〈以下、英訳〉

Together with Kato Kiyomasa, the warrior Todo Takatora is best remembered as one of the most prolific and talented castle designers. Edo Castle, Nijo Castle, Osaka, Tsu, Iga Ueno, Kameyama Castle and many more were built or improved under Takatora’s expert guidance. For castle fans like myself, he is seen as somewhat of a god!

He was said to have stood 190cm tall, a giant in those days when the average man stood between 160 to 170cm, and his body is said to have been covered in spear, sword and bullet wounds, testimony to the many ferocious battles he fought in. A warrior of great skill, and an expert in castle design, a man of the sword, and of the pen, he epitomizes the image and character of the samurai.

Takatora was born an Ashigaru, a lowly foot soldier, who used his skills as a warrior to advance himself to the position of daimyo. He was not only a fine warrior, but a wise and compassionate man who was kind to those who served him too. Despite the popular belief that the samurai were loyal to only one master, they often changed allegiances, even sides. When retainers asked his permission to serve another clan, instead of becoming angry, Takatora would calmly give them his permission, adding that if they ever wanted to return, he would welcome them back. If those followers ever did seek to return, he was true to his word and accepted them back into his service. Possibly, he understood peoples’ feelings because of his own rise from humble beginnings. Takatora himself served seven masters before becoming a warlord.

On the grounds of the well-designed Tsu Castle stands a fine bronze statue, with Takatora’s teachings inscribed on stone tablets.

“Be prepared to die every day, that is the way to live.”
The Todo clan motto means, “live your life as though today will be your last.”  A call to live life to it’s full potential.
A combination of tenderness and strength, the multi-talented Todo Takatora‘s works and his words remain as relevant today as they were 400 years ago.