Ishiotoshi/Sama - Openings in the fortifications of castles from which projectiles could be shot or thrown or boiling water could be poured through.
Seppuku - Ritual suicide committed by anyone who had been deemed a disgrace or was defeated in battle, with most of the performers being samurai.
Wateriyagura - The passageways connecting the various towers of the castle complex.
Daimyo - A regional Feudal lord that was the owner of land in Japan, was protected by samurai in exchange for land, and in control of peasants that worked on their land. The daimyo were also the residents of the castles.
Shogun - A military leader in Japan who, although didn't rule under name, held most of the power of the empire. They were also the residents of the castle.
Joka Machi - The centers of the feudal Japanese domains, which housed nearly all samurai along with close to ten percent of the population of the domain.
Tenshu/Keep/Donjon/Tenju - Tenshu translates to "high heavenly protector" (Turnball 156-159). It was the main tower of a castle and was usually the biggest and highest building. It was used to show the power of the daimyo. It also acted as a final line of defense, storage space, and a watchtower.
Kuruwa - The combination of all the courtyards, usually placed in a pattern confusing invaders.
Hon Maru - The main courtyard or bailey of the castle that contained the keep.
Ne Shi - Root stone that was the most important stone of a wall, making sure the wall was strong and durable.
Golden Sachi - Golden tiger fish placed at the top of a castle to scare off evil spirits and fires.
Masugata - The square shaped formed from the gates of a castle.
UNESCO World Heritage Site- A culturally important structure/location deemed worthy to represent tradition and history.
Landscape Paintings - The most common paintings found in castles.
Paired Gates - Gates that complement one another on opposite sides of a castle, moat surrounding dug out land for extra protection.
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