Thursday, May 26, 2011

Nobunaga's Last Trip

I recently translated Nobunaga's last trip to Kyoto before his tragic death at the Honnoji. This is by no means perfect, but at least you will get a clear picture on what happened.

Ota Gyuichi Shincho-Ko ki (translated by Sakakiyama Jun) Book 15 Chapter 30 pp. 299-300.

"On May 29th, Lord Nobunaga leaves for Kyoto. Protecting Azuchi Castle Group: Tsuda Genjuro (Nobuzumi), Gato Hekoto, Nonomura Mataemon, Toyama Shinkuro, Segi Yazaemon, Ichibashi Genpachi, Kushida Chube. Second Bailey Group: Gamo Katahide, Kimura Jirozaemon, Ujii Dewa no Kami, Narumi Sukemon, Sofue Goroemon, Sakuma Yokoro, Minoura Jiroemon, Fukuda Mikawa no Kami, Chifuku Totomi no Kami, Matsumoto Nariashi, Marumo Mitsukane, Ukai, Maeba Yagoro, and Yamaoka Kagesuke. He (Nobunaga) was also accompanied by twenty to thirty pages with him to Kyoto. During this time no soldiers accompanied with him."

It would be only a few days later when Akechi Mitsuhide betrayed Nobunaga at the Honnoji. If anything sticks out here, is the lack of soldiers he had on his journey to Kyoto. On reason why was his forces were spread to thin fighting all over Japan. Then again, he did not expect Mitsuhide to rebel against him.

Nobunaga no tame!

1 comment:

otsuke said...

Ordered the new English translation of Ota Gyuichi's Shincho-Ko ki. Looking forward to history in the making.