Toll Barriers

 Who ever created this meme is a genius. 

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 167)

"Furthermore, Nobunaga abolished all duties at toll barriers throughout the provinces under his control. The realm was at peace. Travelers could come and go as they pleased, thanks to Nobunaga's benevolence. As for his compassion was exceedingly profound, so did his blessings and his good fortune surpass the ordinary. This was the foundation of his ever-increasing prosperity."

Travel during Sengoku Japan was expensive and dangerous, so abolishing toll barriers was a must. The two biggest losers were powerful monasteries and local barons. Nobunaga wanted to curb their independence and power. Instead, the receipts went to Nobunaga's coffers. Cheaper trade traffic meant cheaper trade, which made higher economic development.

Nobunaga did not abolished all the toll barriers in the areas he controlled. For example, the Yamashina family still controlled some toll barriers and Nobunaga kept the tolls that supported the Imperial treasury. Japonius Tyrannus (p. 136)

Also Nobunaga was not dumb, he knew the most effective way to promote his power was economic prosperity as well as military power.

Nobunaga no tame!

Endo Naotsune Grave

 This is Endo Naotsune's grave which is located slightly southeast from Nobunaga's headquarters at the Anegawa Battlefield. Endo Naotsune (1531?-70) served under the Azai and was from Sakata-gun, Omi located in modern day Maibara City. Sugawa Castle was home to the Endo family and Naotsune did have a residence at Odani Castle. During the Battle of Anegawa (1570), Naotsune attacked Nobunaga's headquarters, but he was killed and his head was taken by Takenaka Kyusaku Shigenori (younger brother of Takenaka Hanbei).

As you can see from the middle signboard, Naotsune attacked Nobunaga (who was on his horse), but Takenaka Kyusaku Shigenori saves the day as Naotsune is killed off. The upper photo is the Sugawa landmark and the bottom photo is Naotsune's grave.

Tenka no tame!

Gifu City Museum of History Reopening

 

Big news from Gifu regarding the history museum. On November 3rd, the Gifu City Museum of History will reopen. This is great news since the museum is the jewel of Gifu Castle Park. I plan to be there since the Gifu Nobunaga Matsui will be held on the first weekend of November. For the Nobunaga or Sengoku Era historian, this museum is extremely important. As for the video, it is in Japanese.

Nobunaga no tame!

Seishiro Mizuno Battle of Muraki Video

 Here is another great video by local historian Seishiro Mizuno. I do not agree with everything he has to say, but he makes you think. This video covers Nobunaga's 1554 Battle of Muraki victory. Unfortunately, it came at a cost as many were killed or wounded.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 73) "A countless number of Nobunaga's pages and other leading retainers were among the casualties, a sight too horrible for the eyes."

"He returned to his field headquarters, where he issued orders regarding this and that while tears of joy streamed down his face."

Nobunaga's key points for victory 

Support from his father-in-law, Saito Dosan. Ando Morinari stationed troops at Shiga and Tabata.

Quick crossing of the sea

Nobunaga's use of firearms 

Leadership 

Imagawa objective 

Strategic: Owari

Operational: Chita Bay

Tactical: Muraki Castle, stepping stone to Owari.

Six years later after Muraki, Nobunaga achieved victory at the Battle of Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!

Rekishi Kaido August Issue

 The August issue of Rekishi Kaido has been published and out for sale. The magazine's main topic is the mystery about the Honnoji and Nobunaga's retainers. This has to do with the recent Toyotomi Kyodai Honnoji episode.

Nobunaga no tame!

What Happened To Oichi After Nagamasa's Death

 Here is an interesting short video by historian Owada Tetsuo discussing Nobunaga's sister Oichi. In 1573, Nobunaga attacked and destroyed Odani Castle. Azai Nagamasa was killed and what happened to Oichi and her children. According to Owada Tetsuo Oichi did not return to Gifu, he is correct on this matter. Owada Tetsuo states that Oichi returned to Nobunaga's younger brother, Oda Nobukane's (1543-1614) Ueno Castle which was located in Ise (modern day Mie Prefecture, Tsu City). However, Owada might be wrong in my opinion. There is evidence that Oichi and her children eventually returned to Owari and stayed Nobunaga's uncle Oda Nobutsugu(died in 1574) Moriyama Castle. When Oda Nobutsugu was killed in action fighting Ise Nagashima Ikko Ikki in 1574, Oichi and her children returned to Gifu Castle. There is a document by the  name of Keishin-in bun that has information on this subject. However, how reliable, I do not know. My opinion, is Oichi and her children after Azai Nagamasa death, returned to Moriyama Castle in Owari.

Tenka no tame!

Fort Tatsugahana

 Just before the Battle of Anegawa 1570, Nobunaga set up camp at Fort Tatsugahana. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 147) "On the 24th, as his forces closed on this castle from all four sides, Lord Nobunaga pitched camp at Tatsugahana. Lord Ieyasu also took the field. He put up camp at the same place." 

As for the month, Sixth Month 24th day. A few days later, the Battle of Anegawa began. Nobunaga would later move his camp slightly northwest, south of Anegawa.

Nobunaga no tame!