Oda Maku At Gifu Castle

2017 is nearly here and the year long celebration in Gifu is about begin.  Gifu will be celebrating their 450th anniversary.  Gifu Castle usually has the Saito and Oda crest to honor the Saito and Oda families who made Mino strong.  However, in 2017, Gifu Castle will only have the Oda maku for a year in honor of Nobunaga's founding of Gifu.  He renamed Inoguchi to Gifu in 1567.

Link:https://t.co/r1mmhFcjpl

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga Castle Book by Kato Masafumi

There is a new 292 page book out this week on Nobunaga's castles by Kato Masafumi.  His new book is Oda Nobunaga no shiro.  The price is 907 yen and it book covers Komaki, Gifu, and Azuchi castles.  I plan to buy the book while in Japan early next year.

Nobunaga no tame!

Fuuunji Oda Nobunaga Talk Show

There will be a movie screening and talk show with Kyoko Kagawa on the 1959 Fuunji Oda Nobunaga in Gifu.  Kyoko Kagawa played the role of Nohime in the film while Nakamura Kinnosuke was Nobunaga.  The dates of this event is December 17/18.  Ms. Kyoko Kagawa will speak about the film on the 17th.  This special event will lead up to next year's celebration of the 450th anniversary of Gifu's founding by Nobunaga.

By the way, in my opinion, Kyoko Kagawa played the role of Nohime very well.

Link: http://gifu-civic.info/topics/h28_odanobunaga/5587/

Tenka no tame!

Nagoya, Okehazama, and Tourism

Last month, the Kajino family sent me a link dealing with Nagoya, Okehazama, and Tourism.  There are seven items the link deals with Okehazama.

• Arimatsu Okehazama Kosenjo
• Chofukuji Temple
• Takaneyama
• Okehazama Shrine
• Fort Zenshoji
• Kamagatani
• Nanazuka

As for Nagoya, it is the cuisine!  Miso udon and Miso tonkatsu.

Link:http://www.nagoya-info.jp/nobunaga/okehazama/enjoy/

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Nengajo

If you are in the Gifu area at the moment, now is the time to purchase Nobunaga Nengajo (New Year's cards).  One set of 10 cards is selling for 520 yen.

https://t.co/Zk60Dn22Ya

Tenka no tame!

Soken-in 2016

Every fall Soken-in, a subtemple of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, opens its doors to the public.  Soken-is the home of Oda Nobunaga's grave as well as Nohime's, Onabe no kata, and Nobunaga's sons and daughter Toku-hime.  Article in Japanese: https://t.co/KW0sSzlL7V

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga's Nagoya Castle

I have some news on Nobunaga's Nagoya Castle.  The castle was 1640 by 1968 feet in length.  The numbers sound large,  However, if you add the buildings, stables, and the like.  Not that big at all.  The castle ruins is buried anywhere between three to five feet below the Ni-no-Maru marker at modern day Nagoya Castle.

Tenka no tame!

Okehazama Tourism I

There is another article related to Nagoya mayor Kawamura and the Battle of Okehazama.  In fact, one of my Sengoku colleagues, Chris Glenn participated in meeting.  Again, I wish I was there to give my input on the Battle of Okehazama, how to promote tourism, and preserve both battlefields.

https://t.co/svtVfAHINT


Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Tourism

Nagoya mayor Kawamura promoting tourism with the focus on the Battle Okehazama.  As a Preservation Committee member, this is great news.

Link: http://www.news24.jp/nnn/news86232008.html


Tenka no Tame!

Komaki Castle Tour

Komaki Castle will be holding a tour of the newly excavation area of the castle this weekend.  Here is the link: https://t.co/AKHJPeJfxT

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Hijou

There is a new Nobunaga novel by Yoneda Kazuo, Nobunaga Hijou.  Price of the book is 1512 yen.

Link: https://t.co/lsU4Hw9wyG

Tenka no tame!

Gyuichi and Dobora

The Battle of Dobora 1565 in eastern Mino was an important victory for Nobunaga.  With the victory, eastern Mino was in the hands of Nobunaga.  Two people stood out at the Battle of Dobora, Niwa Nagahide and Ota Gyuichi.  Gyuichi was able to receive additional land for his efforts at the Battle of Dobora.  Shincho-Ko ki (The Chonicle of Lord Nobunaga) p. 113.

"In front of the entrance to the outer enceinte was a tall house.  Ota Matasuke (Gyuichi) went up top of it all by himself and shot down the defenders one after another; not one of his arrows missed its mark.  Nobunaga saw him in action and sent him a messenger thrice to tell him that he was doing a wonderful job.  As a token of his admiration, Nobunaga assigned an additional estate of land to Matasuke."

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Red Bus

There will be a new Nobunaga red bus in Gifu City.  The red bus will have a gold Oda crest on the side.  This is in the addition to the Nobunaga and Nohime bus in Gifu.

https://t.co/tmXBIP5k4a

Tenka no tame!

Kiyosu Castle Link

Earlier today I found a nice link about Kiyosu Castle.  https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/28/  I usually make a yearly trip to Kiyosu Castle since I know people who work and volunteer there.  As for Nobunaga?  He became the lord of the castle in 1555.  The flatland castle was built between 1394 and 1427.  Shiba Yoshishige built the castle and Oda Toshisada was the lord of the citadel.  Kiyosu Castle was intended to be a defensive stronghold for Orizu.  When Orizu was put to the torch in 1476, the capital of Owari moved to Kiyosu.  The castle was located near the Gojo River and did not have a central tower during the time of Nobunaga.  The castle had no stonewalls surrounding the dojon.  Instead, it was surrounded by natural fortifications with a wet moat.

Nobunaga no tame!

Mt. Hiei Article

There is a decent article on Mt. Hiei I found last night.  https://t.co/MlJrjOUjcS  There might be some reconciliation now between the temple and the Oda family.  News to Mt. Hiei.  You have always started trouble since the Medieval Age.  Starting trouble since the Heian Era.  The monks of Mt. Hiei either, prayed their way out, bought their way out, or fought their way out of trouble.  If you read the Shincho-Ko ki, most of the priests there were not saintly.  Nobunaga had enough of their shenanigans and burned the temple to ashes and slaughtered anyone who was in his way in 1571.  As for the present time being?  The incident happen centuries ago and the temple was rebuilt.  Glad people are talking about the temple and Nobunaga.

Tenka no tame!

2016 Gifu Nobunaga Poster

Here is the 2016 Gifu Nobunaga Poster!  The Festival will be held on October 1st/2nd.  Many thanks for a good friend in Gifu sending me the flyer.

Nobunaga no tame!

2016 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri

Next will be the 2016 Gifu Nobunaga Festival.  2016 October 1/2.  Mr. Tajima will be Nobunaga and Ms. Hirai will be the lovely Nohime.

Link: https://t.co/0Z7BYAdZHm

Tenka no tame!

Sumo at Jorakuji

Nobunaga held a sumo bout in 1570 at Azuchi's Jorakuji.  Shincho-Ko ki (English/ Elisonas and Lamers) p. 139.

"On the 3rd of the Third Month, Nobunaga summoned sumo wrestlers from throughout Omi Province and watched them compete in Jorakuji.  The participants were

Shika of the Hyakusaiji, Kojika of the Hyakusaiji, Taito Seigon, Nagamitsu, Miyai Ganzaemon, Taishin of the Kawaraji, Hashi Kozo, Fukao Matajiro, Namazue Mataichiro, and Aoji Yoemon.

in addition to these, countless other wrestlers with good skills flocked to Jorakuji, all of them thinking to outdo the others.  The referee was Kinose Zoshun'an.

Nobunaga summoned before him the two wrestlers who had won the most bouts, Nazume Mataichiro and Aoji Yoemon, and gave each of them a sword and a dagger with gold-encrusted sheaths.  From this day onward they were admitted to Nobunaga's vassal band and were appointed sumo commissioners, the ultimate of honors for both men.  The skillful and attractive sumo put on display by Fukao Matajiro on this occasion caught Nobunaga's eye, so he gave Fukao a present of some clothes--a happy event for Fukao."

Nobunaga no tame!

2016 Nobunaga Forum

Believe or not, this year's Nobunaga Forum will not be held in Gifu.  It will be held in Tokyo.  October 10th, Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward Otemachi Sankei Plaza will host the event.  There is no charge to the event.

https://t.co/AXanQDgxON

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga Mamushi ni Au

Here is a nice clip with the meeting between Nobunaga and Dosan at Shotokuji Temple in 1553 from the 1959 movie Fuunji Oda Nobunaga.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmiEqI19j0g&sns=em

One of the better scenes in my opinion.

Nobunaga no tame!

Ukino Festival

The Ukino Battlefield held a small festival which the people participated in presenting incense to the war dead.  Nobunaga scored a huge victory at the Battle of Ukino in 1558.  This victory was a major stepping stone to unify Owari.

Link: https://t.co/7PYiU7m4Z9

Tenka no tame!

Okehazama Funnies

A nice lighthearted Okehazama funny for the day.  Hey, Yoshimoto, how was the Owari hospitality by Nobunaga and the gang before heading to Kyoto? Wait!  You did not simply walk to Kyoto. LOL!

Nobunaga no tame!

Gifu's Zenkoji

Located near Inaba Jinja in Gifu City is a small temple.  Zenkoji.  Yes, same name as the famous Zenkoji in Nagano, but this one is much smaller.  Gifu's Zenkoji has some interesting Sengoku Era history as well.  The famous Kyoto courtier Yamashina Tokitsugu (1507-79) stayed at Zenkoji during his visits to Gifu (1569-71) and to see Nobunaga in person.  it is understood that he took the Nakasendo Highway to reach Gifu.  The next time you visit Inaba Jinja while in Gifu, make sure you stop at Zenkoji which is on your left.

Tenka no tame!

Takarazuka Nobunaga

Takarazuka actress Masaki Ryu will make her final appearance as Nobunaga in the play "Genten no Yume/Nobunaga: The Will to Power.  The performance will be held at Tokyo Takarazuka Theater in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.  Performance starts August 5th and will run until September 4th.  With a cast of around 80 members Ryu portrays Nobunaga as a powerful and nobel man.

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003092381

Nobunaga no tame!

Haunted Azuchi Castle

looking for some summer fun while in Ise?  Well, Ise Azuchi Momoyama Bunkamura may be the place for you.  From July 30th-August 31st, the replica Azuchi Castle will be a haunted house.  Prices range from 1,000-1,300 yen.  I was able to visit Ise Sengoku Jidai Mura last year and had a great time.  Not a bad place to learn about Nobunaga from a theme park perspective.

https:/t.co/0Do4gd0txn

Tenka no tame!

Yodogimi Was Tall

Found an interesting article about Oichi's daughter ChaCha/Yodogimi.  Oichi was Nobunaga's younger sister.  As for Yodogimi's father?  The possibility is high that her was Nobunaga.  Yodogimi was tall.  So was Oichi and Nobunaga.  It does make some sense that Yodogimi was tall due to her parents. As for Hideyoshi, the one to claim ChaCha as his concubine, a short, skinny bald rat.

Link to the article:https://t.co/tad8MxV1yw

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Pop Up

Earlier this year I received a Battle of Okehazama paper craft.  Unfortunately, I am not savvy when it comes to art.  It took me two days to cut out all the paper soldiers.  If everything went according to plan, the paper soldiers would stand on the battlefield as if it was a pop-up.  However, the paper soldiers were extremely small and it would be difficult for the soldiers to stand.  That being said, I did not want my time and effort  to go to waste.  So I used my thinking cap and decided to glue the paper soldiers and made an Okehazama battle screen instead.  I have to say, I was impressed on the way it turned out.

Facet Japan is the company that makes the paper crafts.  http://www.facet.jp  They have a Battle of Okehazama and Battle of Nagashino paper crafts.  If done correctly, they look beautiful.  The paper craft company is known for their paper castles.  Again, if done correctly, the castles are superb.  Azuchi, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kiyosu can be built by you.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga's Blacksmith

In Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, there is a display of some of Nobunaga's blacksmith's work.  Wakasa no Kami Ujifusa was born in 1534 in Mino.  When Nobunaga conquered Inoguchi and renamed the city Gifu in 1567, Ujifusa supposedly became Nobunaga's blacksmith.

Link: https://t.co/964Zhp017Y

Nobunaga no tame!

Orizu Castle

Orizu Castle was the capital of Owari during the Muromachi Era.  It was built by Oda Hyobu no Jo Toshihiro during the Oei Era.  Now Kiyosu Castle was built and intended to be a defensive stronghold for Orizu.  However, during the Onin War, Oda Toshisada banished Toshihiro and Orizu Castle was put to the torch in 1476.  Once that happened, the capital of Owari was moved to Kiyosu.

Tenka no tame!

Raizo and Nobunaga

There is a hidden gem which Ichikawa Raizo plays the role of Nobunaga in a film, Wakaki Hi no Nobunaga.  It was made in 1959, the same year as Nakamura Kinnosuke's Nobunaga film, Lucky Adventurer Nobunaga.  Now I have several copies of Kinnosuke's Nobunaga films.  However, I do not own Raizo's film.  I am desperate to get my hands on this flick since what I have been told, it is one of the better Nobunaga films made.  The film was probably made from this kabuki play: http://www.kabuki21.com/wakaki.php

Nobunaga no tame!

Raizo and Nobunaga

There is a hidden gem which Ichikawa Raizo plays the role of Nobunaga in a film, Wakaki Hi no Nobunaga.  It was made in 1959, the same year as Nakamura Kinnosuke's Nobunaga film, Lucky Adventurer Nobunaga.  Now I have several copies of Kinnosuke's Nobunaga films.  However, I do not own Raizo's film.  I am desperate to get my hands on this flick since what I have been told, it is one of the better Nobunaga films made.  The film was probably made from this kabuki play: http://www.kabuki21.com/wakaki.php

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga and Terrorism

With all the snowflakes refusing to grasp Islamic terrorism going on throughout the world, the Uesama was NO snowflake.  He simply took matters in his own hands and did something about.  Jeroen Lamers Japonius Tyrannus, p. 104.  "a curse on the nation and if I do not suppress them, there will never be an end to it.  That is why I wipe them out."

If that damn bird does not sing, kill it!

Uesama no tame!  Tenka no tame!

Mayor Kawamura and Okehazama

Nagoya mayor Mr. Kawamura participated at this weekend's special Okehazama Festival.  In feudal era costume, he prayed at Atsuta Shrine.  This was an all day event which started at Kiyosu Castle early in the morning and ended at the Okehazama battlefield.  http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/aichi/20160614/CK2016061402000051.html

Also bought a new Nobunaga book Nobunaga no Kage by Okada Hidefumi this weekend.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga Kaiseki

There is a great article on Nobunaga and Kaiseki cuisine.  Kyukamura Omi Hachiman Hotel is serving up a special Nobunaga Kaiseki meal.  Price is expensive and limited to a few, but people want to taste and try it.

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201606050008.html

You can count me in and it does look delicious.

Nobunaga no tame!

Toyoake Okehazama Report

My good friend Mikawa Hide has written up a blog post on 2016 Toyoake Okehazama Matsuri.  As from what I have read and seen, it was a huge success.  Foreigners even participated in the event too.  i would love to see the event first hand myself.

http://s.ameblo.jp/mikawa-hide/entry-12167670957.html

Tenka no tame!

Matsuri Reminder

Just to remind folks out there that the 2016 Toyoake Okehazama Matsuri is this weekend.  As for my Battle of Okehazama work, I am making a Battle of Okehazama collage.  It will be the first dry run for the picture book.

https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail?spot_id=1122&language=1

Nobunaga no tame!

Shunchoji

Shunchoji Temple is the site of Murai Sadakatsu's grave, who was Nobunaga's governor of Kyoto.  Located south of Teramachi in Kyoto, this temple can be easily missed.  In March, I was able to visit the temple.  Murai Sadakatsu died during the Honnoji Rebellion in 1582.  He died fighting protecting Nobunaga's son, Nobutada at Nijo.

Tenka no tame!

Another Okehazama Festival

Sunday June 12th, there will be another Okehazama festival.  This Okehazama festival in particular will have a reenactment starting from Kiyosu Castle to the Okehazama Battlefield.  This is one festival I would love to participate in and later give my two cents on the battle in English or Japanese.

The link for more information: http://okehazama-saigen.com/

Nobunaga no tame!

2016 Azuchi Matsuri

The 2016 Azuchi Matsuri will be held June 5.  Another great festival dedicated to the Uesama and Azuchi Castle.  For more information:http://www.azuchi-shiga.com

Tenka no tame!

Ganshouin

As I am writing my new novel about Nobunaga and Dosan, I am understanding Oda Nobuhide a bit more.  I found some information about Nobuhide's mother.  Inui no Kata/Ganshouin died in 1527.  She was the daughter of Oda Chikuzen no Kami Sukeyori.  Oda Nobuhide built a temple in honor of her mother in 1528, Ganshouji.

Link for temple information in Japanese:http://www.nagoya-tmo.jp/viewpoint/data2_024.html

Nobunaga no tame!

2016 Okehazama Rekishijin

There is a great article on tactics used by Nobunaga at the Battle of Okehazama.  Rekishijin online mentioned that Nobunaga used something similar to Takeda Shingen's Furin Kazan banner.  Article is in Japanese: http://rekijin.com/?p=13075

Tenka no tame!

Fort Zenshoji Arial

Today is Battle of Okehazama Day!  Here is something different.  An arial photo of Fort Zenshoji.  On the right, you can see where the moat was.  Nobunaga built Fort Zenshoji in 1559 and Sakuma Nobumori was in change of the fort.  It was massive too.  The fort measured 768 by 118 feet in length. After the Battle of Okehazama, Nobunaga ordered Nobumori to be in charge of Narumi Castle.

Nobunaga no tame!

2017 Gifu Video

There is a great video about next year's Gifu 450th anniversary.  It is a tourist promotion video, but covers a lot on Nobunaga, Gifu Castle, and Tenka Fubu.

https://youtu.be/iNUogIsNrEY

Tenka no tame!

Nijo Castle News

There is some major news in Kyoto about Nobunaga's Nijo Castle.  It seems there was a third moat that has been recently discovered.  Nobunaga built Nijo for the 15th Ashikaga shogun Yoshiaki in 1569.  However, the shogun rebelled against Nobunaga in 1573 and the Uesama banished Yoshiaki later that year.  If it the archaeological diggings proved to be correct, Yoshiaki built the third moat for defense against Nobunaga's attack.  It did not matter in the long run since the shogun lost power and was banished from the capital.  Nijo Castle fell into disuse and later some of its materials were used to build Azuchi Castle.

Link: https://t.co/ftfe3cow5l

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama 2016 Flyer

The Arimatsu Okehazama Festival will be held this weekend at the Arimatsu Okehazama Kosenjo.  I wish I could go and participate in the festivities as I did last year.  Mr. Yukio Kajino was kind enough to make a flyer about me and Okehazama, my participation at last year's festival, and my new Okehazama novel.  The original is in color and I had to print the flyer in black and white.  Thank you Mr. Kajino, I will be back next February.

As for the Battle of Okehazama, I have some interesting news.  I am currently reading a book Futatsu no Okehazama no Kassen "Takeda Nobutora to Oda Nobunaga" by Takeda Kensaku.  The is a good read so far.  It describes Takeda Nobutora's victory over the Imagawa (led by Kushima Masashige) at the Battle of Iidagawara in 1521 as his Okehazama.

Now some news on the Arimatsu and Toyoake Battlefields.  Both battlefields are close to one another.  By foot, according to Mr. Takeda, it is approximately 13 minutes apart (p. 96).  Now imagine the Battle of Okehazama in your head.  There was a lot of chaos and confusion going during the battle.  Soldiers fleeing for their lives as Nobunaga's army went for the kill.  Cut the time walking time in half or even two thirds.  Your approximate time to both sites might have been five to seven minutes.  I have always said both battlefields are related somewhat.

Tenka no tame!

Okehazama Kosenjo Dengakutsubo

May is the Battle of Okehazama month.  So I found some information on the Okehazama Kosenjo Dengakutsubo landmark at the Arimatsu Okehazama Battlefield.  The landmark was erected in 1933 (Showa 8) by Mr. Okehazama (Wataru Kajino) father Magosaku Kajino.  Information like this is key to know the Battle of Okehazama, the battle that Nobunaga famous.

Nobunaga no tame!

Teramoto Castle

Earlier this year I was able to visit the ruins of Teramoto Castle with Mr. Okehazama and the Kajino family.  Teramoto Castle played a huge role in the Battle of Muraki (1554).  In fact, without their defection to the Imagawa, the battle might not have taken place.

Teramoto Castle was built by Hanai Harima no Kami between 1441-43 near the Chita Peninsula.  The castle was near the ocean at the time and had a clear view of the area.  In tactical terms, it was the perfect place to build the castle.

Just before the Battle of Muraki, the Hanai family present hostages to Suruga forces and declared themselves allies of the Imagawa.  For Nobunaga, this meant access to Ogawa was cut off.  As for the Arao family (ally of Nobunaga), which governed Kida Castle, they now had another enemy at their doorstep only 1.7 miles away.

Nobunaga along with help of the Mizuno family defeated the Imagawa forces at the Battle of Muraki with the use of firearms.  The next day, Nobunaga attacked Teramoto Castle and put it to the torch.  The Battle of Muraki 1554 was six years before the Battle of Okehazama.

http://www.geocities.jp/chiezoikomai/owari/teramoto.html

Tenka no tame!