Chashi (チャシ also 砦) is theJapanese term for the hilltop fortifications of theAinu. The word is ofAinu origin, fromチャシ (casi,/t͡ɕasi/), which meanspalisade or palisaded compound; a rival theory relates this to theKorean term잣 (cas,jat,/t͡ɕa̠t̚/) of roughly the same meaning.[1][2] Over 520chashi have been identified inHokkaidō, mostly in the eastern regions of the island; others are known from southernSakhalin and theKurils; similar phenomena such as theostrogu ofKamchatka and thegorodische of northeast Asia may have developed independently.[3][4] A few, including the Tōyacasi of present-dayKushiro, date to theMuromachi period; the remainder date largely to the early seventeenth century.[1] As such their construction may be related to increased competition for resources as a result of "intensification of trade" with the Japanese.[1]
The early Dutch explorerMaarten Gerritsz Vries described thechashi he encountered in eastern Hokkaidō in 1643:[3]
These forts were made as follows: on the mountain on which they were placed was a small road steep to climb, and round on the four sides palisades were placed of the height … of 1½ man's length; within this stood two or three houses. There were large fir doors in the palisades with strong clamps; when they were closed, two stout bars were passed through the clamps and thus fastened to them. At the two corners of these … palisades, a high scaffolding is made of fir planks, for a lookout.
In 1604Tokugawa Ieyasu granted exclusive trading rights with the Ainu to theMatsumae clan; lacking an agricultural base, the domain was dependent on trade; the Ainu in turn became increasingly dependent upon Japanese commodities and prestige goods.[1][5] Excavatedchashi have revealed Japaneselacquerware,ceramics, ironware, andswords, as well as beads perhaps from Sakhalin; consumables included rice,sake, and tobacco.[1] In return the Ainu traded products derived from bird, beast, and fish; plants and medicines; and goods imported via Sakhalin.[1] However, "the market culture of the trading post … destroy[ed] the ecological balance … [through] overhunting and overfishing".[1] By the end of the following century, the depletion of natural stocks resulted in famine.[1] Furthermore, "competition over animals and fisheries was at the heart of most Ainu conflicts".[1]
TheEzo hōki (蝦夷蜂起,Ezo Uprising) andTsugaru ittōshi (津軽一統志,Tsugaru Unification Record) recount the internecine conflict of 1668/9, which culminated in massacres of the Japanese, military intervention, and subjugation, in what is known asShakushain's Revolt.[1] According to theEzo hōki, regional influence among the Ainu was based on "good land", "many utensils",charismatic authority, and physical strength.[1] In 1668, disputes over deer,bear cubs, and a live crane lead to the Hae elder Chikunashi and his mother burning down theShibucharicasi and killing the escapees.[1] In response Shakushain sent theUrakawa Ainu to attack the Atsubetsucasi; driven off by musket fire they returned in force and captured it, after many of its defenders had left in search of food.[1] The conflict escalated the following year into fighting with the Japanese. Peace talks were arranged, but the Japanese poisoned Shakshain's drink during the talks, killing him. The Shibucharicasi again burned to the ground.[1]
Among the approximately five hundred and thirtychashi identified by archaeologists, the sites of eight have beendesignated nationalHistoric Sites: theOtafunbechashi;[6] Shibechari Riverchashi and Appetsuchashi;[7]Moshiriyachashi;[8]Yukuepirachashi;[9]Katsuragaokachashi;[10]Nemuro Peninsulachashi;[11] and Tsurugataicharankechashi.[12] Others known include the Arashiyamacasi, Harutorucasi, Onibishi'scasi, Sarushinacasi, Sashiruicasi, Setanaicasi, and Uraikecasi.[1] Although there are nineteenchashi on theShiretoko Peninsula, it is inscribed as a Natural rather than a mixedNatural and Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site.[13][14]
In addition to providing for defence against rival Ainu,casi functioned as centres for gatherings and rituals.[1][15] They also served as "visible symbols of chiefdom power".[1] According to narrativeuepeker or folktales,Akkeshi andNemuro Ainu attacked the Uraikecasi in the hope of "fine treasure"; othercasi were attacked by hungry Ainu looking for venison and dried salmon.[1]
100 Fine Castles of Japan by region | ||
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| Tōhoku | ||
| Kantō | ||
| Chūbu | ||
| Kansai | ||
| Chūgoku | ||
| Shikoku | ||
| Kyūshūa | ||
a includingOkinawa. | ||
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