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The main keep of Himeji Castle stands 92 meters (302 feet) above sea level.
Answer: True
The main keep of Himeji Castle is indeed situated at an elevation of 92 meters (302 feet) above sea level, making it a prominent feature of the landscape.
Which of the following best describes Himeji Castle?
Answer: A hilltop Japanese castle complex, considered the finest example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture.
Himeji Castle is widely recognized as a hilltop Japanese castle complex and the preeminent example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture.
What is the height of the main keep (*daitenshu*) at Himeji Castle above sea level?
Answer: 92 meters (302 feet)
The main keep (*daitenshu*) of Himeji Castle stands at an impressive height of 92 meters (302 feet) above sea level.
Himeyama hill, the site of Himeji Castle, was first fortified in 1333 by Akamatsu Norimura during the Genkō War.
Answer: True
Historical records confirm that Himeyama hill, the strategic location of Himeji Castle, was initially fortified in 1333 by Akamatsu Norimura during the Genkō War.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi was responsible for the extensive rebuilding and expansion of Himeji Castle from 1601 to 1609, adding three moats.
Answer: False
The extensive rebuilding and expansion of Himeji Castle, including the addition of three moats between 1601 and 1609, was undertaken by Ikeda Terumasa, not Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The expansion of Himeji Castle by Ikeda Terumasa is estimated to have required a labor expenditure of 2.5 million man-days.
Answer: True
The substantial expansion of Himeji Castle by Ikeda Terumasa from 1601 to 1609 is indeed estimated to have involved a monumental labor expenditure of 2.5 million man-days.
Who first fortified Himeyama hill, the site of Himeji Castle, in 1333?
Answer: Akamatsu Norimura
Akamatsu Norimura was responsible for the initial fortification of Himeyama hill in 1333 during the Genkō War.
Which feudal ruler significantly expanded Himeji Castle in 1581 by adding a three-story castle keep?
Answer: Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Toyotomi Hideyoshi significantly expanded Himeji Castle in 1581 by adding a three-story castle keep.
Who undertook the major rebuilding and expansion of Himeji Castle from 1601 to 1609, adding three moats and transforming it into the extensive complex seen today?
Answer: Ikeda Terumasa
Ikeda Terumasa was responsible for the extensive rebuilding and expansion of Himeji Castle between 1601 and 1609, which included the addition of three moats.
What was the estimated labor expenditure for Ikeda Terumasa's expansion of Himeji Castle?
Answer: 2.5 million man-days
The expansion of Himeji Castle by Ikeda Terumasa is estimated to have required a labor expenditure of 2.5 million man-days.
Himeji Castle is primarily known for its modern architectural elements, distinguishing it from other historical Japanese castles.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle is renowned as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, characterized by its historical design rather than modern elements.
The *tenshu* (main keep) of Japanese castles like Himeji Castle primarily served as the feudal lord's permanent residence from the Azuchi-Momoyama period onwards.
Answer: False
From the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the *tenshu* primarily functioned as a storehouse in peacetime and a fortified tower during conflict, with residences typically located in surrounding single-story buildings.
The Himeji Castle complex consists of exactly 50 buildings, including the main keep and various turrets.
Answer: False
The Himeji Castle complex is comprised of 83 buildings, including storehouses, gates, corridors, and turrets, not merely 50.
The main keep of Himeji Castle appears to have six floors externally but actually has five floors and a basement.
Answer: False
The main keep's external appearance of five floors cleverly conceals its actual internal structure of six floors and a basement, a design feature for strategic advantage.
The basement of Himeji Castle's main keep is notable for containing lavatories, a drain board, and a kitchen corridor.
Answer: True
The basement of Himeji Castle's main keep is indeed uniquely equipped with lavatories, a drain board, and a kitchen corridor, reflecting a high degree of self-sufficiency for a fortified structure.
The first floor of the main keep, often called the thousand-mat room, featured weapon racks for holding only bows and arrows.
Answer: False
The first floor of the main keep, known as the thousand-mat room, was equipped with weapon racks for matchlocks and spears, not exclusively bows and arrows.
Stone-throwing platforms (*ishiuchidana*) and warrior hiding places (*mushakakushi*) are defensive features found on the third and fourth floors of the main keep.
Answer: True
The third and fourth floors of the main keep incorporate *ishiuchidana* (stone-throwing platforms) and *mushakakushi* (warrior hiding places), which are strategic defensive features for observing and ambushing attackers.
Himeji Castle contains approximately 100 loopholes (*sama*) in various shapes for defenders to fire upon attackers.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle features approximately 1,000 loopholes (*sama*), not 100, strategically designed for defenders to fire upon attackers while remaining protected.
White plaster was extensively used in Himeji Castle's construction primarily for its aesthetic appeal, not for defensive purposes.
Answer: False
White plaster was extensively utilized in Himeji Castle's construction primarily for its fire-resistant properties, serving a crucial defensive function rather than merely aesthetic appeal.
The Three Country Moat (*sangoku-bori*) within Himeji Castle was a large pond primarily used for fishing by the feudal lords.
Answer: False
The Three Country Moat (*sangoku-bori*) was primarily intended to store water for fire prevention, a critical defensive measure, rather than for recreational fishing.
The Salt Turret (*shioyagura*) was a specific building used for storing salt, estimated to have held as many as 3,000 bags.
Answer: True
The Salt Turret (*shioyagura*) was indeed a dedicated structure within Himeji Castle, designed for storing up to 3,000 bags of salt as provisions for a siege.
Himeji Castle's confusing maze of paths leading to the keep was a key defensive element designed to disorient and delay attackers.
Answer: True
The intricate and confusing maze of paths within Himeji Castle was a deliberate defensive strategy, designed to disorient, delay, and expose attackers to prolonged assault before reaching the main keep.
Himeji Castle's intricate defensive maze system was successfully tested during a major siege in the 17th century.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle's complex defensive maze system was never subjected to a real attack, meaning its effectiveness in actual combat remains untested.
Himeji Castle shares the 'hirayama' style of castle architecture with Osaka Castle and Edo Castle.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle exemplifies the 'hirayama' (flat hilltop) style, sharing this architectural classification with Matsuyama Castle (Iyo) and Tsuyama Castle, not Osaka Castle and Edo Castle.
What was the main function of the *tenshu* (main keep) in Japanese castles like Himeji Castle from the Azuchi-Momoyama period onwards?
Answer: A storehouse during times of peace and a fortified tower during times of war.
From the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the *tenshu* served a dual purpose: as a storehouse during peacetime and a fortified tower during conflict.
How many buildings comprise the entire Himeji Castle complex?
Answer: 83
The entire Himeji Castle complex is composed of 83 distinct buildings, including various storehouses, gates, corridors, and turrets.
What is unique about the internal structure of Himeji Castle's main keep regarding its floors?
Answer: It appears to have five floors externally but actually has six floors and a basement.
The main keep's external appearance of five floors cleverly conceals its actual internal structure of six floors and a basement, a design feature for strategic advantage.
What special facilities are found in the basement of Himeji Castle's main keep?
Answer: Lavatories, a drain board, and a kitchen corridor.
The basement of Himeji Castle's main keep is equipped with unique facilities, including lavatories, a drain board, and a kitchen corridor, indicating its self-sufficiency.
What defensive items were stored on the first floor of Himeji Castle's main keep?
Answer: Matchlocks and spears.
The first floor of the main keep, also known as the thousand-mat room, featured weapon racks specifically for storing matchlocks and spears.
What were *ishiuchidana* (stone-throwing platforms) and *mushakakushi* (warrior hiding places) used for in the main keep?
Answer: Observing attackers and ambushing intruders.
*Ishiuchidana* (stone-throwing platforms) and *mushakakushi* (warrior hiding places) were defensive features designed for observing attackers and facilitating ambushes.
What was the primary purpose of the approximately 1,000 loopholes (*sama*) found throughout Himeji Castle?
Answer: To allow defenders to fire on attackers without exposing themselves.
The primary function of the approximately 1,000 loopholes (*sama*) strategically placed throughout Himeji Castle was to enable defenders to fire upon attackers while maintaining cover.
What material was extensively used in Himeji Castle's construction specifically for its fire resistance?
Answer: White plaster
White plaster was extensively employed in Himeji Castle's construction, primarily for its crucial fire-resistant properties.
What was the primary purpose of the Three Country Moat (*sangoku-bori*) within the Himeji Castle complex?
Answer: To store water for use in fire prevention.
The Three Country Moat (*sangoku-bori*) served the vital purpose of storing water for fire prevention within the Himeji Castle complex.
What was the Salt Turret (*shioyagura*) specifically used for?
Answer: Storing salt for provisions during a siege.
The Salt Turret (*shioyagura*) was a specialized building within Himeji Castle, dedicated to storing large quantities of salt as essential provisions during a siege.
What was one of Himeji Castle's most important defensive elements related to its layout?
Answer: A confusing maze of paths designed to force enemies into a spiral pattern.
A critical defensive element of Himeji Castle's layout was its intricate maze of paths, strategically designed to disorient and channel attackers into a spiral pattern, exposing them to prolonged defense.
During the Meiji Period, Himeji Castle was completely demolished due to government policy, unlike many other castles that were preserved.
Answer: False
While many Japanese castles were destroyed during the Meiji Period, Himeji Castle was ultimately saved from complete demolition through preservation efforts, despite some initial destruction of its corridors and gates.
Nakamura Shigeto was an army general who ordered the demolition of Himeji Castle during the Meiji Period.
Answer: False
Nakamura Shigeto was an army colonel who played a critical role in *preventing* the complete demolition of Himeji Castle during the Meiji Period, not ordering it.
Himeji Castle survived the heavy bombing of Himeji city during World War II because it was specifically protected by international treaties.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle's survival during the intense World War II bombing of Himeji city is notably attributed to a firebomb that struck its top floor but failed to detonate.
The Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995 caused significant structural damage to Himeji Castle, requiring extensive repairs.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle remarkably survived the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake with virtually no damage, demonstrating its exceptional earthquake resistance.
Who was the army colonel credited with saving Himeji Castle from complete demolition during the Meiji Period?
Answer: Nakamura Shigeto
Army colonel Nakamura Shigeto is credited with preventing the complete demolition of Himeji Castle during the Meiji Period.
When did the Japanese government provide funding for a comprehensive restoration project for Himeji Castle?
Answer: 1910
The Japanese government initiated funding for a comprehensive restoration project for Himeji Castle in 1910, following earlier preservation efforts that began in 1877.
How did Himeji Castle survive the heavy bombing of Himeji city during World War II?
Answer: A firebomb dropped on its top floor failed to explode.
Himeji Castle's survival during the intense World War II bombing of Himeji city is notably attributed to a firebomb that struck its top floor but failed to detonate.
What event in 1995 demonstrated Himeji Castle's remarkable earthquake resistance?
Answer: The Great Hanshin earthquake.
The Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995 provided a significant demonstration of Himeji Castle's exceptional earthquake resistance, as it sustained virtually no damage.
The nicknames 'White Egret Castle' or 'White Heron Castle' for Himeji Castle are derived from its brilliant white exterior and its supposed resemblance to a bird in flight.
Answer: True
The appellations 'White Egret Castle' or 'White Heron Castle' accurately reflect Himeji Castle's distinctive brilliant white exterior and its aesthetic comparison to a bird in flight.
Himeji Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, making it one of the first in Japan.
Answer: True
Himeji Castle was indeed registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993, marking it as one of Japan's inaugural sites to receive this prestigious designation.
Only the main keep of Himeji Castle is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
Answer: False
In addition to the main keep, several other structures within Himeji Castle, including three small keeps and the I, Ro, Ha, Ni-corridors and kitchen, are designated as National Treasures of Japan.
Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan's three premier castles, alongside Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle.
Answer: False
Himeji Castle is indeed one of Japan's three premier castles, but it shares this distinction with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, not Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle.
Out of the 83 buildings in the Himeji Castle complex, 74 are designated as Important Cultural Assets.
Answer: True
It is accurate that 74 of the 83 buildings within the Himeji Castle complex are officially designated as Important Cultural Assets, underscoring their significant architectural and historical value.
Himeji Castle served as a stand-in for the feudal-era Osaka Castle in the 1980 television miniseries *Shōgun*.
Answer: True
Himeji Castle was indeed utilized as a cinematic stand-in for the historical Osaka Castle in the acclaimed 1980 television miniseries *Shōgun*.
The legend of Okiku's Well at Himeji Castle involves a ghost who counts valuable family treasures that were lost.
Answer: False
The legend of Okiku's Well recounts a ghost who counts dishes, having been falsely accused of losing valuable family treasure dishes, then killed and thrown into the well.
Osakabehime is a *yōkai* said to inhabit Himeji Castle's tower, known for her friendly interactions with humans.
Answer: False
Osakabehime, a *yōkai* believed to reside in Himeji Castle's tower, is characterized by her avoidance and dislike of humans, rather than friendly interactions.
The legend of Ubagaishi (Old Widow's Stone) describes an old woman who donated her hand millstone to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, inspiring others to contribute to the castle's construction.
Answer: True
The legend of Ubagaishi accurately describes an old woman's selfless donation of her hand millstone to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which motivated others to contribute to the castle's construction.
What is the primary origin of Himeji Castle's nicknames, Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō?
Answer: Its brilliant white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight.
The nicknames 'White Egret Castle' or 'White Heron Castle' are derived from Himeji Castle's brilliant white exterior and its perceived resemblance to a bird in flight.
When was Himeji Castle registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Answer: 1993
Himeji Castle was officially registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993, recognizing its outstanding universal value.
Which of the following is NOT designated as a National Treasure of Japan within Himeji Castle?
Answer: The *keshō yagura* (Dressing Tower)
While the main keep, three small keeps, and the I, Ro, Ha, Ni-corridors and kitchen are National Treasures, the *keshō yagura* (Dressing Tower) is not explicitly listed among them in the provided information.
Which other castles are considered Japan's three premier castles alongside Himeji Castle?
Answer: Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle
Himeji Castle is recognized as one of Japan's three premier castles, a distinction it shares with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle.
Which of the following films featured Himeji Castle?
Answer: You Only Live Twice
Himeji Castle has been prominently featured in several films, including the James Bond movie *You Only Live Twice* (1967), *Kagemusha* (1980), and *Ran* (1985).
In which video game series can Himeji Castle be built as a world wonder?
Answer: Civilization Revolution and Civilization V
Himeji Castle is featured as a buildable world wonder in the video game series *Civilization Revolution* and *Civilization V*, as well as a Great Building in *Forge of Empires*.
What is the name of the *kaidan* (Japanese ghost story) associated with Himeji Castle?
Answer: Banshū Sarayashiki
Himeji Castle is famously associated with a variant of the *kaidan* (Japanese ghost story) known as *Banshū Sarayashiki*, or The Dish Mansion in Harima Province.
According to legend, what is Osakabehime's characteristic behavior towards humans?
Answer: She avoids humans, whom she dislikes.
According to folklore, Osakabehime, a *yōkai* inhabiting Himeji Castle's tower, is characterized by her avoidance and dislike of humans.
What did an old woman contribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's construction of the original three-story keep, according to the legend of Ubagaishi?
Answer: Her hand millstone.
The legend of Ubagaishi recounts that an old woman generously donated her hand millstone to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, inspiring others to contribute to the castle's construction.
What tragic fate befell Sakurai Genbei, the master carpenter of Himeji Castle's keep, according to folklore?
Answer: He became distraught over the keep leaning and jumped to his death.
Folklore suggests that Sakurai Genbei, the master carpenter, became so distressed by the perceived leaning of the keep that he tragically committed suicide by jumping from its summit.
As of April 14, 2009, Himeji Castle had received over 40 million visitors since its Shōwa-era restoration.
Answer: True
By April 14, 2009, Himeji Castle had indeed recorded over 40 million visitors since the completion of its Shōwa-era restoration, highlighting its enduring appeal.
In 2015, Himeji Castle received over 2.8 million visitors, making it the most visited castle in Japan for that year.
Answer: True
In 2015, the year of its major restoration completion, Himeji Castle attracted over 2.86 million visitors, solidifying its position as Japan's most visited castle for that year.
Which international castles are considered sister castles to Himeji Castle?
Answer: Château de Chantilly (France) and Conwy Castle (Wales)
Himeji Castle maintains international sister castle relationships with Château de Chantilly in France and Conwy Castle in Wales.