The castle's primary defence is jokingly named "verticality," a reference to the long climb and seemingly endless stairs. The discussion then compares the visitors' exertion with the burden on soldiers of the period. Attackers may have been fitter and more accustomed to the terrain, but armour and weapons would add weight and strain. They would arrive at the defended position tired and less able to move freely. The exchange gives a practical explanation of how elevation can increase a fortification's defensive value.
Notable Point · 1:29-2:09
Verticality as the castle's first defense
The steep stairs at Fushimi-Momoyama Castle prompt a practical reflection on how elevation, armour, weapons, and fatigue shape an assault.