In 1589, Kato Kiyomasa, Lord of Kyushu’s Higo Province, commenced building a new castle on Mt. Chausu. However, construction was interrupted by Kiyomasa’s participation in the invasion of Korea and was finally completed in 1607. During this time, due to Kiyomasa’s promotion following the success in the Battle of Sekigahara and the subsequent provision of extra lands, the plans were altered to match his newly elevated status. Kumamoto Castle’s notable features were the dai-tenshu (large) and sho-tenshu (small) keeps, six three-level, five-story yagura, and rows of tamon yagura built high on the stone walls enclosing the castle. The many complex gate systems, passages and entrances connecting the various baileys gained Kumamoto the contemporary title of “The strongest castle in history.” Restoration projects such as the Honmaru Goten Palace and the Iida-maru’s five-story yagura had been carried out, and other parts were in various stages of restoration when many of Kumamoto’s structures and stone walls, including the tenshu, were badly damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquakes of 2016. Repair work is currently underway.