Hi John
An interesting period on which to do some research and in the perfect position to do it!
In english: I can recommend the two part Osprey Series "Seige Weapons of the Far East" by Stephen Turnbull and well illustrated by Wayne Reynolds; ISBN 1-84176-339-X & 1-81476-340-3 published 2001/2002. Amazon will provide information.
In japanese: There are several of the "Red" series Nihon Gunzo Rekishi booklets and at least two of the deluxe "Selection" series by Gakken Publishers that have details of castles and seiges. These are relatively easily available in Japan and in specialist booksellers in Europe and USA.
It may also be worth checking out a further publication by Stephen Turnbull "Nagashino 1575" published by Osprey in 2000: ISBN 1-84176-250-4
Best wishes with the project
Rod Johnson
----- Original Message -----
Hello, I am a Fellow of the Japan Foundation and am currently researching
the sieges of Nagashino Castle in 1575 and that of Osaka Castle in 1615. While
I have found much information on Japanese castles themselves in "The Age of
the Country at War," there seems to be little information on siege engines
like catapults. Also, I have difficulty in finding information on Japanese
cannon, although I know Ishida Mitsunari is known to have deployed 5 cannon at
Sekigahara (1600). If anybody can help me (I prefer contact and sources in
English), I would really appreciate it. If I can help others I shall try,
because I feel that before we fall like cherry blossoms, we should leave a trail
behind for those who follow. Cheers! Professor John F. Murphy Jr., The
Japan Foundation
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