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The
Japanese castle is a distinctive architectural form developed in the
16-17th century, during the nation's Age of Warring States. Centered
around a high tower known as the tenshukaku
these castles are surrounded by moats (hori)
to keep out potential invaders. Most castles are mounted with
decorative sculptures of the shachihoko fish. According to Chinese
legend, this fish spouts out water in case of fire, with the sculpture
thus expressing the importance of fire prevention.