Osaka Castle

[Lawrence]

I've heard that Osaka Castle, built by Hideyoshi, was used by the Japanese Army starting in the Meiji era. Does anyone know the specifics? Was it the headquarters of the Central District Army? Thanks.

[Van]

Here is the castle's page, http://www.osakacastle.net/006/HP/histo ... /index.htm
It just notes that the castle was bombed in 1945 because of many military facilities on its grounds.
Interesting that it also says the castle was occupied by US army for 3 years after the war.

Another page http://www.pref.osaka.jp/bunkazaihogo/k ... kajyo.html
states that "since Meiji the castle grounds were army base, and all the territory of modern castle park was occupied by military facilities, and there were auxillary facilities around the castle.Civilians could not freely access the castle, and only in 1931 the castle park was open to public as a result of negotiations with IJA".

Sorry for not much help.

[Akira Takizawa]

In 1870, Osaka Arsenal was founded in Osaka Castle. In 1871, Osaka Garrisons (大阪鎮台) was deployed at Osaka Castle. Osaka Garrisons later became 4th Division and Divisional HQ was located at Osaka Castle. In 1940, the 4th Division transferred HQ building to Central District Army and it was used by the HQ of Central District Army.

http://officers.hp.infoseek.co.jp/22iko ... a-4dhq.htm

Besides them, several military facilities were placed in Osaka Castle until the WWII ended.

http://underzero.net/html/tz/tzco_270_1.htm

Taki

[Lawrence]

In 1870, Osaka Arsenal was founded in Osaka Castle. In 1871, Osaka Garrisons (大阪鎮台) was deployed at Osaka Castle. Osaka Garrisons later became 4th Division and Divisional HQ was located at Osaka Castle. In 1940, the 4th Division transferred HQ building to Central District Army and it was used by the HQ of Central District Army.

http://officers.hp.infoseek.co.jp/22iko ... a-4dhq.htm

Besides them, several military facilities were placed in Osaka Castle until the WWII ended.

http://underzero.net/html/tz/tzco_270_1.htm

Taki

Thanks for the information, Taki. Does anyone know where the Central District Army's headquarters was before 1940? I believe it was formed in mid-1937.