Thursday, February 22, 2018

Nobunaga's Kyoto Parade


I have never really touched on Nobunaga's famous Kyoto Parade which was held in 1581.  As of today, it is still debated whether or not Nobunaga's real intention was to scare the living hell out of the Imperial household into submission.

Lamers Japonius Tyrannus (206-7)

"Nobunaga staged a military parade in Kyoto in March 1581 as a formal celebration of the Honganji's defeat.  It was unquestionably the ceremonial crowing of Nobunaga's career.  Of special interest is that Nobunaga carefully wove strands of Imperial fabric into the carpet of magnificence he unrolled on the streets of Japan's capital."

Nobunaga ordered Akechi Mitsuhide to organize the parade.  Nobunaga left his Kyoto headquarters Honnoji around eight in the morning on his horse Daikoku.  As for the picture above here is a list:


  1. Emperor Ogimachi
  2. Prince Sanehito
  3. Oda Nobunaga
  4. Spectators
  5. Emperor's temporary residence
  6. Court ladies
  7. The military horse parade
  8. Courtiers
  9. Imperial Palace
Tenka no tame!

Friday, February 9, 2018

Samonji Sword News


Big news out of Shizuoka as swordsmiths are trying to replicate Yoshimoto's Samonji sword for his 500th anniversary of his birth.  Yoshimoto was in possession of the sword during the Battle of Okehazama.  The sword was two feet six inches in length.  After Yoshimoto's death at Okehazama, the sword was in the hands of Nobunaga.  He later cut down the length to two feet two inches.

Link:  https://t.co/78stXYzDWb

Nobunaga no tame! 

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Oda Nobuhide Book Review



Title: Tenkajin no Chichi Oda Nobuhide
Author: Taniguchi Katsuhiro
Publisher: Yodensha
Year: 2017
Pages: 254

I received Taniguchi Katsuhiro's new book on Oda Nobuhide in the mail last year.  So far, the book is a must have for any scholar on Oda Nobunaga.  The book's bibliography is no exception.  It is extensive and Taniguchi used everything he could get his hands on.

If there is anything that stood out in the book, it is on page 205.  Nobuhide moved often and only in Owari.  Shobata, Nagoya, Furuwatari, and Suemori.  Nobuhide moved from western Owari near Mino to eastern Owari near Mikawa.  Here is my opinion on this.  After his alliance with Saito Dosan, Nobuhide had is back somewhat protected.  The real threat came from the Imagawa and Nobuhide moved his headquarters to Suemori to be ready for them when the time came.

Nobunaga saw this too when he was young and no doubt had an effect on him.  He too, moved often. Nagoya, Kiyosu, Komaki, Gifu, and Azuchi.  Nagoya, Kiyosu, and Komaki are in Owari while Gifu is in Mino and Azuchi is in Omi.  Nobunaga moved for military, political, and economic reasons.

Tenka no tame!