Makinoshima and Uji River

 

In 1573, Nobunaga banished Shugun Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Makinoshima was his last stronghold. Short passage from The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 187)

"On the 16th of the Seventh Month, Nobunaga headed for Makinoshima and pitched camp at Mount Yanagi above Gokasho. He gave immediate orders to cross the Uji River and take Makinoshima. The famous Uji River lived up to its reputation--it was a frightful, vast expanse of swirling and surging water. To make an assault crossing here would clearly be no easy matter, and Nobunaga's men viewed that prospect with dread. But Nobunaga showed no sign of irresolution, saying that if they hesitated, then he would go first. Now his men had to do it. Nobunaga ordered that they should cross the river divided in two groups. That being the case, the first group, following the ancient example, crossed the river upstream, to the northeast of the Byodoin, where once Kajiwara and Sasaki Shiro had competed for the honor being the first to cross."

Tenka no tame!

Atsuta Public Off-limits Notice

 

Finally there is an English translation to Nobunaga's Public Off-limits Notice to the Eight Villages of Atsuta. The document recognizes and protects the rights of territory of Atsuta Shrine. Issued by Nobunaga in 1549, it was signed as Fujiwara Nobunaga. This post will not go into the family name debate (Inbe, Taira, Fujiwara).

Regulations for the Eight Villages of Atsuta 

1) As personal taxes are being collected for the construction of Atsuta Shrine, donations of national tax and donations to other domains are to be suspended.

2) In the event of any miscreants appearing, they may be punished without filing a report.

3) Following the precedent of Atsuta Shrine, do not question the friend, foe of other domains, servants, elderly people, children, women, or anything entrusted to them. Furthermore, do not report any misconduct on the road to those entering or leaving the Shrine.

4) Report and investigation of the envoys to Atsuta Shrine is to be made within three days. If difficulties arise after this, a reprimanded envoy is to be sent. 

5) Regarding the storage of rice bags, it is permitted to transfer them to the Shrine using the previous seal. If anyone violates these articles they will be punished immediately (by Nobunaga).

November 1549 Fujiwara Nobunaga (signature)

It is not the best translation, in fact there might be some errors. That being said, this will do for now.

Nobunaga no tame!

2025 Spring Sokenin

 Later this month, Daitokuji's Sokenin will host their yearly spring exhibition. I have personally visited Sokenin numerous times and it is worth it. When at Sokenin, I always visited the graves of Nobunaga, Nohime, and Onabe no Kata. The main hall also houses a wooden statue of Nobunaga. Constructed by Kousei in 1583, this statue is probably one of the best in my opinion. For example, this passage from Daitokuji: The Visual Cultures of a Zen Monastery by Gregory P.A. Levine is all you need to know (p. 58) "In 1855, a pilgrim commented, 'Its eyes gleam with the power of one who seizcontrol of all under heaven and give one the feeling of being spontaneously pierced through.'" The wooden statue was returned to Sokenin in 1961.

As for the exhibition, here is the dates: March 29th-May 6th. Price of admission: 800 yen.

Tenka no tame!

Shinnyoin

 

Last year I was able to visit Shinnyoin, a small temple in Kyoto. This Nichiren sect temple has a relationship with Nobunaga and shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Founded in the Sengoku Era, but burned down shortly afterward, it seems that Nobunaga ordered the construction of the temple for Yoshiaki. Its present location is from the Showa Era. As for the garden, in 1961, it was reconstructed by Shigemori Mirei. This dry rock garden (karesansui) resembles fish scaled-like stones expressing water flow. The garden is based on the Miyakorinsen Meisho Zue, a guide to Kyoto gardens published in the late Edo Era. Unfortunately, Shinnyoin is only open a few times a year, also the garden is extremely small and no photography allowed. That being said, Shinnyoin is a hidden gem. A beautiful garden that has a historical relationship with Nobunaga and Yoshiaki.

Nobunaga no tame!

Takenaka Hanbei Residence

 

If you look carefully around and near Gifu Castle Park, there is a hidden gem people do not know about. Modern day Myoshoji is across the street from Jozaiji. Oda Hidenobu donated the temple area. Here is the kicker, during the time of Oda Nobunaga the area was known to house Takenaka Hanbei. This was during Nobunaga's rule in Gifu. A nice find indeed.

Tenka no tame!

Tea at Myokakuji

 

Last year I was able to have tea at Myokakuji in Kyoto. It was a historical experience since history was made here in 1575 when Nobunaga held a tea ceremony here with tea master Sen no Rikyu. At the same time I was able to see documents related to Nobunaga with my own eyes. 

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 243)

"On the 28th of the Tenth Month, Nobunaga invited seventeen connoisseurs from Kyoto and Sakai and gave them tea at the Myokakuji.

Item: below was placed a copper waste jar with a tapered bottom; the tea kettle Otogoze. Tea from the tea jar Matsushima.

Item: the master of the tea ceremony was Soeki; it was an occasion that all would remember gratefully for the rest of their lives."

As for myself, I felt the presence of Nobunaga and Sen no Rikyu when I drank the tea at Myokakuji. It was a rare experience."

Nobunaga no tame!

Ryusenji

 

This is a short post on Nobunaga's younger brother Nobuyuki turning Ryusenji into a fort.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 93)

"The younger brother of Lord Kazusa no Suke Nobunaga, Lord Kanjuro, built up the Ryusenji, turning that temple into a fort."

Tenka no tame!

Jakkoin

 A friend of mine introduced Jakkoin to me last year. Jakkoin is located on the outskirts of Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture. It was know that Nobunaga often visited Jakkoin to view the Nobi Plain. In 1565, Nobunaga along with Shibata Katsuie visited Jakkoin to view the surrounding area.

Nobunaga no tame!

Oda Nobuhide by Sumio Yokoyama

 

Earlier today I bought a book on Oda Nobuhide by Sumio Yokoyama. It was published in the fall of 2024 and had the chance to pick it up, but ended not buying it. That changed and happy to have a copy in my library. There is six chapters covering several topics as well early Nobunaga. I plan to write another post on this book once it is read.

Tenka no tame!

Sugitani Print

 This is a woodblock print from Utahawa Yoshitsuya (1864) showing Sugitani Zenjubo attempting to assassinate Oda Nobunaga. The incident took place in 1570 just before the Battle of Anegawa. Harunaga is supposed to Nobunaga. 

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 199-200)

" Sugitani Zenjubo was a crack shot. Some years ago, when Nobunaga had the occasion to cross the Chikusa Pass, Sasaki Jotei hired him to ambush Nobunaga in the mountains. Sugitani loaded his harquebus with two bullets and fired in cold blood from a distance of twelve or thirteen ken [twenty-two to twenty-four meters]. But the Way of Heaven watched over Nobunaga, and the bullets merely grazed his body. Having escaped from the jaws of the crocodile, Nobunaga reached Gifu Castle safely."

In 1573 Sugitani Zenjubo was captured and had his head sawed off.

Nobunaga no tame!

Crane Offering

 

Nobunaga offers a crane for inspection. This incident took place early 1578.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 280)

"On the 10th of the First Month, Nobunaga offered a crane, one caught by his falcon, for His Majesty's inspection in the imperial palace. It was immediately put before the sovereign, who was impressed and not a little pleased. Nobunaga presented another crane caught by his own falcon to Lord Konoe. The next day, Lord Konoe made a ceremonial visit to Azuchi to express his gratitude for the gift."

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga's 2nd Daughter

 

 

Late last year I was able to visit Nobunaga's 2nd daughter's grave at Hyakumanben Chionji in Kyoto. She was born (1558/61-1641) and was married to Gamo Ujisato (1556-95). Her birth mother is still unknown and also her name as well. She was known as Fuyuhime (Princess winter). That being said, she was married during the winter of 1569 and it was misinterpreted as Princess winter. She passed away in 1641 in the Sagano area of Kyoto. She was also known as Soouin.

Tenka no tame!

2025

 

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Happy New Year! As always, we celebrate it Nobunaga style. You know, the golden lacquered skulls that were displayed at Gifu Castle in 1574. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 204)

"Item The head of Asakura Sakyo no Daibu Yoshikage. Item The head of Azai Shimotsuke. Item The head of Azai Bizen.

These had been taken by Nobunaga the previous year in the North. The banquet began when the aforesaid three skulls, lacquered and gilt, were brought out on white wooden dinner trays as a relisto the sake."

Heads of Asakura Yoshikage, Azai Nagamasa, and Azai Hisamasa.

Nobunaga no tame!