Journal

The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

[Vol.24 No.3 contents]
Japanese/English

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ArticleTitle Castle Town Culture in Kanazawa
Language J
AuthorList Hiroto Ishida
Affiliation The President, Kanazawa Gakuin University
Publication Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 24 (3), 188-195, 2008
Received
Accepted
Abstract Kanazawa was a castle town ruled by the biggest feudal lord in Edo era. Thanks to its natural environment and people, the agricultural productivitiy was very high, and it resulted in flourishing of sophisticated culture. Of course it owed a lot to the culture promoting policies by the rulers, Maeda family, and efforts by ruling class samurais who supported the ruling family, but it is to be noticed that farmers, craftsmen and merchants in Hokuriku region also contributed to the development of Kanazawa culture. This culture is to be called "Castle Town Culture" and has been inherited to today.
Though Kanazawa's town structure looks like Edo or Tokyo, there are many differences between them. Although it is often said that "Kanazawa is a small Kyoto", Kanazawa is different from Kyoto where Chinese civilization was introduced and Japanized by nobleman class. Kanazawa culture flourished among feudal lords and samurai. In that sense, it is unique.
Kanazawa is the most typical city of former castle towns. Japanese castle towns didn't have such barriers as European and Chinese cities had, and got close contact with surrounding rural areas and neighboring towns just as in case of Kanazawa. It will be a great pleasure for the people of Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture, if Kanazawa and its cultural heritages are designated as a world heritage.
Keywords Kanazawa, Castle town culture, Feudal lords, Edo-era, Maeda-family

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