Understand
Originally known as Soja not to be confused with the present-day city of Soja, Tsuyama City was established as the capital of Mimasaka Province in 713. While it was not so influential in its early history, in 1603 after Tokugawa Ieyasu successfully defeated the local warlords and united the nation under his rule, the city began to develop under Tadamasa Mori whom Tokugawa Ieyasu gave control of the province. Upon becoming ruler, Mori constructed plans to build his own castle and thirteen years later, the construction of Tsuyama Castle in Tsuruyama from which the name "Tsuyama" is believed to have originated was completed. During its heyday, Tsuyama Castle was considered to be the most magnificent castle in all of Japan; even more beautiful than Himeji Castle, and the city flourished as a castle town.
As the nation came into contact with the West during the 18th century, Western learning became increasingly crucial, and scholars from Tsuyama played an important role in translating foreign writings and forming policies to deal with the West. Unfortunately, during the Meiji Period, as castles became less practical and upkeep increasingly burdensome, the government commissioned Tsuyama Castle to be demolished, along with many others throughout the nation. While the city is not as busy and bustling today as it once was, the citizens are proud of their history and much of the city's historical sites remain well-preserved, making Tsuyama a quiet yet charming town.
