Here is a report on the Battle of Anegawa (1570) in Nobunaga's own words. From Jeroen Lamers's Japonius Tyrannus (pp. 48-49).
"Today, at the Hour of the Snake [around ten a.m.], the Echizen army together with Azai Bizen no Kami [Hisamasa] advanced on a village called Nomura in an effort to relieve Yokoyama. They deployed their forces at two places: the Echizen army was about 15,000 strong, and the Azai army somewhere between 5000 to 6000 men. At the same hour, we attacked them and joined battle on both fronts. We scored a great victory. As far as heads are concerned, I have no idea at the moment how may [we have taken], so I cannot provide you with any lists. [But] the fields and paddies are covered with corpses. Ask yourself, what greater joy could there be for the sake of the state."
I also have the Shincho-Ko ki's version translated as well and plan to post it later in the future. The photo above is modern day Anegawa and it was taken about ten years ago. Slowly, I am gathering sources related to the battle and in my opinion, one that is often overlooked.
Tenka no tame!
4 comments:
I would love to learn more about the battle of Anegawa and Nobunaga's conflict with the Azai and Asakura in general.
It was a Oda/Tokugawa victory. That being said, it was victory to keep the Asakura and Azai in check until their demise in 1573.
I did buy a magazine related to the battle last year, but really have not read page to page yet.
Tokugawa Ieyasu proved to be extremely effective in this battle from what I recall. With the Tokugawa, it would have been far more difficult if not impossible for Nobunaga to defeat the Azai/Asakura alliance.
Ieyasu was a big help in the battle. Lamers pointed out Ieyasu's part in the battle. The battlefield is very far away from Nagahama station and it is best to go by bus or taxi. Better yet, have a friend drive you there.
The battlefield area is very quiet and most of the time have the whole place to yourself.
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