Tsutsujigasaki: The 'People Are Stone Walls' Philosophy That Built the Strongest Army

The Tsutsujigasaki Residence

(Kōfu City, Yamanashi Prefecture) 

【Ishigaki (石垣)】 is stone walls in Japanese that were essential defensive features of castles. During the turbulent Sengoku (Warring States) period, a time of near-constant warfare and shifting power, feudal lords constructed imposing castles fortified with tall stone walls and surrounding moats. These structures were designed not only to intimidate enemies but also to endure prolonged sieges and safeguard the ruling clans within. 

In Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, stands a unique historical site: the Tsutsujigasaki Residence, which served as the headquarters of the Takeda clan, rulers of Kai Province, the historical name for present-day Yamanashi Prefecture, during the Sengoku period. Unlike many other castles of its time, which emphasized grand stone fortifications and towering keeps, the Tsutsujigasaki Residence was protected by earthen walls and moats. It was a symbol of practicality over grandeur, reflecting the values of its master.

That master was Takeda Shingen, one of the most powerful and revered warlords of the Sengoku period, often known as “The Tiger of Kai.” Shingen famously held the belief that “People are stone walls, people are castles”—placing trust in human loyalty and unity rather than in physical defenses. Guided by this philosophy, he focused on developing capable vassals and fostering internal cohesion, building a military force so strong that it came to be called “the strongest army of the age.”

Among his trusted retainers were the legendary Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda, brilliant commanders known for their loyalty and tactical skill. These generals led Shingen’s forces under the iconic banner of “Fū-rin-ka-zan”—Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain—participating in more than 70 battles that have since become legendary in Japanese history.

Swift as the wind, silent as the forest, fierce as fire, immovable as a mountain 

(其疾如風、其徐如林、侵掠如火、不動如山)  

Today, the grounds of the Tsutsujigasaki Residence are preserved as the Takeda Shrine, where Takeda Shingen is enshrined as a deity. Visitors can freely explore the site, reflect on the enduring legacy of this brilliant leader, and appreciate the blend of historical reverence and quiet strength that the shrine embodies.

Just a few kilometers to the south lies Kofu Castle, a fortress constructed after the Takeda era. This castle offers a dramatic contrast to the Takeda residence, with its precisely stacked stone walls, elegant white plastered structures, and expansive moats. Comparing these two sites, one modest and strategic, the other formal and fortified, reveals fascinating shifts in architectural style and military priorities over time.

During your journey through Yamanashi, there’s a recommended local dish called hōtō that offers a taste of the world once ruled by Takeda. This hearty noodle stew, believed to have been a staple for Takeda’s soldiers, features flat wheat noodles simmered in a rich miso broth with seasonal vegetables. Pumpkin, with its natural sweetness, is a beloved ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.

There are several sites in this region that are deeply connected to the Takeda clan. Among them is the legendary armor passed down through generations of the Takeda family, a remarkable symbol of samurai heritage. 

Please visit the official website Takeda Shrine.