Envision, if you will, a time long ago when the threat of invasion loomed large. We’re standing before a “Masugata”. What is Masugata? It’s a unique defensive structure. It was cleverly designed to thwart enemies. Masugata translates to “square measuring box”. The name comes from the shape of Japanese measuring boxes called “masu”.
Masugata features double right-angle turns built into a street. These turns were often found in castle towns and post-towns. Think of them as strategic chokepoints along old highways like the Nakasendo.
Imagine an advancing enemy. They are forced to slow down. They try to navigate the tight turns. Defenders could easily attack them. The turns ran between stone or palisade fortifications. This gave defenders a clear advantage. They could strike down enemies.
The design wasn’t just about direct attack. Masugata also disoriented the enemy. The fortifications hid the road ahead. This prevented the enemy from anticipating their next move. This was a crucial element of defense.
These fortifications were common features in castle towns. They protected important areas. They also appeared in post-towns. These were vital stops along major roads.
The road through post-towns often had inexplicable right-angled bends. Travelers were forced to turn. They showed their side to the general direction of the road. Sometimes armed guards supervised these bends. They checked the credentials of travelers.
Forcing travelers to turn slowed them down. It also confused potential aggressors. The bend made it impossible to see the road’s direction. It was difficult to spot the “honjin” from afar. The “honjin” was a target for assassins. It housed prominent figures.
Some believe these bends intimidated travelers. They were forced to follow the shogunate’s line. The road layout may have roots in Chinese tradition. Folk superstition could have played a role.
However, 17th-century explanations point to a military purpose. The square shape of walls with double right-angle turns forms a “Masugata”. Invaders were exposed to arrow and gunfire. Defenders fired from elevated walls.
A masugata is a square enclosed by an embankment, wall, moat, or gates. It protected castle entrances. It gathered cavalry forces hidden from the enemy.
The masugata generally includes two gates at right angles. This prevented direct entry. The masugata was the most advanced installation. The other protection was a barrier outside the gate.
Masugata first appeared at the end of the Sengoku period. This was when high stone walls were built. There are two main types. “Sotomasugata” is built outside the castle entrance. “Uchimasugata” is constructed inside. The latter was more common.
A typical masugata size was about 9m by 14.5m. This size was known as “gohachi-no-masugata”. The gates were called “masugatamon”. The outer gate was the “ichi-no-mon”. The inner gate was the “ni-no-mon”. The inner gate was stronger. It served as the main entrance.
The two gates worked together. Like canal locks, they operated in stages. The walled court was a gathering place. It ensured the safety of the main entrance.
As you leave Masugata consider its clever design. It protected against attack. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity. It is a fascinating element of Japanese defensive architecture.