Tokushima Castle Museum Spring Special Exhibition "Hachisuka Fifteen Generations – The Martial Tradition and Its Spiritual Inheritance"

A special exhibition titled "Hachisuka Fifteen Generations – The Martial Tradition and Its Spiritual Inheritance" is on view at Tokushima Castle Museum from April 11 through July 20, 2026.

The Hachisuka clan, once retainers of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, became lords of Awa Province in 1585 (Tensho 13). Following their contributions at the Siege of Osaka in 1615 (Genna 1), they were granted Awaji Province as well, establishing themselves as Shikoku's largest feudal domain with a combined holding of 257,000 koku across Awa and Awaji. The clan's history—from founder Iemasa through the 14th lord Mochiaki, spanning 15 generations—mirrors the broader history of Awa and Awaji throughout the Edo period, from early political transitions to fiscal reforms and the upheavals at the dawn of the Meiji era.

This exhibition explores the achievements of successive clan heads alongside the martial traditions they upheld and the spiritual values passed down through the generations.

Exhibition Details

Period

First Half: April 11 (Sat) – May 31 (Sun): From clan founder Iemasa through the 7th lord Munehide
Second Half: June 4 (Thu) – July 20 (Mon, National Holiday): From the 8th lord Munenori through the 14th lord Mochiaki

Venue

Planning Exhibition Room and other galleries, Tokushima Castle Museum (1-8 Jonaicho, Tokushima City, within Tokushima Central Park)

Key Exhibits

First Half:

Portrait of Hachisuka Hoan (Iemasa), 1639
Yanagibashi Suisha-zu Byobu (Folding Screen with Willow Bridge and Waterwheel), early Edo period; museum collection, formerly Hachisuka family property; Tokushima Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property
Kin Nashiji Samanji Mon Chiru Maki-e Kazari Tachi Koshirae / Tachi (signed Sukemitsu), Edo period; museum collection, formerly Hachisuka family property; Tokushima City Designated Cultural Property

Second Half:

Murasaki Ito Odoshi Oyoroi (Purple-laced Great Armor), late Edo period; museum collection, worn by the 8th lord Munenori; Tokushima Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property
Portrait of the 10th Lord, Hachisuka Shigeyoshi, 1802