Text by Alex
This took place on the last full moon of the 2010s; for Japanese people, this full moon also held an additional significance as the final one of the first year of the Reiwa era. Japanese photographer Ta2funk seized this rare opportunity to capture several images of the full moon with Gifu Castle in the foreground, earning much praise on social media.
Although there were many clouds on the day of the shoot, the bright full moon—partially hidden yet set against high-contrast tones—gave the photos a mysterious and thrilling effect, resembling the style of a movie poster.
▲Date of photography: December 12, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @Twitter)
▲Date of photography: December 13, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @Twitter)
Gifu Castle was once captured by the legendary Sengoku warlord Oda Nobunaga and became his base for unifying the country. It was also once hailed as the “fortress that could never be taken.” Many online comments connected with this history, such as: “Did people back then ever witness this view?”, “It’s as if you can hear Nobunaga commanding the realm from within the castle,” and “It feels like a battle is about to break out!”
▲Date of photography: December 12, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @Twitter)
▲Date of photography: December 12, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @Twitter)
Originally known as Inabayama Castle, Gifu Castle was built in 1201 atop Mount Kinka at an elevation of 329 meters, offering views of the Nagara River and Mount Ena from its main keep. After the Sengoku warrior Oda Nobunaga conquered the castle in 1567 and became its lord, he renamed it to its current title. Later, in 1576, Nobunaga moved to Azuchi Castle, now located in Shiga Prefecture. Unfortunately, the Gifu Castle seen today is a 1956 reconstruction made of reinforced concrete and not the original structure.
Ta2funk is a resident of Gifu City, giving him a unique proximity to Gifu Castle. His photographs of the castle taken on other days are equally impressive. You can find more of his works on Instagram and Twitter.
▲Date of photography: December 5, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @IG)
▲Date of photography: September 23, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @IG)
▲Date of photography: September 13, 2019 (Mid-Autumn Festival) (photo by ta2funk @IG)
▲Date of photography: August 28, 2019 (photo by ta2funk @IG)
Sources: ta2funk, Grapee,A Stroll Through Gifu City