Military heritage in Japanese cities: between historical memory and symbol of identity

Japanese military architectural heritage, particularly castles like Himeji-jo, plays a multifaceted role as both a tangible link to historical memory and a symbolic marker of national identity. This study highlights the significance of such structures in urban landscapes, emphasizing their quantitative prevalence—with thousands documented across Japan—and their cultural resonance. The research approach combines archaeological and historical analysis to explore how these monuments serve dual functions: preserving collective memory while simultaneously reinforcing modern identity narratives. By focusing on Himeji-jo as a case study, the work underscores the tension between commemorating military history and its contemporary reinterpretation in civic spaces.

Vomscheid, D. (2024). Military heritage in Japanese cities: between historical memory and symbol of identity. L’Asie-Monde – III, 869–872. https://doi.org/10.4000/1201c