The ruined fort of Goryōkaku pretty much exists in a category all on its lonesome when stacked up against Japan’s other castles. Even if you aren’t a Japanese-castle nerd, a quick glance will reveal that it really is different. It’s shaped like a star! For a clearer view, I suggest you go to the big map. It really is worth checking out.

There are some extremely practical reasons why it is shaped the way it is. I won’t be going into it now as this post is all about the postcard.

So, Old battlefield – Goryōkaku. The battle they are referring to is quite a significant one. It saw off the last of the Tokugawa loyalists, and thus the final battle of Japan’s feudal period. The word loyalists was italicised because the head of the clan, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, was at this time a faithful subject of the Emperor, and enjoying his retirement in Shizuoka. And just to get right off topic, apparently he was a right randy devil.

Once again, I’d just like to point out that I’m no expert so am not sure how old it is exactly. My guess is early 1900′s (20′s / 30′s?). The characteristics that might give who knows about such things an idea as to its age are the tinting of the image and the simple and elegant border.