Primordial name of the prefecture - Mino Province, which has been known for a rich land with good harvests, rivers full of fish, especially the local trout, as well as craftsmen to build a strong, vykovke comfortable facilities and excellent swords. The geographical location of the province enabled it to rapidly achieve prosperity. Nagaragava River, which runs virtually on the very center of the prefecture, gave local residents the opportunity to engage in trade, selling the local products and foodstuffs as to the west of Japan (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka), and to the east (Edo). Merchants Mino reached such heights in this, that for many years the province is not related to any war and strife, as well as at the right time, they always know how many and which of the neighboring feudal lords should be good to avoid conflict situations. So far, it is believed that the people of Gifu have talent reference profitable cases. Nevertheless, because all of the same geographical position later Mino Province became the center turbulent historical events. In an era of internecine warfare even emerged following a saying: 'Who conquered Mino - conquer all of Japan'. It is here began the unification of the country one of the most famous Shogun - Nobunaga Oda. He not only lived in Gifu castle, but also actively used by local artisans in military purposes. For example, Nobunaga glorified in this way conquest castles as' Midzu-dzeme '- Attack of water. The fact is that in Gifu has three great rivers: Nagaragava, Kisogava and Ibigava that after heavy rains have particularly come from banks and flood nearby settlements. Residents of the province have learned to dig special channels and 'manage' over the river, which allows them to protect themselves from the entrenched nature. Nobunaga Oda has included in its squadrons of many masters of diversion of rivers. During the siege of enemy castle (and castles built during this time usually near rivers and lakes), craftsmen Mino run special channels and inundate the entire territory of the fortress, thereby depriving the enemy camp of food and rasseivaya fear and panic.