Osaka Castle Toyotomi Ishigakikan

Approximately 400 years ago, the first Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, fell during the Summer Siege of Osaka and was buried underground by the Tokugawa shogunate with a massive amount of earth. This project aims to excavate and restore the stone walls from the Toyotomi period, 400 years later, and open them to the public.
At this unique facility, one of the few in Japan that allows visitors to descend into an underground space to view the ruins, we focused on creating displays that conveys the unique value of the Toyotomi-era stone walls, which differ from those rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate. We constructed displays story and presentation that allows visitors to relive the process of identifying the Toyotomi-era stone walls, their characteristics, and the turbulent history they have experienced. Furthermore, by aligning this with the process of visiting the ruins, which involves ascending from above ground to underground and back above ground, we created an even more special displays space. In addition, while valuing the presentation of the stone walls themselves, we conveyed the inherent charm of the ruins through an integrated presentation that coordinates video, lighting, and sound.

Rather than simply being a public facility showcasing historical remains, the challenge was to clearly communicate to domestic and international tourists the unique characteristics of Osaka Castle, where visitors can experience the layered history of various eras. The goal was to deepen visitors' understanding of the Toyotomi-era stone walls, raise their awareness to experience the unique layering of Osaka Castle, and create a cohesive displays space throughout the entire facility.

By integrating the exhibition story and presentation from the moment you step inside the facility until you leave, with the facility's structure that moves between above and below ground, we have created a highly dramatic spatial experience that heightens the psychological impact on visitors, culminating in the moment they encounter the stone walls. The opening guidance begins with anticipation as visitors delve into the mystery of the stone walls, building excitement just before they come face to face with them. This leads to the immersive experience of finally seeing the actual Toyotomi stone walls, and then, while immersed in an immersive video experience that recounts the turbulent history of the stone walls, visitors are finally led to the Tokugawa stone walls above ground. With the encounter with the stone walls as its core, and by effectively incorporating information and immersive video experiences before and after, displays facility allows visitors to deepen their understanding and experience a magnificent history.