Circumstances and Process of Conversion of Castle Sites to Parks Following “Castle Abolition”
2016; Volume: 79; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
10.5632/jila.79.419
ISSN1348-4559
Autores Tópico(s)Urban and spatial planning
ResumoThis research examines the conversion of castle sites to parks, and their development, following the “castle abolition” notice of 1873. Few contemporary records remain, so the focus is on the limited and fragmentary records available for Matsuyama, Ueno, and Tsuyama. In 1873 the government of Japan announced its policy on public parks and castle demolition. That year Ehime Prefecture applied to turn the site of Matsuyama Castle into a park, and development was funded by wealthy personages in the region. Turning the site of Ueno Castle into a park was suggested by Mie Prefecture in 1873 but turned down as premature. In 1886 concern over the deterioration of the site led local citizens to successfully petition the prefecture to establish a park. A reliance on donations for funding meant development did not proceed very far. In Tsuyama a citizens’ group to preserve the castle site was formed after the collapse of its stone walls in 1890, but the town’s purchase application was rejected. The town of Tsuyama purchased the site in 1899, and the park opened in 1900. These parks were established at different times and for different reasons, but it also seems that the parks at castle sites nearby had an influence.
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