70808-0005 - Osaka Castle

The Donjon or castle tower and Katabishi turret of Osaka Castle in Osaka, Japan.

Original construction began in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉, 1537–1598) and was completed in 1598, the same year that Hideyoshi died.

Lightning strikes burned down the main tower in 1665. In 1843 (Tenpo 14) several of the turrets were rebuilt, but in 1868 (Keio 4/Meiji 1) much of the castle was burned in the civil conflicts surrounding the Meiji Restoration.

In 1928 (Showa 3), a fund-raising drive was started by the Mayor of Osaka to restore the main tower. This was a great success and the restoration was concluded in 1931 (Showa 6).

Until the end of WWII, Osaka Castle was the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division, also known as Osaka Garrison. Formed in Osaka City in January 1871 (Meiji 4), it moved to a new headquarters building within the castle grounds in 1931 (Showa 6) when the castle was reconstructed.