Takamatsu history

The city of Takamatsu, which serves today as the administrative centre of Kagawa Prefecture, boasts a rich history closely tied to samurai clans and its strategic location on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea. Its development as a significant political and economic hub began during the Edo period.

Foundation and Formation

The history of the city in its modern sense begins in the late 16th century. In 1587, the warlord Ikoma Chikamasa was appointed ruler of Sanuki Province. He founded Takamatsu Castle in 1590, around which the castle town began to form. Initially, the area was called Nohara, but it was Ikoma who renamed it Takamatsu. The settlement received official city status significantly later — on February 15, 1890.

Key Development Factors

The prosperity of Takamatsu was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea transformed the city into a vital port, the closest to Japan's main island of Honshu, which facilitated the development of trade and communications.
• Political Power: From 1642, the city came under the administration of the powerful Matsudaira clan, relatives of the ruling Tokugawa Shoguns. Under their rule, which lasted until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Takamatsu became the capital of a prosperous domain and one of the leading cities on the island of Shikoku.
• The Castle as a Centre of Power: Takamatsu Castle, one of the few in Japan with seawater moats, served not only as a military fortress but also as an administrative centre around which the entire life of the region was concentrated.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the Edo period, under the patronage of the Matsudaira clan, arts and crafts flourished in Takamatsu. The city became renowned for the production of high-quality lacquerware, particularly due to the unique "Kinma" and "Goto-nuri" techniques. During this same time, the famous Ritsurin Garden was established, which remains one of the city's main attractions today. Takamatsu evolved into a thriving cultural and economic centre, the legacy of which is still evident in modern times.

Key Milestones in Takamatsu's History

The history of Takamatsu, a vital hub on Shikoku Island, spans several centuries — from the foundation of a feudal castle to its transformation into the modern administrative and cultural centre of Kagawa Prefecture.

• 1587 — Ikoma Chikamasa, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, becomes the ruler of Sanuki Province, laying the foundation for the future city.
• 1590 — Construction of Takamatsu Castle is completed; it becomes the military and administrative centre of the region, around which the city begins to grow.
• 1625 — Feudal lord Ikoma Takatoshi begins the creation of the famous Ritsurin Garden, originally conceived as a small garden by a pond.
• 1642 — Power over the Takamatsu domain passes to the Matsudaira clan, relatives of the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate, marking the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the city.
• 1745 — After more than a hundred years of work, the landscaping of Ritsurin Garden is completed, transforming it into a masterpiece of garden art.
• 1875 — Ritsurin Garden, previously a private estate, opens to the general public, becoming one of the region's main attractions.
• 1884 — The main tower of Takamatsu Castle is dismantled due to dilapidation, marking a significant loss for the fortress's historical appearance.
• February 15, 1890 — The settlement officially receives city status, cementing its role as an important economic and administrative centre.
• July 1945 — The city is subjected to massive bombing during World War II, resulting in significant destruction.
• 1953 — Ritsurin Garden is designated a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" of national importance, highlighting its exceptional cultural value.
• April 10, 1988 — The Seto Ohashi Bridge opens, connecting Shikoku Island with the main island of Honshu and significantly improving transport accessibility to Takamatsu.
• 1998 — Takamatsu receives "Core City" status in Japan, confirming its high administrative and economic standing in the country.

Stages of Takamatsu's Transformation

The development of Takamatsu is a story of transformation from a feudal centre into the modern "Gateway to Shikoku". Key events in the economy, culture, and urban planning have shaped its current appearance.

• Foundation of the Castle Town (Late 16th - Mid 17th Century). By laying the foundations of Takamatsu Castle in 1588-1590, the Ikoma clan initiated the formation of the city. Later, under the management of the Matsudaira clan, the city became a thriving political and cultural centre where famous crafts, such as lacquer art, originated, and the magnificent Ritsurin Garden was founded.
• Modernisation in the Meiji Era (Late 19th Century). Obtaining official city status in 1890 became an important administrative milestone. During this period, the development of the port and transport infrastructure began, strengthening Takamatsu's economic role as a key link between the islands of Shikoku and Honshu.
• Post-War Recovery (Post-1945). The city was significantly destroyed during the World War II bombings in 1945. The subsequent large-scale reconstruction not only restored the city but also laid the foundation for its modern layout, turning it into an even more prosperous centre.
• Construction of the Seto Ohashi Bridge (1988). The opening of this grand engineering structure revolutionised the entire transport system of the region. The bridge directly connected Shikoku to Honshu, giving a powerful boost to Takamatsu's economy, trade, and tourism.
• "Sunport Takamatsu" Project (Late 1990s - 2000s). This large-scale redevelopment programme of the coastal zone and the area around the station transformed the city's appearance. Modern business, commercial, and cultural facilities were created, reinforcing Takamatsu's status as the prefecture's central city.
• Cultural Renaissance and "Art Islands" (From 2010). Takamatsu became the main port and starting point for visiting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, where the international contemporary art festival Setouchi Triennale takes place. This has turned the city into an important hub for cultural tourism, attracting guests from all over the world.

The architectural landscape of the city of Takamatsu represents a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern urban planning solutions. Its development can be traced through several key eras, each leaving its unique mark on the urban landscape.

Feudal Era (Edo Period, 1603–1868)

The foundation of Takamatsu's urban development was Takamatsu Castle, or Tamamo-jo, established in 1590. It is one of Japan's three famous "sea castles," whose moats were filled directly from the sea. Although the main tower was dismantled in the 19th century, the surviving turrets, walls, and moats still define the historic city centre. The creation of Ritsurin Garden — a masterpiece of landscape design considered one of the most beautiful in Japan — also dates back to this period. Its pavilions and tea houses, such as Kikugetsu-tei, are fine examples of traditional Japanese architecture, perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings.

Post-War Reconstruction and Modernism (Post-1945)

A significant part of the city was destroyed in 1945, necessitating large-scale restoration. This period was marked by the appearance of modernist style buildings. A prime example is the Kagawa Prefectural Government Office East Building (1958), designed by the world-renowned architect Kenzo Tange. In this project, Tange creatively reimagined traditional Japanese wooden frame construction, executing it in reinforced concrete and creating an aesthetic that was innovative for its time.

Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

Takamatsu's modern appearance was largely shaped by the Sunport Takamatsu port area redevelopment project. This district, which appeared on the site of former cargo terminals, includes high-rise buildings, public spaces, and promenades.

• Symbol Tower: A 30-storey building, the tallest on Shikoku Island, serves as the district's landmark and an example of modern multi-functional architecture.
• Sunport Government Buildings: A complex consisting of the North and South buildings, where architects interpreted the imagery and colours of the historic Takamatsu Castle using modern means.

Additionally, the Shikoku Mura open-air museum is located in the city's vicinity, where traditional houses and structures from all over Shikoku Island have been collected and preserved, allowing visitors to explore the region's vernacular architecture.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Takamatsu

The city of Takamatsu and Kagawa Prefecture have gifted Japan and the world many talented individuals who have left their mark on politics, art, and science. Here are some of the key figures whose names are closely linked to this region.

• Ikoma Chikamasa (1526–1603) — Daimyo (feudal lord) and founder of the city. It was he who built Takamatsu Castle in 1590, around which the castle town began to form, eventually becoming modern Takamatsu. His activities laid the foundation for the region's political and economic development.
• Matsudaira Yorishige (1622–1695) — Daimyo from a branch of the Tokugawa clan who ruled Takamatsu from 1642. Under him, the city achieved prosperity. He continued and significantly expanded the creation of the famous Ritsurin Garden, which today is one of Japan's main attractions and a symbol of the city.
• Kikuchi Kan (1888–1948) — A prominent writer, playwright, and journalist born in Takamatsu. He founded the influential literary magazine "Bungei Shunju" and established Japan's most prestigious literary awards — the Akutagawa Prize and the Naoki Prize. A memorial museum dedicated to him operates in the city.
• Masayoshi Ohira (1910–1980) — A politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1978 to 1980. He hailed from Kagawa Prefecture and made a significant contribution to the country's international policy, particularly in normalising relations with China.
• Kenzo Tange (1913–2005) — A world-renowned architect. Although not a native of Takamatsu, his work had a huge influence on the city's appearance. The Kagawa Prefectural Government building (1958) designed by him is a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a symbol of Japan's post-war revival.
• Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) — A distinguished American sculptor and designer of Japanese descent. He chose the town of Mure (now part of Takamatsu) for his Japanese studio, where he spent a significant part of his creative life. Today, the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum is located here, attracting art connoisseurs from around the world.