Tokugawa Ieyasu: Model for Yoshii Toranaga

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun

For those who have watched the drama Shōgun, the stories of protagonist John Blackthorne and Yoshii Toranaga are truly captivating. The character of Yoshii Toranaga is actually based on a real historical figure: Tokugawa Ieyasu.

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From Chaos to Peace: The Life of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Life of Tokugawa Ieyasu Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616) was one of the most significant military commanders in Japanese history and is known as the founder of the Edo Shogunate. He survived the turmoil of the Sengoku period and established a long-lasting ...

Travel Guide

Overview Page Introduction (for “Himeji Castle”)

Himeji Castle – Discover Japan’s Finest Surviving Feudal Fortress Step into a living masterpiece of feudal architecture and discover the pristine legacy of Japan’s samurai age in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Castle, crowned by its elegant white Main ...

Overview Page Introduction (for “Osaka Castle Park”)

Osaka Castle – Explore the Castle Grounds in the Heart of Osaka Step into the historic seat of samurai ambition and discover a dynamic retreat at the heart of Osaka. Osaka Castle Park surrounds the iconic reconstructed Main Tower of ...

Edo Castle – Tracing the Legacy of Tokugawa in the Heart of Tokyo

Fujimi Yagura Tenshu dai 🏯 Edo Castle: Tracing the Legacy of Tokugawa in the Heart of Tokyo ✨ Introduction Once the center of power for the Tokugawa shogunate, Edo Castle stood at the heart of what is now modern-day Tokyo—a ...

Nagoya Castle – Table of Contents

Walking Through Nagoya Castle — Timeless Stone Walls and the Architectural Grandeur of the Tokugawa Era The legacy of Nagoya Castle traces back to the turbulent Sengoku period. Originally, a fortress named Nagono Castle stood on this site, built in ...

Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Historic Landmarks in Ueno, Ochanomizu, and Korakuen

Ueno Area Ueno Toshogu Shrine Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ueno Onshi Park, Taito City, Tokyo. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Originally built in 1627, the shrine's current structure was reconstructed ...

Discover the Sacred Sites of Tokugawa Ieyasu: Nikko Edition

Discover the History of Nikko: A Walking Tour Embark on a special self-guided walking tour through the historic city of Nikko, tracing the footsteps of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This tour takes you through significant sites associated with the founder of the ...

Travel Journal

Joining the Public Opening of Inui Street at the Imperial Palace — A Special Morning Woven with History and Nature

One early spring day, when the first signs of the season’s change began to appear, I took part in the special public opening of the Inui Street at the Imperial Palace. To be ready for the 9:00 a.m. gate opening, ...

My Visit to the Imperial Palace – Former Edo Castle Site

As of March 2025, the Imperial Palace, which stands on the historic site of Edo Castle, offers a free general visit with a limited number of participants. This diary entry details my experience of joining the tour. For more information, ...

From History to Screen: Meet Yoshii Toranaga