Spring Myokakuji Exhibition

 Yesterday, during my trip to Kyoto, I was able visit Myokakuji. Myokakuji has had a long relationship with Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga. The temple houses a replica of Dosan's will to Nobunaga. Before Honnoji, Myokakuji was often Nobunaga's number one lodging in Kyoto. In fact, he had stayed at Myokakuji than any other temple in Kyoto. Honnoji was not until later in Nobunaga's career. Then you have the famous 1575 tea ceremony that Nobunaga held at Myokakuji with Sen no Rikyu as the tea master. 

I have written about the 1575 tea ceremony in the past and it the passage can be found in The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga. Also had the chance to drink a bowl of matcha in the past at Myokakuji. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity during this time.

Nobunaga no tame!

2026 Arimatsu Okehazama Festival

 The 2026 Okehazama Matsuri will be held on May 17th. Unfortunately, there will be no key spokesman this year. Usually, there is a lecture that is held at Chofukuji Temple. If I was allowed to speak on a particular matter concerning the Battle of Okehazama, it would be both in English and Japanese, seven minutes in each language. As for the festival itself, there will be tours, Sengoku village stalls, and the mantoe held at night.

Tenka no tame!

Owada T Anegawa Video

 Last night I saw a video analysis of the Battle of Anegawa by Owada Tetsuo. Believe or not, the Toyotomi kyodai drama version of the Battle of Anegawa was not that bad at all. Of course, the Nobunaga King of Zipangu has the best version of the Battle of Anegawa. Unfortunately, most of the Sengoku Era battles that are aired today are cheap and tame. 

Owada Tetsuo explains the background of the Battle of Anegawa with Nobunaga attacking Yokoyama Castle. Not after that, the Battle of Anegawa begins. Depending where the Oda/Azai Tokugawa/Asakura troops were placed, the battle had a different name. Owada T explains this in the video. The area where the Oda and the Azai armies fought was known as the Battle of Nomura. The area were the Tokugawa and Asakura armies fought was known as the Battle of Mitamura.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Honnoji Portrait

 This is the Oda Nobunaga portrait located at the Honnoji Museum in Kyoto. If you look closely, the portrait of Nobunaga does not include a beard or mustache. Nobunaga is wearing a noushi/ naoshi. This was everyday attire worn by emperors, crown princes, Imperial princes, and court nobles. There was no color or pattern restrictions. As for the portrait itself, it was probably painted in late Azuchi/Momoyama or early Edo Era.

Tenka no tame!

2026 Nagashino Matsuri

 I love the smell of gunpowder in the morning! The 2026 Nagashino Matsuri will be held on May 5th. If you have the chance to go, by all means go. There will large teppo squad firing off their guns for the general public. A chance to meet Nobunaga and his friends as well.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nishino Fudo

 The Nishino Fudo Shrine is located in Fudo-cho, Gifu City. Nishino Fudo is located near Nohime's Ihatsutsuka. Nobunaga moved Nishino Fudo to its current location. The four heavenly kings of Gifu Inaba Zenkoji, Oguma Jizo, Nishino Fudo, and Mieji Kannon protect the Gifu area. Inside the Nishino Fudo Shrine is a portrait of Nobunaga's wife Nohime. She is with a dog and the painting is to believed from the Showa Era by the name of Yoshiko. Nishino Fudo is a rare gem related to Nobunaga and Nohime. Let's keep it that way.

Tenka no tame!

2026 Spring Sokenin Update

 I was fortunate enough to visit Daitokuji's subtemple Sokenin this weekend. It was a beautiful day wasxable to visit Nohime and Nobunaga's grave. Sokenin houses the Nobunaga wooden statue constructed by Kousei. Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited. If you want a photograph of the statue, I suggest you buy the Sokenin Nobunaga wooden statue postcard for 200 yen. The staff working at Sokenin were friendly and professional. They do offer English material if you cannot understand Japanese. I plan to make one more visit in the near future.

Nobunaga no tame!