AUGUST PICTURE OF THE MONTH



Many historical figures are associated with the Chubu (central Honshu) area.  Here is the gleaming statue of Nobunaga Oda outside JR Gifu Station.  Gifu is about 80 minutes from the university by bus and train.  Nobunaga Oda lived from 1534 to 1582.  Born in the Owari area of Aichi, north of Nagoya, he was a leading figure in the Sengoku Period.  As a military commander resisting the encroachments of powerful daimyo, he took part in the battles of Okehazama (Owari) in 1560 and Nagashino (Aichi, north of Toyokawa) in 1575.  He was involved in promoting trade with the Portuguese and Dutch which led to the introduction of aspects of Western culture and tools.

Last month's Picture of the Month