Japan’s Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace, by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg

Japan's castles, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji-jo, have complex modern histories that reflect shifting national and local dynamics. A study by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg reveals these castles as citadels of modernity, shaped by conflicts and coalitions since the 1868 Meiji Restoration. The research highlights their evolution from early modern era structures to post-1945 reconstructions or repurposed sites, providing a comprehensive account of their relationship with Japan's broader historical trends.

Jaundrill, D. C. (2021). Japan’s Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace, by Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg. The English Historical Review, 136(579), 446–448. https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/ceab015