader. The Shogun held the most power. He was the highest ranking member in the warrior class and the military leader of Japan. The daimyo. They were the highest ranking members in the samurai class. The Samurai warriors were both respected and frightening There were lots of peasant farmers in Japan They were people who farmed crops on land from that was owned by the daimyo. Sword makers were highly respected, though, because the swords are in demand of samurai's and daimyo's, meaning many people need them. Merchants were rich, but they were not respected.

6. Class of samurai Another form of the samurai is ninja Ninjas were basically spies and assassins (they kill for money). The lowest class of all Samurai is Ashigaru, or foot soldiers.

7. How to make Laquerware Laquerware was made by adding coloring- usually red or black to tree sap. Artisans painted many layers of lacquer onto wood or paper to create a hard shiny surface. It proably took over several years just too build up the amount of laquer. Then they use knives to carve into the laquerware.