Nagoya Castle Kentei Public Lecture 2026: Learn History & Architecture

Nagoya Castle will host the "Nagoya Castle Kentei Public Lecture" series in 2026, offering three distinct courses designed to deepen participants' understanding of Nagoya's history and culture. These lectures provide a unique opportunity to engage with the castle's heritage from various perspectives, catering to different age groups and interests.

"Nagoya Castle Kodomo Jin'gasa Tai" Course (Nagoya Castle Children's Jin'gasa Squad Course)
Targeting elementary school 4th graders to junior high school 3rd graders, this course invites participants to become "apprentice Jin'gasa" members of the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai (Nagoya Hospitality Samurai). They will tour Nagoya Castle, learning about its history and significance. The program aims to make history engaging for young learners, culminating in a mini-Nagoya Castle Kentei quiz.

• Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026
  • Morning Session: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon Session: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Venue: Nagoya Castle, Nagoya Noh Theatre Conference Room
• Lecturers: Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai (Oda Nobunaga, Maeda Toshiie), Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hattori Hanzo Ninja Corps (Hattori Hanzo)
• Capacity: 15 participants per session (lottery if applications exceed capacity)
• Fee: ¥1,000
• Application Period: September 1, 2026 - October 13, 2026 (must arrive by)

Lecture by Masayuki Miura, a Leading Expert in Castle Architecture: "The Castles of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu"
This lecture is highly recommended for those preparing for the advanced level of the Nagoya Castle Kentei or anyone with a keen interest in castle architecture. Masayuki Miura, an emeritus professor at Hiroshima University and supervisor of "Nagoya Castle: The Pinnacle of Early Modern Castles," will discuss the "castles of the realm" built by the Sengoku warlords. It promises to be an enlightening session for history enthusiasts.

• Date & Time: Sunday, September 6, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Venue: Shirokan Hall
• Lecturer: Masayuki Miura (Emeritus Professor, Hiroshima University; Councilor, The Japanese Castle Foundation)
• Capacity: 350 participants (first-come, first-served basis upon advance application)
• Fee: ¥500
• Application Period: July 10, 2026 - August 17, 2026 (must arrive by)

"Advanced Level Preparation Course"
This course is tailored for individuals aiming to pass the advanced level of the Nagoya Castle Kentei. The instructor, who achieved the highest score in the advanced class last year, will share effective study methods and key points for the exam. It's a practical session designed to equip participants with the necessary strategies for success.

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026
  • Morning Session: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon Session: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Venue: Nagoya Castle, Nagoya Noh Theatre Conference Room
• Instructor: Highest scorer of the 2025 "Advanced Class"
• Capacity: 15 participants (first-come, first-served basis upon advance application)
• Fee: ¥2,500
• Application Period: July 10, 2026 - October 5, 2026 (must arrive by)

Application Methods
Applications for all courses can be submitted via the designated application form, postcard, or FAX. Please refer to the official Nagoya Castle website for detailed instructions.

Access Information
Nagoya Castle is located at 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. It is accessible from JR Nagoya Station and Subway Sakae Station. As the venues are within Nagoya Castle, please allow ample time for travel.