Was 1583 a turning point for Osaka? That was the year construction began on Osaka Castle. Today we are standing at the entrance to Akasaka Castle. It is also known as Akasaka-jo. But let’s take a step back to understand the real story.
Akasaka Castle isn’t just one castle. It is actually two. There is Shimo-Akasaka Castle and Kami-Akasaka Castle. Shimo-Akasaka Castle’s main enclosure is now the site of the Chihayaakasaka Village Hall. A monument marks the castle’s location on the grounds of the neighboring Chihayaakasaka Junior High School. Kami-Akasaka Castle was once defended by Kusunoki Masashige’s brother.
In 1331 Emperor Go-Daigo tried to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate. He relied on Prince Moriyoshi and Kusunoki Masashige. But this first attempt failed. The Emperor was captured and exiled. Kusunoki Masashige faked his death. He escaped into the mountains. There he built Kami-Akasaka Castle and Chihaya Castle.
Later Kusunoki Masashige joined forces with Prince Moriyoshi. They recovered Shimo-Akasaka Castle. They resumed their offense against the shogunate. After the Kenmu restoration Shimo-Akasaka Castle was a base for the Southern Court. But Northern Court forces captured it in 1360. Kami-Akasaka Castle fell after two weeks. The shogunate army broke the water supply to the defenders.
Today both Akasaka Castles are mostly ruins. Little remains of the original structures. Yet, the spirit of Kusunoki Masashige endures. His strategic brilliance helped shape Japanese castle design. These castles stood as symbols of resistance. They represent defiance against the shogunate. They remind us that even in defeat hope can survive.