Chashi

is the Japanese term for the hilltop fortifications of the Ainu. The word is of Ainu origin, from チャシ (''casi'', ), which means palisade or palisaded compound; a rival theory relates this to the Korean term 잣 (''cas'', ''jat'', ) of roughly the same meaning. Over 520 ''chashi'' have been identified in Hokkaidō, mostly in the eastern regions of the island; others are known from southern Sakhalin and the Kurils; similar phenomena such as the ''ostrogu'' of Kamchatka and the ''gorodische'' of northeast Asia may have developed independently. A few, including the Tōya ''casi'' of present-day Kushiro, date to the Muromachi period; the remainder date largely to the early seventeenth century. As such their construction may be related to increased competition for resources as a result of "intensification of trade" with the Japanese.

Form

The early Dutch explorer Maarten Gerritsz Vries described the ''chashi'' he encountered in eastern Hokkaidō in 1643:

These forts were made as follows: on the mountain on which they were placed was a small road steep to climb, and round on the four sides palisades were placed of the height … of 1½ man's length; within this stood two or three houses. There were large fir doors in the palisades with strong clamps; when they were closed, two stout bars were passed through the clamps and thus fastened to them. At the two corners of these … palisades, a high scaffolding is made of fir planks, for a lookout.

Competition for resources

In 1604 Tokugawa Ieyasu granted exclusive trading rights with the Ainu to the Matsumae clan; lacking an agricultural base, the domain was dependent on trade; the Ainu in turn became increasingly dependent upon Japanese commodities and prestige goods. Excavated ''chashi'' have revealed Japanese lacquerware, ceramics, ironware, and swords, as well as beads perhaps from Sakhalin; consumables included rice, sake, and tobacco. In return the Ainu traded products derived from bird, beast, and fish; plants and medicines; and goods imported via Sakhalin. However, "the market culture of the trading post … destroy dthe ecological balance … hroughoverhunting and overfishing". By the end of the following century, the depletion of natural stocks resulted in famine. Furthermore, "competition over animals and fisheries was at the heart of most Ainu conflicts".

Shakushain's Revolt

The and recount the internecine conflict of 1668/9, which culminated in massacres of the Japanese, military intervention, and subjugation, in what is known as Shakushain's Revolt. According to the ''Ezo hōki'', regional influence among the Ainu was based on "good land", "many utensils", charismatic authority, and physical strength. In 1668, disputes over deer, bear cubs, and a live crane lead to the Hae elder Chikunashi and his mother burning down the Shibuchari ''casi'' and killing the escapees. In response Shakushain sent the Urakawa Ainu to attack the Atsubetsu ''casi''; driven off by musket fire they returned in force and captured it, after many of its defenders had left in search of food. The conflict escalated the following year into fighting with the Japanese; Shakushain was killed at the assembly with the Japanese where the party was held for discussion on peace pact. However, the Japanese poured poison in drink to kill Shakshain. And the Shibuchari ''casi'' again burned to the ground.

Known ''chashi''

Among the approximately five hundred and thirty ''chashi'' identified by archaeologists, the sites of eight have been designated national Historic Sites: the Otafunbe ''chashi''; Shibechari River ''chashi'' and Appetsu ''chashi''; Moshiriya ''chashi''; Yukuepira ''chashi''; Katsuragaoka ''chashi''; Nemuro Peninsula ''chashi''; and Tsurugataicharanke ''chashi''. Others known include the Arashiyama ''casi'', Harutoru ''casi'', Onibishi's ''casi'', Sarushina ''casi'', Sashirui ''casi'', Setanai ''casi'', and Uraike ''casi''. Although there are nineteen ''chashi'' on the Shiretoko Peninsula, it is inscribed as a Natural rather than a mixed Natural and Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Functions

In addition to providing for defence against rival Ainu, ''casi'' functioned as centres for gatherings and rituals. They also served as "visible symbols of chiefdom power". According to narrative uepeker or folktales, Akkeshi and Nemuro Ainu attacked the Uraike ''casi'' in the hope of "fine treasure"; other ''casi'' were attacked by hungry Ainu looking for venison and dried salmon.

See also

* Japanese castle
* Gusuku
* List of Historic Sites of Japan (Hokkaidō)

References

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Ainu
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