New Year Cards

 In Gifu, you can aquire New Year's greeting cards to send to family and friends.  According to the poster, Nobunaga, Nohime (kicho), Saito Dosan, and Mitsuhide are available.  I would sure like to have some of them for my Nobunaga/Sengoku library.

Nobunaga no tame!

2020 Awards

 It is that time of year again where I award those who are great in the subject of Nobunaga.  This year however it is a bit different.  2020 has been rough.  Two of my trips to Japan has been cancelled/postponed due to the Wuflu.  Also the start of the was rough when Mr. Okehazama (Wataru Kanjino) passed away.  That being said, there was some good things which I will explain below.

Historian of the year: Wataru Kajino (Posthumous)

This was an easy decision. Mr. Okehazama was a local historian who devoted his life to the Batlle of Okehazama after WW2.  He was opened minded and always made you think.  He did except opposing views if one can back it up with facts and logical thinking.  He was not in the mold of the national historians who had big egos. Two books on Okehazama from a local perspective stand out.  I have both.  Jimoto no Koro ga Kataru Okehazama Kassen Shimatsuki and Shinsetsu Okehazama Kassen. 

There will be no book of the year nor movie of the year.  Kirin ga kuru did not make it due to postponement and the actor of who portrays Nobunaga.  That being said, Owada Tetsuo wins the vlog (video blog) by a mile. His short videos on the Sengoku Era is easy to understand and interesting at the same time.  They are educational and he seems to use maps or books to make his point.  The videos are not long, short enough to consume the needed information.  The video above is about the Battle of Okehazama regarding troops and rice production in the domains of the Oda and Imagawa.  It is refreshing to see someone breaking down key events during the Sengoku Era.

Tenka no tame!

Brief Saito Dosan Video

 I do not know if I posted this video before, but this is a brief video on Nobunaga's father-in-law Saito Dosan.  It is not bad.  The video gives a short history about Dosan and his rise to power. If one has read my epilogue in The Viper and the Fool, you will understand why I went tge traditional route instead of the new fashionable one.  There are reasons for it.  For example, the Rokkaku sent an army for help Nobunaga during the Battle of Okehazama.  Nobunaga won and Saito Yoshitatsu knew Nobunaga was going to attack Mino soon.  So he had to make a deal with the Rokkaku.  Since Yoshitatsu was the senior partner in their relationship, the chances were high that he wanted to erase his father's legacy.

Also two key points were made near the end of the video.  One, the alliance between the Saito and Oda completed Dosan's grip on Mino along with the ouster the Toki family.  Second, is the old tale about Nohime being born.  The tale about baby vipers ripping apart their mother's womb when being born.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga and Tokichiro Painting

 Here is a painting of Nobunaga and Tokichiro (Hideyoshi).  The painting can be viewed at the Hideyoshi/Kiyomasa Museum located in Nagoya. This painting shows Tokichiro early days as a servant to Nobunaga. Tokichiro spent some time in Totomi Province during the early 1550s, he then returned to Owari and started to serve under Nobunaga around 1558. He also knew the Men of the Fields (Hachisuka Koroku and Maeno Shoemon) extremely well.  This relationship between Tokichiro and the Men of the Fields proved critical during the Battle of Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!

Brief Okehazama Video

 Here is a brief video on the Battle of Okehazama by two people.  The video is about 14 minutes long and it just does enough to explain the viewer the basics.  The two gentlemen points out the numbers of both Oda and Imagawa armies as well as the forts and castles. Also the two mentions the rain and the way Nobunaga attacked.  To this day and to the end of time, the debate will continue if Nobunaga's attack on Yoshimoto was a simple frontal one or surprise attack.  I have stated many times and back it up with my own military experience that Nobunaga used some form of a surprise attack. The two explained explained the viewer that Yoshimoto did not use any guns during the battle.  Here is a simple answer to that question, due to the heavy rain, the guns were useless and were stuck in the mud.

To end the video, the two mentioned the result of the battle created Nobunaga's rise to power, the decline of the Imagawa, Matsudaira Motoyasu's (Tokugawa Ieyasu) independence as well as freeing some of the families in the Totomi area such as the Ii.

Nobunaga no tame!

Pearl Harbor and Okehazama

 Today is the 79th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  Believe it or not, Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Okehazama has a relationship with each other.  Right before the Japanese attacked, it was known that Admiral Yamamoto mentioned it in their diaries.  Paul Varley in Oda Nobunaga, Guns, and Early Modern Warfare in Japan (p. 114), "Thus, in the days before Pearl Harbor in 1941, Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku (1884-1943) and many other Japanese military leaders referred  to Okehazama  in their letters and diaries as they planned their surprise attack on the United States.  For them, Okehazama was a synonym for a sudden,  unannounced attack."

Nobunaga did the same at the Battle of Okehazama in 1560 killing Imagawa Yoshimoto.

As for Pearl Harbor, Gordon W. Prange's At Dawn We Slept is the best book on the subject.  Tora! Tora! Tora! is the best movie and probably accurate.

Tenka no tame!

Sengoku Lifestyle and Foods

 Here is a good video on daily life during the Sengoku Era.  The five minute mark and after is key.  It covers the food and seasoning that people ate during the time of Nobunaga.  Miso, salt, and vinegar was used a lot.  Around the six minute mark or so, the video mentions that Nobunaga had a taste for strong foods.  I have covered this subject when I started blogging many years ago.  One must remember that Nobunaga almost put a chef to death since the food was not prepared to his liking.  Narezushi is mentioned in the video and it is important.  Narezushi was prepared to preserve fermented fish by using salt and raw rice. Also simple foods such as yuzuke (okayu) was mentioned in the video.  Okayu is hot water poured on top of rice.  It was well known that right before Nobunaga left for the front during the Battle of Okehazama, he had a couple of helpings of yuzuke/okayu.  

I highly recommend this video and the person who does these videos does an excellent job explaining others about Nobunaga and others during the Sengoku Era.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Drama In Jeopardy?

 From what I am hearing from secondary sources is that the Fuji TV Okehazama drama is in jeopardy.  Filming has been stop long ago due to the Wuhan Flu and Ebizo Ichikawa is back on the Kabuki stage.  Other actors and actresses have found new work in other dramas or films.  It is not officially canceled yet, but it does not look good overall.  I am upset about it since I was looking forward to seeing it.  Again, it is not canceled as of now, but the situation does not look good in the long term.  As a historian of the Battle of Okehazama, it breaks my heart.

Tenka no tame!

Nohime Documentary Video

 Here is a nice documentary on Nobunaga's wife Nohime (1535-1612).

Key points:

Marriage to Toki Yorizumi before she married Nobunaga.

Marriage to Nobunaga, Doson explaining to Nohime about Nobunaga's behavior and use of the dagger.

Nohime as a spy for Dosan.

The meeting between Dosan and Nobunaga.

Battles such as Muraki, Nagarahara, and Okehazama.

Luis Frois writing about Nohime's room at Gifu Castle.

Sengoku women's duties at the castle.

Theories about here death.

During the video, Owada Tetsuo makes several appearances explaining his views and opinions about Nohime and Nobunaga.  It is nicely done and highly recommend.

Nobunaga no tame!

Kawanakajima Film 1941

 Here is an old film on the Battle of Kawanakajima airedin 1941.  The film was directed by Tenosuke Kingusa. In 1561, Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen fought for the fourth time at Kawanakajima.  I have only seen snippets of the film, but the battle scenes look good for an old film.  The 4th Battle of Kawanakajima took place one year after Nobunaga defeated Yoshimoto at the Battle of Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!

Red Face Young Warrior Nobunaga Poster

 Here is a movie poster Red Face Young Warrior Oda Nobunaga starring Nakamura Kinnosuke.  The movie was released in 1955.  This was his first role as Nobunaga.  Actress Hizuru Takachiho played the role of Nohime.  Unfortunately, I have not seen the film yet and trying to find it.

Tenka no tame!

Saito Dosan Video Update

 Here is a video on the career of Nobunaga's father-in-law, Saito Dosan presented by Swngoku historian Owada Tetsuo.  I have not seen the video in its entirety, but topics include the banishment of Toki Yorinari, the marriage between Nobunaga and Nohime, and Dosan's death at the Battle of Nagaragawa in 1556.

Nobunaga no tame!

2020 Okehazama Festival Pictures

 

Here are some photos from the 2020 Okehazama Festival courtesy of the Battle of Okehazama Battlefield Preservation Committee and Yukio Kajino.  The festival was held earlier in the month due to the virus.  Usually, the Toyoake City Okehazama festival is held on the first weekend of June and the Arimatsu Okehazama festival is held in the middle of June.  From what I am being told is that the festival was a huge success.  So happy to hear that.

As most of you know, my specialty is on the Battle of Okehazama and every year I hold seminars in English and Japanese on the subject.  I also do tours.  Unfortunately, there is no museum at the moment which is a disgrace.  There used to be one at the Toyoake City Battlefield, but it has been closed down for years.  I would like to see one in the near future and will put my time and resources to make it happen.  Once built, I would like to work there to show Japan and the world the Battle of Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!

New Okehazama Map

 Here is a new map I found on the Battle of Okehazama.  It is not that bad and easy to understand.  On the top, it shows the route Yoshimoto took when he left Sunpu on May 12th.  However, if you look closely, Chiryu Castle is omitted.  Why?  It was well known and documented that Yoshimoto stopped at Chiryu (under the command of the Nagami family) on the 17th.  The map has Kutsukake (under the command of Kondo Kageharu) on the 17th, which is wrong.  Yoshimoto stopped at Kutsukake on the 18th.

Sunpu to Kakegawa Castle: 30 miles.

Okazaki (May 16th) to Chiryu (May 17th): 7 miles.

Chiryu (May 17th) to Kutsukake (May 18th): 6 miles.

Kutsukake to Odaka 8 miles.

Odaka to Fort Washizu and Marune: half a mile.

Sakai River narrow and easy to cross.

Nobunaga's route to Okehazama:

Kiyosu to Okehazama: 15 to 17 half miles.

Kiyosu to Atsuta: 7 miles.

Atsuta to Tange: 5 miles.

Tange to Zenshoji: less than a mile.

The map has the commanders of Fort Tange (Mizuno Tatewaki), Fort Zenshoji (Sakuma Nobumori), but not Fort Nakajima.  Kajikawa Takahide was in command of Fort Nakajima. The map also shows both routes that Nobunaga took to defeat Yoshimoto.

Nobunaga no tame!

Fuunji Nobunaga Posters

Here are some movies posters from the 1959 film Fuunji Oda Nobunaga starring Nakamura Kinnosuke as Nobunaga and Kyoko Kagawa as Nohime.  I have written several posts about the movie in the past.  The story of young Nobunaga struggling to Owari under control, the meeting with his father-in-law Saito Dosan, his relationship with his wife, Nohime, and finally the climax with the Battle of Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!
 

Rakuchu Rakugai Screen

 Here is a video by Owada Tetsuo talking about the Rakuchu Rakugai folding screen.  Painted by Kano Eitoku for Oda Nobunaga, Nobunaga later presented the folding screen as a gift to Uesugi Kenshin in 1574.  The folding screen expresses life in Kyoto during the Sengoku Era.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nagashino Troop Movement Video

 Here is a nice video on the Battle of Nagashino.  The video covers the prelude to the battle and more importantly, troop movements of both Oda/Tokugawa and Takeda armies.  Slowly, the video shows how the Takeda attack the Oda/Tokugawa positions only to be shot to pieces.  Later in the video, it shows the Oda army break ranks to pursue the fleeing Takeda army.  It is in entirely in Japanese and easy to understand.  One of the better videos on Nagashino since it covers troop movements before, during, and after the battle.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga and Tea Utensils I

 Here is another event regarding Nobunaga and tea utensils that took place in early 1570.

Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 140)

"At that time, the most famous objects  of art in the realm were the following tea ceremony articles, which were to be found in Sakai:

Item: painting of sweets. Tennojiya Sogyu

Item: [tea-leaf jar] Komatsushima. Yakushin

Item: [flower vase] Kojiguchi  Aburaya Joyu

Item: painting of a bell. Matsunaga Danjo

Each of them was truly renowned piece.  Using Yukan and Niwa Gorozaemon as his emissaries, Nobunaga let it be known that he wanted them for his own collection.  The owners who could not possibly disobey Nobunaga's orders, presented the articles without demur.  Nobunaga ordered that they be given gold and silver in exchange."

Nina Gorozaemon is Niwa Nagahide.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga and Tea Utensils

 The first part of the video by Owada Tetsuo explains Nobunaga and his acquisitions of tea ceremony utensils and Emperor Ogimachi.  Nobunaga acquired many tea utensils not for static investment purposes, but political and social use for the unification of Japan.

Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 132)  This event takes place in 1569.

"Whereas Nobunagahad no shortage of gold, silver, rice, or cash, he decided that he should furthermore aquiChinese objects of art (karamono) as well as the most famous pieces of this realm for his collection.  First, from Upper Kyoto,

Item: [tea caddy] Hatsuhana  owned by Daimonjiya Sokan

Item: [tea caddy] Fujinasubi  from Yujobo

Item: bamboo tea ladle  from Hooji

Item: [flower vase] Kaburanashi  belonging to Ikegami Jokei

Item: painting of wild geese  Sano

Item: [flower vase] Mokusoko. Emura"

Tenka no tame!

Shiga Mansion Artcle

 Here is a small article by my Okehazama colleague Seishiro Mizuno about Nobunaga's elder retainer Hirate Masahide (1492-1553).  Masahide excelled in poetry and the tea ceremony.  He also made the marriage between Nobunaga and Nohime possible.  The article explains Hirate Masahide's Shiga mansion and his grave.

Nobunaga no tame!

Mitsuhide Birth and Wife Hiroko

 Here is are two short videos by Owada Tetsuo explaining Akechi Mitsuhide's birth year.  According to Tetsuo, Mitsuhide was probably born in 1528.  His wife Hiroko was from the Tsumaki Family.  Written as Tsumaki, but pronounced Tsumagi.  Her death year was probably in 1581.  The link below provides some evidence for Hiroko's death.

http://47news.jp/localnews/prefectures/kyoto/5110330.html

Tenka no tame!

Kiku Ningyo

 The Kiku (chrysanthemum) dolls are now open for viewing at Gifu Castle Park.  Nobunaga and his wife Nohime, along with his father-in-law Saito Dosan Kiku dolls are displayed for public viewing.

Nobunaga no tame!

10 Year Anniversary

 Big news regarding to the Battle of Okehazama.  Sunday November 1st, there will be a 10 year Arimatsu Okehazama Battlefield statue anniversary celebration.  The Nagoya Busho(Nobunaga will make an appearance) will be there along with other festivities.  Ten years ago, the first Imagawa Yoshimoto statue was erected in Japan.  That has changed since earlier this year, Shizuoka erected their own Yoshimoto statue.  With all the doom and gloom this year, I am excited that things are getting back to normal and people can enjoy themselves again.  The event is hosted by the Arimatsu Okehazama Battlefield Preservation Committee, which I am a member of.  If you are in the area, by all means go.

Tenka no tame!

Sekigahara Museum

 Something a bit different today.  The new Sekigahara Museum is now open to the public.  Owada Tetsuo does a small tour of the museum.  If you are in Gifu Prefecture, spend some time at the Sekigahara Battlefield.  I also want to add, my Sengoku colleague Chris Glenn had a lot to do with this.  He has spent many months preparing and planning for the new museum.

Nobunaga no tame!

New Gifu Castle Discovery

 

There is big news regarding Gifu Castle.  From the recent archeological work being done at Gifu Castle, tile from the western tower was found and believed to be pre Azuchi.  Which means it was built during the time of Nobunaga was at Gifu.  Gifu was Nobunaga's headquarters between 1567-75.

Link: http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/139401

Tenka no tame!

Honkokuji

 Here is a video by Owada Tetsuo explaining the Miyoshi raid on Honkokuji in 1569.  Honkokuji was located in Kyoto and Ashikaga Yoshiaki was also residing there as well.

Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 128)

"On the 4th of the First Month, the Miyoshi Triumvirs together with Saito Uhyoe no Tayu Tatsuoki, Nagai Hayato and others, having recruited ronin from southern parts, surrounded the shogun and his temple residence at Rokujo. Yakushiji Kurozaemon commanded their advance guard.  His soldiers burnt down the neighborhood in front of the gate and were on the point of forcing their way inside the temple."

Rokujo was located at Honkokuji.  Also this was first appearance of Akechi Mitsuhide.

I wrote a post on this last year:Http://otsuke.blogspot.com/2019/11/mitsuhide-in-shincho-ko-ki.html

Nobunaga no tame!

Imai Sokyu

 

Imai Sokyu (1520-93) was a merchant and tea master from Sakai near Osaka.  He is first mentioned in the Shincho-Ko ki in 1568.

Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 123) "The Five Home Provinces and the neighboring provinces had all submitted to Nobunaga's rule.  Matsunaga Danjo presented  Tsukumogami, unparalleled in our country, to Nobunaga, and Imai Sokyu offered the famous tea-leaf jar Matsushima together with the tea caddy called Nasu, which belonged to Joo."

The video above, Owada Tetsuo explains this in great detail.

Tenka no tame!

Saito Dosan Tour Video

 Here is a nice video on landmarks related to Nobunaga's father-in-law Saito Dosan.  The video covers Jozaiji Temple, Sagiyama Castle, and Dosan's grave. All landmarks are located in Gifu and can be covered easily in a day. 

Nobunaga no tame!

Samonji Sword News

 For those who love swords and the Battle of Okehazama, I have news for you.  According to Owada Tetsuo, there will be a replication of the Samonji sword that Imagawa Yoshimoto used during the Battle of Okehazama.  When he was killed, it went into the hands of Oda Nobunaga.  The sword used to be 2 feet 6 inches, but Nobunaga shortened it to 2 feet 2 inches.  It was known that Nobunaga tested the sword many times and it was one of his favorite possessions. 

According to the video, the Samonji sword is due early spring of 2021.  The actual Samonji sword is located at Kenkun Jinja in Kyoto.

Tenka no tame!

Okehazama Video Update

 Here is another video on the Battle of Okehazama.  The video is short and it does not go much into detail in tactics and the like.  It does covers Yoshimoto's logistical castles in Owari Kutsukake, Narumi, and Odaka.  The map will show how Nobunaga countered with Tange, Zenshoji, and Nakajima to block Narumi.  Also Fort Marune and Washizu to block Odaka.  The use of Yoshimoto's palanquin is also mentioned in the video, which is a nice touch.  After Yoshimoto death, the fall of the Imagawa is explained and the rise of Nobunaga to begin with the start of the conquest of Mino.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Castle Card

 

Here is something quite interesting.  A card with the list of Nobunaga's castles.  Kiyosu, Komaki, Gifu, and Azuchi.  However, Nagoya was omitted.  Why? A question that needs to answered.

Tenka no tame!

Kunitomo Video

 Here is a nice video on the history of the Kunitomo gun manufacturing company by Owada Tetsuo.  Kunitomo is located in Shiga Prefecture, Nagahama City.  During the Sengoku Era, it was known as Omi Province.  There is a nice museum there and not far away is the Anegawa Battlefield as well.  Tetsuo shows a map around the four minute mark on the route of the matchlock rifle during the Sengoku Era.  Starting at Tanegashima to Negoro to Sakai, and finally to Kunitomo.  I have many posts on Nobunaga and firearms and will remind readers that in 1549, Nobunaga placed an order for 500 rifles from Kunitomo.

I do highly recommend Tanegashima by Olof Lidin for the birth of modern firearms in Japan.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga and Mitsuhide Magazine

 Here is a new magazine on Nobunaga and Mitsuhide.  It covers castles, battlefields, and of course, the Honnoji Rebellion.  Also, the Battle of Nagashino is covered as well.

Tenka no tame!

1,000 Post

 After nearly fourteen years, number 1000 has now been posted.  I am still going strong and have learned many things over the years by trial and error.

The video above describes Oda Nobuhide's struggles between Imagawa Yoshimoto, the peace between Saito Dosan with the marriage of Nobunaga and Nohime, and Nobunaga's signature "Fujiwara Nobunaga."  From what I understand from the video is that when the document was signed "Nobunaga Fujiwara," it meant that Nobuhide gave Nobunaga control over the Eight Villages of Atsuta.  Interesting for sure.

I do have some new information on the Battle of Okehazama after rereading some books.  For example,  Nobunaga using a double (kagemusha) to create a false sense of security. After all, it was well known right before Nobunaga attacked the Imagawa camp, Yoshimoto and the rest of the army was eating, drinking, and more importantly overconfident with poor military discipline. I plan to write about it along with the source.  Also I am still watching Owada Tetsuo's YouTube channel for new Nobunaga updates.  Thanks for your support and God bless.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga and Nobuyuki Video

 Here is a nice video I found on Nobunaga during his Owari unification era.  Video includes the death of Saito Dosan and the dispute between Nobunaga and Nobuyuki.  What struck me about the video was that Nobunaga was block off at his headquarters at Kiyosu because Nobuyuki created a line between Nagoya with Hayashi Hidesada, with auxiliary castles of Owaki and Komeno, Suemori, and Iwakura.  However, Nobunaga would defeat Nobuyuki at the Battle of Ino 1556.  Nobunaga's victory at Ino spearheaded the unification of Owari.

Tenka no tame!

Ashikaga Yoshihide

 Ashikaga Yoshihide's (1538-68) career as shogun was extremely short.  He died of an incurable illness.  Also according to Owada Tetsuo's video above, he did not stay in Kyoto, but resided at Fumonji Castle.  Fumonji Castle was located at Settsu Province, modern day Osaka-fu, Tonda-cho.  Yoshihide was literally a figurehead for the Miyoshi and Matsunaga Hisahide.  After he passed away, it created an opening for Nobunaga to march to Kyoto with the soon to be new shogun Yoshiaki.

Nobunaga no tame!

Maeda Toshiie Article

 My good Okehazama friend Seishiro Mizuno has written a small article on Nobunaga's retainer Maeda Toshiie.  Article goes into detail on Toshiie and Arako Castle.

Tenka no tame!

Festival Odaka Ryokuchi 2020

 There will be a Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu festival near the Odaka Castle ruins this year.  The festival will be held on November 8 at Odaka Ryokuchi Park.  This is good news as Japan is getting back to normal.  

Nobunaga no tame!

Battle of Konoshima

 

The Battle of Konoshima took place during August in 1566.  Nobunaga who was stationed at Komaki, lead his army to Mino to attack the Saito.  Unfortunately, the Kiso River was flooding and the attack stopped.  Saito Tatsuoki sent his army to attack Nobunaga.  The area where the two armies supposedly engaged is now known as Kinan/Ginan in Gifu Hashima.  Owada Tetsuo in the middle of the video explains the battle and the geography.  That being said, the documentation of the battle is scarce.  Now there is a letter that is supposed to be addressed to Kaisen Joki, a monk from Eirin Temple in Kofu.  Hino Hironari, Takeguchi Naomitsu, Ando Sadaharu (Ando Morinari's son), and Ujiie Naomoto wrote the letter.  The document written was nothing more than to poke fun at Nobunaga.  

The Battle of Konoshima is a defeat for Nobunaga losing men drowning in the Kiso River. While the battle did take place, little is known and in the end it nothing more than a small skirmish.

Tenka no tame!

New Rekishi Kaido Issue

 Here is the new issue of Rekishi Kaido regarding Nobunaga's battles.

Nobunaga no tame!

Azuchi Discovery

 There is big news regarding Azuchi Castle, the house that Nobunaga built.  Over the summer, research was going on by using laser and discovered on the north side of the ridge of some unknown fortifications.  Big news in my opinion.  

Link in Japanese: https://t.co/DxVMecghzP

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga Tettei Kaidoku

 

Great video by Owada Tetsuo reviewing Nobunaga Tettei Kaidoku. This book is looks well researched and it will require time and patience to process the data.  So far from what I have seen from the video, this is a must have Nobunaga book.

Nobunaga no tame!

Honnoji Talk

 There will be a talk show on the Honnoji Rebellion with historian/author Kirino Sakujin at the Honnoji on September 12/13.  It is free and if you are in Kyoto during that time, please go if you can.  The Gifu Busho group will be there as well.  I have participated in these events often and they are fun and informative.  At the same time, you will never know who you will bump into.  For example, famous historians and the like.

Tenka no tame!

Komaki Castle Video

 Here is a nice video on Komaki Castle by Owada Tetsuo.  He first goes into details on Nobunaga's movements from Nagoya, Kiyosu, Komaki, Gifu, and Azuchi. Then explains his father, Nobuhide's movements Shobata, Nagoya, Furuwatari, and Suemori.  Nobuhide moved often, but stayed in Owari.  Nobunaga moved throughout central Japan.  Tetsuo also explains that Uesugi Kenshin stayed at Kasugayama as well as Takeda Shingen at Tsutsujigasaki.  

The video continues with Nobunaga's genius plan to move from Kiyosu to Komaki by first suggesting Ninomiya.  His retainers did not want to move to the deep mountains, so Komaki it was.  Tetsuo also drives home the use of stone walls at Komaki, which Kiyosu did not.  Last was Komaki becoming a castle town with economic power.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga, Yoshiaki, and Noh

 

In 1568, Nobunaga and the newly installed Ashikaga shogun Yoshiaki held a Noh performance in Kyoto.  There were supposed to be thirteen plays of noh performance, but Nobunaga ordered to be shorten to five.  The Noh performance was held at the mansion of Hosokawa Fujikata.  During the performance, Yoshiaki proposed that Nobunaga should be ranked as vice-shogun, but Nobunaga rightly refused.  I will explain shortly.

The Introductory Noh play participants:

Takasago Kanze Sakon no Tayu, Konparu Odayu, Kanze Kojiro.

Large drum Okura Jisuke

Small drum Kanze Hikoemon

Flute Choai

Stick drum Kanze Matasaburo

Now back to Nobunaga's refusal of Yoshiaki's request.  One must remember that Nobunaga was an independent self-made man.  If Nobunaga accepted the shogun's request, he would be a subordinate to the shogun.  That was the last thing Nobunaga wanted.  Nobunaga respected the position of the shogun, but was he never going to be a subordinate to anybody.  Yoshiaki should have known this from the start, but he was not smart enough to recognize it.  In a way, this started the friction between the two and Nobunaga eventually banished the shogun in 1573.

Tenka no tame!

Honnoji Video

 

Here is a Honnoji documentary special I found on YouTube.  So far, it is decent.  The Honnoji incident is not my specialty.  I know the basics and have some strong opinions on the subject.  That being said, I do not cover it as much as I should.  I just do not find it appealing to me.  Interesting yes, but not catchy.  To be fair, I do visit the Honnoji on a yearly basis to pray for Nobunaga's soul and sometimes give a small lecture on my opinion on the Honnoji to the locals.  When I do that, I remind them that my specialty is the Battle of Okehazama, so they know where I am coming from.  There are much better qualified people than me who can speak about the Honnoji incident.  As for the video itself, interesting.

Nobunaga no tame!

Yoshimoto's Grave Video

 

This is a Battle of Okehazama video related to Imagawa Yoshimoto's grave.  Daisyoji Temple located at Ushikubo in Aichi Prefecture is one of the many graves of Imagawa Yoshimoto.  After Nobunaga defeated and killed Imagawa Yoshimoto at the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, Yoshimoto's body was buried at Daisyoji due to the heat.  Okabe Motonobu planned to take Yoshimoto's body back to Sunpu, but the body was quickly decomposing due to the extreme heat.  Yoshimoto's son, Ujizane was able to perform a memorial service there in 1563.

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Miyoshi Nagayoshi Video

 Here is a video on Sengoku Warlord Miyoshi Nagayoshi (1522-64) by Sengoku historian Owada Tetsuo.  The video is brief, but is easy to understand.  Owada also displays a family tree of the Miyoshi family.  Nagayoshi died in 1564 at Iimoriyama Castle. After his death, the Miyoshi family along with Matsunaga Hisahide was involved with the murder of shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru.  Yoshiteru was known as the Kengo Shogun since he was extremely skillful with the sword.  During Nobunaga's march to Kyoto in 1568, he brushed aside the Miyoshi.

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Matsunaga Hisahide Video

 

Matsunaga Hisahide (1508/10-77) was one of the most brutal schemers during the Sengoku Era.  He first served under the Miyoshi, helped assassinate Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru, and eventually was involved in the burning of the Great Buddha Hall (Todaiji) in Nara.  Hisahide served under Nobunaga for awhile and then rebelled, and eventually went back to Nobunaga.  However, he rebelled again in 1577 and was killed.  His son Hisamichi was captured and executed in Kyoto just after the siege of Shigi Castle.

http://otsuke.blogspot.com/2020/02/shigi-castle-1577.html

The video above is in Japanese and it is easy to follow and understand.  Well done in my opinion.  Also explains Hisahide's death and the destruction of the famous Hiragamo tea item.

Hisahide was known to be a tall, handsome man, and cultured in the tea ceremony.

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Nagashino Screen

 

Here is part of the Nagashino battle and below a clip of the battle from the Nobunaga Taiga drama King of Zipangu. You will notice that the battle screen does have some gunners placed outside of the fence.  However, the video clip has all of the Oda/Tokugawa gunners placed inside the fence.  Which is correct?  The Oda/Tokugawa armies had their gunners inside and outside the fence.  One must remember once most of the firing stopped and the Takeda army was almost depleted, Nobunaga along with Ieyasu sent their army to pursue the fleeing Takeda.  For more information on the Battle of Nagashino in English, it is mandatory that you listen to the Battle of Nagashino podcast from the Samurai Archives.  It is informative and well researched.  

I did like the Nobunaga Taiga Nagashino scene.  It was creepy and eerie.  One of the better ones out there regarding to Nagashino.

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Tetsuya Watari Passes Away

 Tetsuya Watari, the actor who played the role as Nobunaga in the Hideyoshi Taiga drama passed away (1941-2020).  I will be honest with you, he looked a bit too old for the role of Nobunaga.  He was definitely masculine enough for the role, that is for sure.  Overall, he did a decent job.

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Nagashino Video

 

I recently watched a documentary on the Battle of Nagashino and was quite impressed.  First, it covered the mishaps at the Battle of Mikatagahara and Takeda Shingen's death.  Second, the video does a great job on the horses used during the Sengoku Era.  They were pony sized horses and they used one of them in an experiment with with a mounted samurai in armor.  As for the rifles, targets were used at 100 and 50 meters.  The accuracy was not that great at 100, but at 50 meters most hit their target.  I suspect that Nobunaga and Ieyasu told their troops not to fire until you see the white of their eyes moment.  Later they did another experiment with the gunners inside the fence.  Firing was erratic.  Then the gunners were placed inside and outside the fence.  Firing was much more consistent.  If you have seen the Nagashino battle screen, gunners were placed inside and outside the fence.  

The documentary also covers Nobunaga's reliance on firearms and without them, bloodshed in Japan would have continued for many more decades.  The documentary uses clips from the Nobunaga drama King of Zinpangu Nagashino battle scene and music from the movies Kagemusha and Ran. Sengoku historian Owada Tetsuo also makes an appearance as well.  He mentions Nobunaga's use of Heino Bunri/Separation between farmer and soldier.  This helped Nobunaga to create a gunnery squad which help to win on the battlefield more often.

Nobunaga no tame!

New Okehazama Book I

This post is an update on my friend Takeuchi Motokazu's new Okehazama book, Okehazama no Tatakai Zenya no Shinjutsu. His theory is that Imagawa Yoshimoto's last camp before the Battle of Okehazama was Odaka Castle.  I disagree with that theory since it was well known that Yoshimoto stopped at Kutsukake Castle on May 18th, 1560.  While I do disagree with Takeuchi's theory, he does have a primary source that supports him.  That primary source is the Mikawa Monogatari, written by Okubo Hikozaemon.  According to the Mikawa Monogatari, Yoshimoto's army arrived at Odaka Castle from Chiryu.  Is that possible?  Chiryu to Kutsukake is around six miles.  Kutsukake to Odaka is about eight miles.  If Yoshimoto's main army did leave for Odaka from Chiryu, the journey would have been approximately between fourteen to fifteen miles.  Possible?  Yes.  Kiyosu to the Okehazama battlefield is approximately fifteen to seventeen miles.  

That being said, I do not believe that Yoshimoto and his main army left Chiryu for Odaka.  Yoshimoto did stop at Kutsukake on the eve of the battle and held his last war council there.  Kutsukake was an important logistical castle for the Imagawa since it was near the Mikawa border.  After the Battle of Okehazama, Nobunaga awarded Yanada Masatsuna Kutsukake Castle and cash for intelligence role.

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Dosan's Crest

Nobunaga's father-in-law, Saito Dosan's crest was an ocean wave.  Dosan created the crest himself and it was original.  The wave attacks then retreats and then attacks again.  In a way, this was how Dosan usually fought his battles.  Dosan defeated Nobunaga's father twice in the 1540s. This picture above is a temporary Sengoku Era castle gate at Gifu Castle Park.  

I did receive some feedback from the Kajino family on Takeuchi Motokazu's new Okehazama book and plan to write a post soon on the matter.

Nobunaga no tame!

Odaka Castle Video

 

My Sengoku historian colleague Hide again has a great video on Odaka Castle.  The video includes the Honmaru, the moats, and the earthen bridge.  Odaka Castle was built by Hanai Bitchu no Kami in the years of 1504-21.  It was 348 by 105 feet in length.  Odaka consisted of two moats, one outer, and an inner and it was constructed on a lowland hill.  The Hanai and Mizuno families held Odaka before falling in the hands of the Imagawa.

During the Battle of Okehazama, Matsudaira Motoyasu (Tokugawa Ieyasu) delivered 450 bags of rice and 110-150 horses to Odaka.  Nobunaga had two forts to counter Odaka, Marune and Washizu.  Nobunaga was victorious at the Battle of Okehazama in 1560 when he killed Imagawa Yoshimoto.  After the battle, Odaka was abandoned due to its lost strategic value.

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New Okehazama Book

I recently received news that a new book has been published on the Battle of Okehazama.   Okehazama no Tatakai Zenya no Shinjutsu, by Takeuchi Motokazu discusses that the night before the battle, Imagawa Yoshimoto was at Odaka Castle, not Kutsukake.  Historically, Yoshimoto was at Kutsukake Castle on the eve of the battle.  That is certain.  That being said, I would like to find out why Takeuchi Motokazu has come up with the idea that Yoshimoto was at Odaka, not Kutsukake on the eve of Okehazama.  Mikawa Monogatari perhaps? The distance between Kutsukake and Odaka is approximately eight miles.  As for the book itself, it should be an interesting read.  

The book is 900 yen electronically and 2,400 hardback.  It can be purchased on Amazon.  Unfortunately, the book cannot be found at bookstores.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama and Shrines

My good friend Hide from Japan has an excellent video on the Battle of Okehazama and shrines.  It is a known fact that Nobunaga visited Atsuta Shrine during the Battle of Okehazama, not once but twice.  Hide's video covers the lesser known shrines such as Enokihakusan Jinja, Hioki, and Jigenji.  The video does show where the shrines are located and one stands out alone.  Jigenji is located far east of the traditional route that Nobunaga took during the battle.  It does make you think did Nobunaga really make a visit there.  Maybe after the battle.  The video is easy to understand and it is short enough to digest the information without feeling bogged down.

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Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle was built in 1537 by Oda Yojiro Nobuyasu.  He was the brother of Oda Nobuhide.  However, he was killed in action during the invasion of Mino in the early 1540s.  Nobuyasu's son, Nobukiyo was the new lord of the castle.  He helped Nobunaga unify Owari in the late 1550s.  Unfortunately, he was bribed by Saito Yoshitatsu and turned on Nobunaga.  Nobunaga seized Inuyama Castle in 1565 and Nobukiyo sought refuge with Takeda Shingen of Kai.

Inuyama Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Japan and it is highly recommend to all. I made my first visit to Inuyama twenty years ago and it was a real treat.  I plan to visit Inuyama again next year.

Nobunaga no tame!

Tenneiji

Tenneiji (Sanbokojin) is located near the Osu Kannon area in Nagoya.  Not many people know about this place since one can easily pass by without knowing it.  This temple was used by Nobunaga during his early years in Owari to pray for the health and safety for his children.  If you are in the Osu Kannon area in Nagoya, by all means make a visit to Tenneiji.  A rare place walking in the footsteps of Nobunaga.

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Tenka Fubu Letter

Here is a letter that Nobunaga wrote to Kanematsu Masayoshi in 1567.  This document is unique because it was one of the first to use the famous Tenka Fubu seal.  Tenka Fubu, "Rule the realm by military force!" This was the beginning of Nobunaga's quest to unite Japan under the sword after many decades of constant bloodshed.

The document written to Kanematsu Masayoshi mentions area of Kono in Mino and some money.  The document is dated November of 1567 and the Tenka Fubu seal in stamped in red, which means a more formal and serious letter.

I have written a blog post on Kanematsu Masayoshi a few years ago.  He was the lucky man who received sandals from Nobunaga in 1573.

http://otsuke.blogspot.com/2017/04/kanematsu-masayoshi-and-ashinaka.html

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Okehazama From Sky

I have probably posted this video before, but it needs to be added again after another look.  This video covers Okehazama from the sky and has routes that Nobunaga took during the Battle of Okehazama.  What I like about the video is that you can actually see what Nobunaga and his army did during the campaign.  Kiyosu Castle is mentioned first and it shows how much smaller Kiyosu covered the area during Nobunaga's time.  The area expanded during Nobukatsu's time in power.

Most of the people in the video, I know personally and worked with them as tour guides or volunteers doing other things related to the Battle of Okehazama.  Both the Arimatsu and Toyoake City Okehazama Battlefields are mentioned, which is fantastic.  With this video, one can see the route Nobunaga took to both places.  Even the old theory of Nobunaga's detour route is covered.  Again, a plus.  One can make up their own mind after watching the video along with proper research.

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Last Okehazama Clips

Here is the last of the Okehazama clips from various NHK Taiga dramas.  Who ever made the clips did a decent job.  In my opinion, King of Zipangu, the Nobunaga drama still has the best Battle of Okehazama episode.  Enjoy.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Letter to Rikyu

Here is a letter Nobunaga wrote to Rikyu, the famous tea master.  There is no date, but it is presumed that the letter was written in 1575.  In the letter, Nobunaga thanks Rikyu for the 1,000 musket balls he received as a gift.  Nobunaga's retainer, Harada (Ban) Naomasa is also mentioned in the letter. Naomasa was written as Harada Bichu no Kami in the document. Rikyu was addressed as Hosensai and the Tenka Fubu seal was in black.  The color of the seal makes a big difference.  The black Tenka Fubu is less formal and was used for private correspondence.  The red Tenka Fubu seal was used in formal and more serious documents. Since the document was a thank you note to Rikyu, it made sense that Nobunaga used the black Tenka Fubu seal.

Later that year, Nobunaga held a huge ceremony at Myokakuji Temple in Kyoto with Rikyu as the head tea master.

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Chokohi Translation

I have finished translating most of the inscription of Okehazama Toyoake City's Chokohi into English.  Here are the key parts:

Eiroku 3rd year Imagawa Yoshimoto of Suruga advanced his army west and on May 19th made camp north of Okehazamayama.  Lord Nobunaga with his army attacked Yoshimoto.

Suruga was a strong and dominant province and it had an alliance with the Hojo of Sagami and the Takeda of Kai.  However, the Oda (Nobunaga) of Owari sent false information.  So Imagawa Yoshimoto led the army to invade Owari.  With Fort Washizu and Marune fallen, Yoshimoto boasted, "Tomorrow around breakfast, we will take Kiyosu."  Soon from the northwest black clouds appeared along with wind and rain.  The Oda army attacked as cries were heard.  Yoshimoto's headquarters was in chaos and during the battle, 2,500 were killed in action.

Imagawa retainer Matsui Munenobu along with 200 soldiers were killed in action.

The Chokohi was written by Nakanishi of Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka.
It was erected in 1809 by a Shinto priest of Tsushima Shrine Toyonaga Himuro, a descendant of Matsui Munenobu.
The Chokohi was built by Magoemon Kawachiya.
The inscription composed by Hatakanae of the Owari-han (domain)

I would like to thank the Toyoake City Okehazama Guide Volunteers for the modern Japanese translation of the Chokohi.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama and Guns

During the Battle of Okehazama, firearms where used.  The question is how many?  Probably a few hundred.  Now this a map of the Toyoake City Okehazama Battlefield.  The red line is direction of Nobunaga's attack.  Going south and then attacking east.  North of Okehazama (212 feet above sea level) is where Mori Shinsuke along with 200 men was placed and then attacked to the southeast.  Now, near (2) is where Nobunaga gunnery squad was located and attacked. Again, this is the Toyoake City Battlefield.  Also one must include the Arimatsu Battlefield when studying the Battle of Okehazama.  Both are related and close to each other (10 to 15 minutes apart by foot). If Imagawa soldiers fleeing to Odaka Castle during the chaos, then Arimatsu makes sense.  If the soldiers were fleeing to Kutsukake Castle, Toyoake City is the answer.  During the battle, Imagawa soldiers tried to escape to both castles.  Also the Okehazama area is wide enough to cover both battlefields.

The Matsudairaki and the Mikawa no kuni bunshi notes guns were fired at the Imagawa camp.  Nobunaga's army was around 2,000 when he attacked Yoshimoto's headquarters.  Here is my opinion and the number is conservative.  Nobunaga probably had 300 or less during the battle.  That excludes the number of firearms that Fort Marune,Washizu, Tange, Zenshoji, Nakajima were provided by Nobunaga.

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Okehazama Video Update

Here is another video on Okehazama using clips from various NHK Taiga dramas.  Using the King of Zipangu, Toshiie to Matsu, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kirin ga Kuru, and others.  Not bad at all.

At the moment I am still slowly translating some documents and will post the Toyoake City Okehazama Chokohi translation early next month.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Woodblock Print Video

Here is a nice video on the Battle of Okehazama using woodblock prints.  The first print is at Atsuta Shrine and the two white egrets appear on the left side of the print.  The two egrets are mentioned in Oze Hoan's Shinchoki and the event did appear in the Taiga drama Toshiie to Matsu.  The video continues with Maeda Toshiie's participation in the battle as well as Yoshimoto's last moments before he was killed.  Nicely well done.

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Another Okehazama Video

This has to be one of the better Battle of Okehazama videos out there on the net.  The video is easy to understand and covers various topics.

1. The role of the Men of the Fields
2. The capture of Kiyosu Castle 3 to 5 days if possible by Yoshimoto
3. The role of Yanada Masatsuna, the man who provided intelligence for Nobunaga.
4. Yanada`s reward of cash and Kutsukake Castle
5. Nobunaga's victory route
6. The explanation of both Arimatsu and Toyoake City battlefields.

The video also covers Nobunaga's boldness and his tactics.  As for the battlefields, both are related and have a part in the battle.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Battle Print

Look what I found today on the net, a beautiful Battle of Okehazama print.  I love it.  As you can see, the print is in two parts.  The left side of the print is Nobunaga and his army attacking  Yoshimoto's headquarters.  On the right side, Yoshimoto's camp is in chaos and he is about to be killed by the Oda troops.  I do like the highly detailed of Yoshimoto's camp in disarray.  I do not know when the print was made, but it is fantastic!

Tenka no tame!