Shudo-kan in Osaka Castle Park

Martial Arts Hall next to Hōkoku Shrine inside the park

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Located next to Hokoku Shrine stands a one-storied, impressive building

The signage says, Shudo-kan. The building turned out to be some kind of Budo-kan, a place where people practice Japanese martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, Kyu-do (archery), Naginata, etc.

The roof design and color is similar to the ones in Hokoku Shrine

Just behind Shudo-kan, there was a sign that says this is the place where Ishiyama Honganji Temple once stood before the original Osaka Castle was built in the 16th century

According to the sign, Honganji Temple was first built in Osaka in 1496, then moved to this place in 1532. Later, as a result of the battle with Oda Nobunaga, they were forced to leave this place and moved to Kyoto. After they left, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle here in 1583

Stone sign indicating the (estimated) site of Ishiyama Honganji Temple

Some young men were practicing Kendo (Japanese fencing) inside Shudo-kan, and their characteristic yells were echoing in the silent woods

When I was walking inside Osaka Castle Park after visiting Hōkoku Shrine I found a huge, impressive Japanese-looking one-storied building just next to the shrine. When I got closer I heard characteristic yells of someone practicing Kendo, Japanese fencing, from inside the building. The place is called Shudo-kan, equivalent to the Budo-kan in Tokyo, where people practice Japanese martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, Kyudo (archery), Naginata, etc. It didn't surprise me, since this place was once a gigantic fortress, and includes Osaka Castle where heavy battles were fought in the 16th century, and which was heavily bombed during WWII. Even before Osaka Castle was built, a battle between Oda Nobunaga's army and warrior monks of Ishiyama Honganji Temple was fought here. The place has been somehow connected to 'battles' for more than 400 years and some people are still practicing how to fight! Well, it is probably just a coincidence, isn't it?