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The castle's most tragic entry in the annals of history came in 1945 when it was destroyed by the first atomic bomb. The ''tenshu'' and attached buildings were completely obliterated. However, in a testament to the effectiveness of the Japanese style of building walls, the ''ishigaki'' remained relatively untouched.
The castle's most tragic entry in the annals of history came in 1945 when it was destroyed by the first atomic bomb. The ''tenshu'' and attached buildings were completely obliterated. However, in a testament to the effectiveness of the Japanese style of building walls, the ''ishigaki'' remained relatively untouched.
Plans were considered in 1946, though never completed, to erect a replica of the Statue of Liberty on the former site of the castle, as a symbol of peace, and as part of efforts to "purify" the castle site of its military associations, transforming the site instead into a "palace of culture and sports." Similar efforts, also emphasizing culture and sports, were considered, or undertaken, in many other cities.<ref>Ran Zwigenberg, "Citadels of Modernity: Japan's Castles in War & Peace," talk given at Temple University, Tokyo campus, 12 July 2017.</ref>
Reconstruction of the ''tenshu'' was begun in 1958. Using the original plans for the castle, it is an exact replica of the original (albeit a concrete reproduction, not built through traditional construction methods) and is built on the original foundation. The ''tenshu'' measures 118 feet in height and is 5 stories tall. It is built in the opulent early Momoyama style. The interior space is devoted to a museum.
Reconstruction of the ''tenshu'' was begun in 1958. Using the original plans for the castle, it is an exact replica of the original (albeit a concrete reproduction, not built through traditional construction methods) and is built on the original foundation. The ''tenshu'' measures 118 feet in height and is 5 stories tall. It is built in the opulent early Momoyama style. The interior space is devoted to a museum.