“Masugata Koguchi” is one of the defensive facilities in castles and fortresses, referring to a structure designed to make it difficult for enemies to invade when they attack.
Overall, Masugata Koguchi is an essential element set up as part of the defensive line of castles and fortresses to delay enemy advancement and provide defenders with advantageous combat opportunities.
Shape of Masugata Koguchi
Masugata Koguchi is one of the entrances set up outside the castle walls or fortresses, referring to a defensive structure designed to delay enemy advancement or create opportunities for counterattacks when enemies attack. Literally, it means an “entrance (koguchi) in the shape of a square wooden box (masu).” Koguchi is a recess or passage created by cutting away part of the castle walls or moats to make it difficult for enemies to invade. Its shape is generally narrow and intricate, cleverly designed to obstruct enemy entry.
Shape
Masugata Koguchi is typically a recess or passage created by hollowing out part of the castle walls or moats. Its shape literally resembles a “masu (square wooden box),” narrow and often with corners. This shape makes it difficult for invading enemies to advance and imposes constraints when attackers attempt to assault.
Usually, the entrance to Masugata Koguchi is located inside the castle walls or moats, and advancing enemies need to approach the walls to enter the recess.
Narrowness and Constraints
The passages of Masugata Koguchi are narrow, designed to make it difficult for enemies to march in a single line. This creates situations where enemies tend to be densely packed and vulnerable to attacks as they advance.
The cornered shape causes enemies to lose speed when turning inside the passages, making it easier for defenders to engage in advantageous combat against attackers.
A Structure Forcing Multiple Direction Changes
As mentioned earlier, the shape of Masugata Koguchi is structured to force multiple direction changes.
Taking Obi Castle in Miyazaki Prefecture as an example, it is evident that at least five direction changes are required to approach the main keep.
This visibly slows down the speed of enemy invasion.
Generally, turns like the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th are commonly structured to force right-angle direction changes.
In particular, the 4th turn is a 180-degree direction change. It requires a complete halt in speed. Enemies would surely detest this.
Masugata Koguchi as a Defensive Structure
Masugata Koguchi is a defensive structure designed to protect the entrance of castles and fortresses. When enemies attack, as they pass through this koguchi, attackers must advance through narrow and dark passages, during which defenders gain opportunities to strike. Moreover, since enemy movements are restricted inside the koguchi, defenders gain an advantage.
One of the purposes of Masugata Koguchi is to make invasion difficult when under enemy attack and create situations advantageous to defenders.
Delaying Enemy Advancement
Masugata Koguchi plays a role in delaying enemy advancement as they attempt to invade the interior of castle walls or fortresses. For enemies to pass through narrow and intricate passages or recesses, their progress slows down, requiring time. This allows defenders to restrict enemy movements and gain additional time.
Constraints on Attackers
As enemies pass through Masugata Koguchi, their movements are constrained by narrow, winding passages. Enemies slowing down or being densely packed due to the passages enables defenders to gain advantageous combat opportunities.
Attack Opportunities for Defenders
Inside Masugata Koguchi, it becomes easier for defenders to launch attacks from atop castle walls or moats. By firing arrows, hurling stones, or launching fire arrows from the castle walls, enemies can be effectively attacked, making attackers more prone to being weakened.
Securing Defensive Advantage
By installing Masugata Koguchi, defenders can secure an advantageous situation even when receiving the initial attack. Unless enemies capture Masugata Koguchi, it is difficult for them to fully invade the castle interior, allowing defenders to take advantageous positions before receiving enemy attacks.
Masugata Koguchi as Tactical Importance
Masugata Koguchi can serve as the initial defensive stronghold when under enemy attack, as part of the main defensive line of castles and fortresses. Since enemies cannot fully invade the castle interior without capturing the koguchi, if its defense succeeds, the castle interior’s defense can more easily hold out.
The tactical importance of Masugata Koguchi plays a significant role in the defensive tactics of castles and fortresses.
Constraints and Confusion for Attackers
Due to the narrow passages and winding shape of Masugata Koguchi, attackers’ advancement is constrained. It is difficult for attackers to march in a single line, and confusion tends to arise during their progress. As a result, attackers struggle to advance simultaneously, and defenders gain leeway to deal with the confused attacks without haste.
Combat Advantage for Defenders
In combat within Masugata Koguchi, while attackers have constrained movements, defenders can launch attacks from atop castle walls or moats. This tactical positioning allows defenders to engage in combat under advantageous circumstances.
Difficulty of Capture and Buying Time
Masugata Koguchi has a structure that is difficult to capture, requiring time for attackers to break through. This allows defenders to buy additional time. Buying time is crucial for defenders to implement additional countermeasures such as the arrival of reinforcements or the application of other tactics.
Exhaustion of Attackers
In the process of attempting to break through Masugata Koguchi, attackers tend to become exhausted. Advancing through narrow passages and obstacles while under attack from defenders can decrease the attackers’ troop strength and morale.
Initial Defensive Line
Masugata Koguchi is often set up at the entrance of castles and fortresses, making it an important initial defensive line that attackers first face. If defenders can create advantageous combat situations before this initial defensive line is captured, the subsequent defense is likely to become more effective.
A Crucial Point for Reversing the Situation and a Breakthrough for Turning the Tide of Battle in the Early Stages
Masugata Koguchi is one of the defensive structures seen in Japanese castles and has been utilized as an important element of castle design and tactics.
In summary, the defensive purpose of Masugata Koguchi is to enhance the defense of castles and fortresses by delaying enemy advancement, constraining attackers’ movements, and providing defenders with attack opportunities. This structure plays a vital role as a tactical element for securing advantageous situations against enemy attacks.
