Nobunaga by Stevie T

 Yesterday while scrolling through Amazon, I found this. Stevie T has done it again. Turnbull will have an English book on Oda Nobunaga. I do not think his take on Nobunaga will be any comparable to The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (Shincho-ko ki) or Japonius Tyrannus. Those two books are essential for the Nobunaga scholar. In my opinion, his book on Nobunaga will be for the average Joe who is looking for the basics. For example, his book on Hideyoshi just gave the basics with further readings. He did include Mary Elizabeth's Hideyoshi in his further readings. I wonder what references Turnbull will use for Nobunaga since there is a lot more English published works out.

From what I understand, the book will be about 148 pages in length and will be available in late January 2026. His book will cover Okehazama, Anegawa, and Nagashino as well as other battles. If there is one thing looking forward to is the artwork and prints. Turnbull does well with that. The question is will I buy it? Yes I will. I have issues with Stevie T, but I have read much books in English and Japanese on Nobunaga. As a historian, I have to read as much as I can. That includes the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Tenka no tame!

Jissoji

 Jissoji Temple established in 1271 is the family temple of the Kira family. Located in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, this temple unfortunately became trigger for the Battle of Okehazama. Just two weeks (May 5th, 1560) before Okehazama, Nobunaga and his army burned many buildings at Jissoji. Japanese sources include: Okazaki Ryoshukoki and Choya Kyubunhoko. 

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Hideyoshi Document Discovery

 There has been a new discovery regarding Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Honnoji Rebellion. This document was probably the last issued by Hideyoshi while Nobunaga was still alive. The document was probably written by a secretary with Hideyoshi's signature. At the time of the written document, Hideyoshi was fighting the Mori and was besieging Takamatsu Castle (Shimizu Muneharu was the lord of the castle). Again, it was assumed that Hideyoshi did not know about Nobunaga's death. 

Regarding the document, it is assumed that it was written to Uehara Motomasa (Motosuke) who served under the Mori asking him to defect to the Oda. "Since you have shown your loyalty to our Lord (Nobunaga), I have received a red seal letter (from Nobunaga) granting you the right to Bingo Province. If Bingo Province does not become ours, I will give 20,000 kan at a location of your choice within Bichu Province." 

This was a bold move and promise since Bingo and Bichu was not acquired yet. Defections was common during the Sengoku Era. As one sees the wind blow, they will follow. In fact, it was standard operational procedure.

Unfortunately, once Hideyoshi finally received the factual news on Nobunaga's death, he made peace with the Mori and defeated Akechi Mitsuhide at the Battle of Yamasaki 1582.

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One Minute Azuchi VR Clip

 I found this one minute Azuchi Castle Virtual Reality clip. This goes well with next year's Azuchi Castle 450th Anniversary. Azuchi, the house that Nobunaga built.

Nobunaga no tame!

Kamigamo Shrine Horse Race

 In 1574, Nobunaga provided horses for tge Kamigamo Shrine Festival. Ota Gyuichi was in charge of the arrangements while Nobunaga watched the races from the gallery. The Kamigamo Shrine is located in Kyoto.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 207-8)

"On the 5th of the Fifth Month, as part of the Kamo Festival, ritual horse races are held at the Kamo Shrine as an act of prayer for the realm. Fortunately, Nobunaga happened to be in Kyoto, so the shrine asked him to provide horses for the races. Nobunaga selected two horses that he had ridden in many a victorious battle--a gray and a bay horse. In addition, he picked eighteen chargers that belonged to his horse guards, making twenty in all, and divided them into ten pairs. Not only did Nobunaga provide the horses, he had all twenty of them outfitted splendidly. Each and every item of the horse gear--saddles, stirrups, bridles--was top quality. Indeed, Nobunaga made sure all the arrangements were stupendous. The grooms were dressed in gorgeous costumes unwitnessed even in ancient times. Ten priests in black attire and ten priests in red mounted in twenty horses and raced them against each other, pair by pair. That Nobunaga's gray and bay horse were superb steeds goes without saying, and both won their respective heats. This was a spectacle for the ages. Needless to say, noble and mean, old and young, all flocked to see it."

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The passing of Tatsuya Nakadai

 Unfortunately, there is some sad news regarding to the Sengoku Era movie world today. Actor Tatsuya Nakadai has passed away. His role in Kagemusha Takeda Shingen's double was great. However, his role in Ran was far superior and possibly the best Sengoku Era movie ever made. No movie has come close. Just look at the top picture where he sitting in a burning castle in the movie Ran. His facial expression is one who has lost everything.

Nobunaga no tame!

2025 Gifu Kiku Ningyo Matsuri

 The 2025 Gifu Chrysanthemum (kiku) Doll Festival has just started in Gifu. The Chrysanthemum dolls are located at Gifu Castle Park. The festival dates: 11/1 to 11/24 and the event is free. You will be able to see Nobunaga and his friends in chrysanthemum form. As for the chrysanthemum flower itself, it is the symbol of imperial Japan. 

Tenka no tame!

2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri Shutsujin Video

 Here is the 2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri video I found earlier today. The video includes matchlock rifleman, Saito Dosan, Nobunaga's wife Nohime, Nobunaga in armor, and his younger sister Oichi. Enjoy!

Nobunaga no tame! Tenka no tame!

2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri Pictures

Here are some pictures from 2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri. From top to bottom: Saito Dosan, Nohime (Nobunaga's wife), and Oda Nobunaga. 

Nobunaga no tame!
 

Nobunaga's Underclothing

 

Earlier this year at Nagoya Castle Treasure Hall there was a special exhibition held. Nobunaga's underclothing was the topic of discussion. This was a rare public display of the garment. The underclothing was supposedly gold and one can see the Oda crest on the sleeve. The video is in Japanese.

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Lake Biwa Supply Chain Revisited

 A couple years ago, I wrote a post regarding Nobunaga's Lake Biwa Chain with a video. Now here is a map explaining the entire Lake Biwa supply chain. 

Sakamoto Castle: Akechi Mitsuhide 

Omizo Castle: Oda Nobuzumi

Nagahama Castle: Hideyoshi 

Azuchi Castle: Oda Nobunaga 

In 1573, Nobunaga destroyed the Azai and Asakura families and end result was total control of the Lake Biwa area. Also the Lake Biwa supply chain was vital to unify Japan. Nobunaga was able to receive goods and services from other regions in the country as well as China and Korea making him richer and prosperous. More importantly, waging war more easily.

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Ichijodani Asakura-shi Iseki Video

 

This is probably the best video in English regarding to the Ichijodani Castle ruins and museum. The video is in English with Japanese subtitles. Also the narrator gives a brief history of the feud between Nobunaga and Asakura Yoshikage. During the time of Nobunaga, Ichijotani (established in 1471) was located in Echizen Province (modern day Fukui) and it was known as Little Kyoto. After Nobunaga killed Yoshikage in 1573, he burned Ichijotani to the ground. 

The open air museum is one of the best in Japan. If you wanted to know how people lived during the time of Nobunaga and Yoshikage, Ichijotani reconstruction village is the way to go. Also the Asakura museum is a must see as well. As for myself, I have visited the ruins decades ago. As for the relics, over 1,700,000 has been discovered.

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Azuchi Nobunaga Kentei

 

I found this flyer yesterday and for those who want to test themselves on Nobunaga, here is your chance. The Azuchi Nobunaga Kentei will be held on November 16th. It will be supervised by Sengoku historian Owada Tetsuo.

Tenka no tame! 

2025 Nagoya Matsuri

 The 2025 Nagoya Matsuri will be held October 18th-19th. This festival will honor Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu. 

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2025 Fall Sokenin

 The 2025 Fall Sokenin exhibition will start later this month. October 11-November 30 Sokenin will be open to the public. Sokenin, a subtemple of Daitokuji located in Kyoto is the home of Nobunaga's, Nohime, and Onabe no Kata's grave. Also Nobunaga's wooden statue constructed by Kousei in 1583 is housed there. Admission is 800 yen.

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Muraki Jinja

 Modern day Muraki Jinja is where Nobunaga placed his headquarters during the Battle of Muraki 1554. During the time of Nobunaga the Shrine was known as Tsushima Jinja (Tennosan). When the Shrine was built is still unknown. That being said, there is records showing the Tsushima/Muraki Shrine was rebuilt in 1491. By 1913 Tsushima (Tennosan) was renamed Muraki Jinja.

During the Battle of Muraki, Tsushima (Tennosan, Nobunaga's headquarters) was less than a mile southwest of Muraki Castle. Nobunaga attacked the south side. Mizuno Nobumoto attacked the east side, and Nobunaga's uncle, Oda Nobumitsu attacked the west side. Nobunaga's use of firearms was crucial for his victory at Muraki.

Other facts: Support from his father-in-law, Saito Dosan placing Ando Morinari's troops at Shiga and Tabata helped. Nobunaga's quick crossing of the sea, Nobunaga's use of firearms (vital for his victory), and Nobunaga's leadership. The Battle of Muraki 1554 paved the for the Battle of Okehazama 1560 which six years later.

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2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri Flyer

 Here is the 2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri Flyer. The festival will be held on November 1st and 2nd. On the 2nd of November, Nobunaga and friends will participate in a parade.

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Nobunaga Breakfast

 Here is a video explaining the morning breakfast of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu. The video will show you how to prepare the dish as well as some historical facts of the three unifiers. Nobunaga was know to have a strong taste. He loved country style foods. The video above describes a Nobunaga breakfast of yuzuke/chazuke and yakimiso. Before the Battle of Okehazama, Nobunaga ate several bowls of yuzuke/chazuke.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 59)

"When passing through the town, he would gnaw away at chestnuts, persimmons, or even melons, completely unembarrassed by the looks people gave him; or he would eat rice cakes while standing in the center of town."

Simple foods packed with flavor and nutrients kept Nobunaga healthy and stable. If you visit the Gifu City Museum of History or the Azuchi Castle museum, they have replica models of what Nobunaga ate on special occasions.

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2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri News

 Here is some news regarding the 2025 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri. The festival will be held on November 1st and 2nd. More news will be provided later once it is released to the public.

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More Imperial Palace Repairs

In the past I have written posts regarding Nobunaga repairing the Kyoto Imperial Palace. There are several mentioned in The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga. Repairs started in 1569 and ended in 1571. A two year project. I have posted this short passage before and will post again along with a longer one. 

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 132) "The imperial palace was so dilapidated that it has lost its essential character, and Nobunaga ordered it to be repaired. Nichijo Shonin and Murai Minbu were put in charge of the project."

(p. 166-67) "The imperial palace had long been so dilapidated that it lost lost its essential character. Thinking that it would bring blessings, Nobunaga had in a previous year appointed Nichijo Shonin and Murai Minbu no Jo as superintendents of a project to repair it. At length, after three years work the Shishiiden, the Seiryoden, the Naishidokoro, the Shoyosha and various palace quarters were all finished. Lord Nobunaga moreover thought of a plan that would unfailingly provide for the imperial court's income in all times to come. He gave out a loan in rice to the townspeople of Kyoto and ordered that the interest be presented to the court every month. At the same time, Nobunaga also brought the maintenance of the impoverished nobles in order, amply securing their family succession. The satisfaction of all the people of the realm could not have been greater. One could not possibly measure Nobunaga's glory and dignity of his family in our empire."

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Mizuno Nobuchika's Grave

 Mizuno Nobuchika's Grave at Ryougonj, Kariya (Aichi Prefecture)

After the Battle of Okehazama, Okabe Motonobu surrendered Narumi Castle after Nobunaga's victory. In exchange for Narumi, Nobunaga offered the head of Imagawa Yoshimoto. Okabe Motonobu then headed back to Sunpu. Along the way, he attacked Kariya Castle and killed Mizuno Nobuchika. Motonobu was able to burn the castle, but could not hold it due to lack of logistical and tactical support. Why did Okabe Motonobu attack Kariya? One reason is the Mizuno support for the Oda family. The Mizuno family were allies with the Oda. 

Nobuchika was the son of Mizuno Tadamasa and the brother of Mizuno Nobumoto. He was also known as Mizuno Jurozaemon. Ryougonji is a Zen temple of the Soto sect. If you do visit, you will be impressed how beautiful the temple gardens and the surrounding area are well kept. Also Mizuno Nobumoto's grave is located at Ryougonj.

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Kimurajo

 Kimurajo/Jorakujijo was the residence of Kimura Jirozaemon (Takashige). Located in the heart of Azuchi, the landmark is a short walk from JR Azuchi Station. The Kimura family served under the Rokkaku until Nobunaga invaded Omi in 1568. He was also key to the Azuchi Castle construction project. Nobunaga often put Kimura Jirozaemon in charge of several construction projects besides Azuchi Castle. This passage from the The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga, Jirozaemon in charge of building a bridge in 1575 at Seta.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 232) "At about that time, Nobunaga ordered Yamaoka Mimasaka no Kami and Kimura Jirozaemon to take charge of constructing a bridge at Seta in Omi Province. Timber having been obtained from Mount Jinguji in Wakasa Province and Mount Kutsuki in Omi Province."

As for Kimura Jirozaemon, he had the unfortunate fate seeing Azuchi Castle burn in person in 1582 after Nobunaga's death.

Nobunaga no tame!

Disgusting

 Disgusting news from Nagoya. It seems that the Toyotomi Hideyoshi statue has been vandalized. This is not the first time either. In the past six years or so, the Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu statues has also been vandalized. It is disgusting and immoral. The Big Three or the Trinity: Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu unified Japan after almost more than a century of constant warfare, bloodshed, and chaos. It is extremely sad to see.

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Offer Refused

 In 1568, Nobunaga planned to take Yoshiaki to Kyoto, but needed a safe passage through Omi Province. Unfortunately, Rokkaku Jotei refused. Nobunaga even promised Jotei, the position of Governor of Kyoto. Again, he refused. Nobunaga had no choice but to fight his way to the capital.  

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 118)

"On the 7th of the Eighth Month, Nobunaga went to Sawayama in Omi, where he stayed for seven days. He appointed envoys to join Yoshiaki's ambassadors in requesting that Sasaki Sakyo no Daibu Jotei tender hostages to guarantee Yoshiaki's safe passage  to the capital and that he be service  to the kubo. Among the several proposals put forward by these emissaries was Yoshiaki's solid promise that upon achieving his goal, he would appoint Sasaki governor of Kyoto (tenka shoshidai; literally, governor of the realm). These proposals, however, were rejected. So there was nothing to be done about it, and Nobunaga determined that he must in that case take Omi by military means."

Also see Lamers, Japonius Tyrannus (pp. 57-58)

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Gifu Castle and Oda Nobunaga I

 Not too long I posted an article related to the Gifu Castle and Oda Nobunaga exhibition at the Gifu City Museum of History. Here is a short video in Japanese about the special exhibit. The exhibition will take place on August 8th to October 13th. When you watch the video, there will be several relics related to Gifu Castle and Nobunaga on display. Also many thanks to the volunteer guides at the museum who have informed and helped me with the this project.

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Nagashino Exposition

 The 450th Battle of Nagashino Anniversary Exposition will be held later this month. This Exposition will be hold on August 30-31 at the Shinshiro Bunka Kaikan. Sengoku historian Owada Tetsuo plans to speak as well as others. A short post again, but bringing you important information regarding to expositions related to Nobunaga.

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August Rekishi Kaido

 This is the August issue of Rekishi Kaido magazine. In this particular issue it discusses Nobunaga and Azai Nagamasa. The Battle of Kanegasaki and Anegawa will be one of the topics to be discussed. 

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Yatsurugi Shrine and Muraki

 Yatsurugi Shrine in located at the Battle of Muraki (Muraki Castle Landmark) in Aichi Prefecture. Six years before the Battle of Okehazama, Nobunaga achieved victory at the Battle of Muraki 1554. His use of firearms was one of turning points during the battle. Yatsurugi Shrine was built in 1571 by Shimizu Ieshige, a retainer of Mizuno Nobumoto.  The Shrine was built in memory of those who were killed at the Battle of Muraki. 

To get to Muraki by train: JR Taketoyo Line, Owari Morioka Station.

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Shot at Tennoji I

 Here is an old black and white photo of Tennoji located in Osaka. Tennoji was not from from the Ishiyama Honganji. Nobunaga nearly had a ten year holy war against the Honganji. I have personally visited Tennoji myself a few years ago. In this passage, Nobunaga is wounded by matchlock rifle bullet in 1576.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 251-252)

" Having made these dispositions, Nobunaga rode up and down amidst his attacking light infantry, barking orders left and right. He was wounded slightly when a harquebus bullet hit his leg. But the Way of Heaven watched over Nobunaga, and he came to no harm."

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Gifu Castle and Oda Nobunaga

 There will be a special exhibition at the Gifu City Museum of History regarding to Nobunaga. August 8th to October 13th the museum will host Gifu Castle and Oda Nobunaga. This is a must see and if you the chance to go, by all means, go.

Nobunaga no tame!

Odakacho Hachiman Jinja

 

Here is an interesting shrine that is often overlooked after the Battle of Okehazama 1560. In 1561, a year after Okehazama, Matsudaira Motoyasu (Tokugawa Ieyasu) made a return trip to Odaka. At Odaka, he visited and prayed at Odaka-cho Hachiman Jinja. Odaka-cho Hachiman Sha is a short walk from Odaka JR Station. The area is extremely quiet and you can feel the presence of post Battle of Okehazama. Also the shrine is close to the ruins of Odaka Castle.

Tenka no tame! 

 

Nobunaga and Touken

 Do you want to meet Nobunaga in person? Here is your chance! August 12 (Tuesday) Nobunaga will appear at the Nagoya Touken Museum. You can have a photo with him as well. Besides Nobunaga making a rare appearance, The Touken Museum is one of the best new museums in Japan. There are several exhibits of swords, armor, matchlock rifles, spears, bows, attire, folding screens, woodblock prints, and scrolls. It is well worth the time and money.

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Matsu's Birthplace

 This is the birthplace of Matsu, the wife of Nobunaga's retainer Maeda Toshiie. She was born in 1547 and passed away in 1617. She married Toshiie in 1558. Matsu was from the Shinohara family who served under the Oda. Her birthplace landmark is located at Zuienji Ama-shi, Aichi Prefecture. Zuienji is a short walk from Shippo Station, Meitetsu Tsushima Line.

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Nobunaga Gion Matsuri

 As always, every I usually post Nobunaga's participation at the Kyoto Gion Matsuri. This year is no different.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 286)

Tiger, Sixth Month, 14th day: Nobunaga watched the Gion Festival. He had told his horse guards and pages that there was no need for bows, spears, halberds, or other hand weapons, so they carried none. After viewing the festival, he gave leave to his life guards and went hawking straight away with about ten pages."

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Sumo Matches 1579

 This is a short post regarding Nobunaga hold sumo matches at Azuchi in 1579.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 322)

"On the 6th and 7th of tye Seventh Month, Nobunaga put on sumo matches at Mount Azuchi."

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Ume no kawa

 Earlier this year while in Azuchi, I found a unique landmark. Ume no kawa was a place where spring water flowed in Azuchi.  It was said that Takei Sekian, a retainer of Nobunaga made a cup of tea using the spring water and offered it to Nobunaga.

Nobunaga no tame!

Lodging at Shokokuji

 According to the Shincho-ko ki, Nobunaga in 1574 stayed at Shokokuji Temple in Kyoto. I have visited Shokokuji many times. Also Ashikaga Yoshimasa's grave is located there too. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 206)

"Nobunaga took up lodgings at the Shokokuji for the first time. He preferred a petition to the Throne regarding his desire for the Ranjatai perfume-wood kept at the Todaiji in the Southern Capital."  

Todaiji (Southern Capital) is Nara

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450th Nagashino Anniversary

 Today is the 450th Anniversary of the Battle of Nagashino. The battle took place in 1575 when Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu shot the Takeda to pieces. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 226)

"The battle raged from sunrise of the 21st of the Fifth Month to the Hour of the Sheep (around 2 p.m.), the action bearing East by Northeast. The Takeda army attacked in relays, but its soldiers kept being shot down, and its manpower gradually drained away to nothing. Whoever survived gathered around the flag of Takeda Shiro, who realized that the situation was hopeless. All as one tried to flee in the direction of Horaiji. Now Nobunaga's army broke ranks and set off in hot pursuit."

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Tojo Tsuka

 

The Tojo Tsuka is located near Anjo Castle ruins in Aichi Prefecture. In 1540, Oda Nobuhide attacked Anjo Castle with 3,000 soldiers along with the help of Mizuno Tadamasa (lord of Kariya Castle). During the battle, Anjo Nagaie, lord of Anjo Castle was killed along with several others. One of the killed in action was Tojo Matsudaira Yasutada. The Tojo Tsuka was built were Tojo Matsudaira Yasutada was killed. After Oda Nobuhide's victory, Nobunaga's half-brother Oda Nobuhiro was the new lord of Anjo Castle. 

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Ha Castle

 

Ha Castle. The residence of Kato Yorimori/Nobumori Zushonosuke (1514-88). Young Takechiyo (Tokugawa Ieyasu) spent time here as a hostage of the Oda. Ha Castle was located near Atsuta Shrine (Nagoya area). Zushonosuke was the 13th generation of the Atsuta Kato family. His second son Kato Yasaburo (?-1572) was a page of Nobunaga. Yasaburo fame to claim was he was one of the five pages who rode out with Nobunaga when departed Kiyosu Castle for the front (Battle of Okehazama 1560).

Nobunaga no tame!