Moshiriya Chashi

Moshiriya Chashi is an archaeological site located in Kushiro, Hokkaidō, Japan, notable for its Ainu fortified chashi structure. Built during the Hōreki era (1751–1764 CE) by the Ainu chieftain Tomikara Aino, this site occupies an elevated position, providing strategic defensive advantages. It is part of a cluster of eleven chashi that have been collectively designated as a national Historic Site, signifying their cultural and historical importance. The site's strategic location and construction reflect the Ainu's defensive strategies and social organization during the Early Modern Period. The 55,579.48 square meters designated area underscores its significance and the need to preserve such culturally rich sites. The designation as a historic site emphasizes the importance of the Moshiriya Chashi in understanding the Ainu people's history and their architectural ingenuity.