First, take a look at the map. What you see is a water moat shaped like a crescent. It used to be part of the structure that protected the castle and was called “Mikazukibori Moat.”
Now, let’s travel back in time again. After the Battle of Sekigahara, Ieyasu Tokugawa established the Edo Shogunate which ruled over Japan, but he wanted to destroy the Toyotomi Family, which held a strong influence and power in Osaka. This is known as “the Siege of Osaka,” referring to two of the greatest battles in the Warring States period, the Winter Siege and the Summer Siege.
As we mentioned in the previous spot, the Sanada Family was divided into two at the Battle of Sekigahara. The younger brother, Yukimura, chose to side with the opposing Toyotomi army in this battle as well.
The Tokugawa army struggled during the Winter Siege of Osaka and the main cause of this was a fort called "Sanada Maru." This fort is shaped like a half-moon and is surrounded by a moat, a variant of the previously mentioned crescent moat. This Sanadamaru fort protected Yukimura from the furious attacks of the Tokugawa army. Even in the Summer Siege of Osaka the following year, Yukimura continued to drive away the relentless attacks of Ieyasu. He drew his last breath, a step away from the victory, but his bravery has been told for generations. The moniker of "Japan's best warrior" was coined after this legendary battle.
His older brother Nobuyuki hadn’t participated in the battle due to an illness. The crescent moat isn’t unique to Matsushiro Castle, and not much is known about Yukimura's relationship with the Sanada Maru fort either. On his deathbed, Nobuyuki may have thought of Yukimura, his estranged younger brother who tragically died as an enemy.
