High volumes of roof tiles have been excavated here at the Ruins of Hara Castle. Among them, the eave-end ones feature Tomoemon symbols engraved as a design, meanwhile, there has been five exceptions to these items with a design of a cross and a flower combination applied to them. Such Catholic Christian-fused historical relics have surfaced in the past in Nagasaki Prefecture and Nagasaki City; however, it is unprecedented in Minamishimabara for a similar finding with the exception of the site of Hara Castle ruins. This seems to solidify the fact that a Roman Catholic daimyo had resided and ruled here. Incidentally, these roof tiles have been dug up around the ruins of the main gate, the back gate, and in the wide area between the double entrances of Masugata-koguchi gates leading to Honmaru Main Enclosure itself. This seems to be an indication that they were most likely used for parts of yagura gates and other central structures of the castle.
Various writings along with resent researches confirm that the construction of Honmaru Main Enclosure of Hara Castle began between 1599 and 1604: The Jesuits report from 1604 tells of “the new castle” nearing completion and receiving consecration from the church. The roof tiles with cross-and-flower emblems may have been implemented and installed as early as at that time of this castle’s history.

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