🐢 The Giant Turtle That Sparked a City Rivalry in Japan

A Tale of Two Cities — and One Very Petty Grudge

Photo by Kris-Mikael Krister on Unsplash

World Turtle Day might not be a big deal in Japan, but 400 years ago, a turtle literally changed the name of a castle. And possibly, an entire city.

Japan is ancient, and with age comes pettiness. You’ve heard of Tokyo vs. Osaka. But let me tell you about a rivalry you’ve never heard of: Sakata vs. Tsuruoka.

One’s the former home of Japan’s wealthiest family.
The other? Possibly named after a giant sea turtle.

Let me explain.

🏯 Two Cities, One Giant Turtle

Back in 1601, a massive turtle — over 2 meters long — washed ashore in what is now Sakata City on Japan’s Sea of Japan coast. Turtles are seen as auspicious symbols in Japan, often associated with longevity, wisdom, and even gods.

The local lords, the powerful Mogami Clan, didn’t waste time. They held a huge celebration. Rice. Sake. The works.

They even renamed their castle from Tozenji-jō to Kamegasaki-jō (亀ヶ崎城), literally, “Turtle Cape Castle.”

The name stuck. The surrounding area became known as Kamegasaki, a name still used in Sakata today.