Mōri Motonari
The original castle was built by Ōuchi Yoshinaga (Sorin younger brother), who was forced to kill himself in 1557 with the advance of Mōri forces. Mōri Motonari captured the fort in 1558. Otomo Sorin recaptured the castle in September 1559. The Mōri, led by Kobayakawa Takakage and Ura Munekatsu, quickly recaptured the castle.