Japanese+Castles

The Japanese started to build their castles in around the 16th century. During this century, Japan had small states in it. These states were in war with each other to gain more land. These castles at first were built on hills to defend the state as well as to show how rich the lords then were. Later on, when Japan reunited, castles were still being built. These castles, however, were much larger and not necessarily built on hills. This is because they did not need to be built for defense, they served another purpose. This purpose would be to be a regions administrative and military headquarters. Towns were soon starting up around the castles. These are known as castle towns. Many castles were destroyed in the Meiji period (1868-1912) because they were unwelcome relics to the Japanese of that era. Even more castles were later destroyed in World War 2 Due to the war partially taking place in Japan.