The Statue of Hachisuka Iemasa in Tokushima Central Park

Standing within Tokushima Central Park is a bronze statue of Hachisuka Iemasa, the samurai lord who laid the foundations of modern Tokushima.

The park occupies the former grounds of Tokushima Castle, which Iemasa developed as the political center of his domain in the late 16th century.
Hachisuka Iemasa was the son of Hachisuka Masakatsu, also known as Hachisuka Koroku, a warrior closely associated with the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

While his father is remembered for his military service, Iemasa became the first lord of the Hachisuka domain in Awa Province, corresponding largely to present-day Tokushima Prefecture.
After receiving control of Awa in 1585, Iemasa established Tokushima Castle and developed the surrounding castle town.

This marked the beginning of Tokushima as an important regional city.
Under the Hachisuka family, industries such as indigo production expanded, and Tokushima later became widely known for Awa indigo dyeing.

The family also played an important role in supporting the cultural traditions of the region, including puppet theatre and the development of the castle town from which modern Tokushima emerged.
For visitors from overseas, the statue is more than a monument to a samurai.
It represents the moment when a military stronghold gradually became a city shaped by commerce, craftsmanship, and culture.

Today, Hachisuka Iemasa stands quietly among the trees of the former castle grounds.
Around him, people walk, rest, and enjoy the park as part of their everyday lives.

The castle itself has largely disappeared, but the statue, stone walls, gardens, and surrounding landscape continue to preserve the memory of the man who helped create Tokushima.

BRONZE MUSEUM JAPAN

photo : Supervisor K