更新日：2021年1月1日

Tokugawa Hidetada and Hamamatsu

Tokugawa Hidetada, second Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was the third son of Ieyasu, and the only ruler of all Japan to be born in Hamamatsu. There are two theories as to precisely where he was born in 1579, one saying it was inside Hamamatsu Castle and the other saying it was in the castle town.
Hidetada’s alleged birthplace inside the castle is called Otanjoba (in between the main bailey and second bailey), on the former grounds of Gosha Shrine. In the Edo Period, Otanjoba was considered a sacred site, as the birthplace of Hidetada. Gosha Shrine located in the castle at that time was seen with great importance as a shrine venerating Hidetada’s ubusunagami (god of one’s birthplace), and it was relocated to its current location to make way for the development of Hamamatsu Castle. Pine trees once on the grounds of the shrine are depicted in picture diagrams from the Edo period, and labeled as “Gosha Matsu”. The third Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered Koriki Tadafusa, the feudal lord of Hamamatsu domain, to carry out large-scale renovations of Gosha Shrine. The main hall of the shrine was a designated national treasure (by the National Treasures Preservation Act) until it was burned down in 1945.
Hidetada’s other alleged birthplace in the castle town is Jumoku Manor (also called Otanjo Manor) that stood on the north side of Bunki Inari Shrine.

 Hidetada’s armor

This armor model was made for the character Hidetada in the 2000 NHK taiga drama “Aoi Tokugawa Sandai”.

Letter from Aoyama Munetoshi, Lord of the Hamamatsu Domain

Private Collection
This thank-you letter was sent by Aoyama Munetoshi, Lord of the Hamamatsu Domain, to a wealthy farmer in Hamamatsu that he had a close relationship with.It is thought that Munetoshi worked as the chamberlain of Osaka Castle in the second half of 17th century.

Matchlock gun

Horseback rifle

A horseback rifle is a matchlock gun for use when fighting on horseback. The barrel is decorated with a mitsuba aoi mon (crest with three mallow leaves).

Short sword

Edo Period
This is said to be the work of Yasutsugu II, a blacksmith in the employ of the Tokugawa sssShogunate. It is said to be an heirloom of the Tokugawa family.

Stacking boxes bearing a mitsuba aoi mon (crest with mallow leaves)

Edo Period
Lacquerware

Letter case bearing a mitsuba aoi mon (crest with mallow leaves)

Edo Period
Lacquerware

Brazier bearing a mitsuba aoi mon (crest with mallow leaves)

Edo Period
Iron

Clothing tray bearing a mitsuba aoi mon (crest with mallow leaves)

Edo Period
Lacquerware