Azuchi Castle by Okazu

 Sumie artist Okazu has done it again. This time, Azuchi Castle. Perfect for Azuchi Castle 450th Anniversary.

Nobunaga no tame!

A Gift From Nobunaga

 Big news regarding Nobunaga and Hachisuka Koroku. It seems that Nobunaga gave a short sword by Bizen Osafune Sukesada to Hachisuka Koroku for his efforts while in Harima Province. The sword is now housed at the Tokushima Castle Museum for its fall exhibition. The sword probably came from a retainer who served under the Asakura.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 370)

"Uno Minbu, who had entrenched himself in Shiso District, Harima Province, made off on the 5th of the Sixth Month in the middle of the night. When Kinoshita Heidayu (alias Araki Shigekata) and Hachisuka Koroku (Iemasa) went after him in pursuit, some of his loyal samurai retraced their steps to put up a fight. In clashes that ensued here and there, several dozen of them, warriors of standing, were killed."

Nobunaga no tame!

Nohime, Kicho, and Kocho

 Here is an update on Nobunaga's wife Nohime name. In my previous post regarding the subject matter Kicho appears in the Mino no Kuni Shokyuki. Nohime (EhonTaikoki) Kocho (Bukoyawa). The photo above is Nishigaya Yasuhiro Kosho Oda Nobunaga Jiten (p. 239), providing Nohime's name Kocho in the Bukoyawa. Again, Nohime had several names during her lifetime.

Nobunaga no tame!

2026 Kiyosu Nobunaga Matsuri

 It is that time of year when fall festivals are everywhere in Japan. Kiyosu is no different. The 2026 Kiyosu Nobunaga Matsuri will be held this Sunday, Oct 11th. The time 9 am to 4:30 pm. 

Tenka no tame!

2026 Fall Azuchi Exhibition

 The Azuchi Archeological Museum will soon host its fall display: Tenkajin no Joukamachi Azuchi. The exhibition is from October 10th to November 15th.

Nobunaga no tame!

Kicho and Nohime

 The first photo above is the Mino no Kuni Shokyuki, the word Kicho and Sagiyama-dono are written down in the document.  The second one below is the Ehon Taikoki and Nobunaga's wife was known as Nohime. Nobunaga's wife Nohime had several names: Nohime, Kicho, Kocho, Sagiyama-dono, and Azuchi-dono. The two most common are Nohime and Kicho.

Nobunaga no tame!

2026 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri

 The 2026 Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri will be held on November 7th and 8th. This yearly festival celebrates Nobunaga and Gifu. On the 8th of November, there will be a parade with Nobunaga, Nohime, and Saito Dosan. I plan to be there, you should as well.

Tenka no tame!

Death of Kajikawa Takahide

Portrait of Kajikawa Takahide 

 Kajikawa Takahide (?-1568) was the commander of Fort Nakajima during the Battle of Okehazama. Unfortunately he was killed in action during the siege of Ikeda Castle in Settsu Province in 1568. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 122)

"On the 2nd of the Tenth Month, Nobunaga attacked the residential castle of Chikugo (Ikeda Kasamatsu) in Ikeda. Holding some troops in reserve on the high ground north of the castle, Nobunaga observed the battle. Among the retainers of Mizuno Kingo was a famous warrior named Kajikawa Heizaemon. Among Nobunaga's horse guards were Uozumi Hayato and Yamada Hanbyoe, who had also gained fame as men accomplished at the profession of Arms. Each striving to be the first, they broke through the outer bulwarks and fought man to man for awhile until Kajikawa Heizaemon was struck through hip-bone, retreated, and died a battlefield death."

Nobunaga no tame!

2026 Fall Sokenin

 

The 2026 fall Sokenin exhibition schedule is here. Sokenin will be open October 10th to November 30th. Sokenin is a subtemple of Daitokuji located in Kyoto. One can see the sitting wooden statue of Oda Nobunaga (constructed by Kousei in 1583), the main hall, chashitsu (tea room), and more importantly, the graves of Nobunaga, Nohime (Nobunaga's wife), Onabe no Kata (Nobunaga's concubine), and children. It is a must visit for the Nobunaga scholar. 

Https://kyotoshunju.com/temple/daitokuji-sokenin/

Nobunaga no tame!

Oda Nobuhide Video Update

 Here is an updated video by BS11 regarding Nobunaga's father, Oda Nobuhide. The video discusses Nobuhide's failure at the 2nd Battle of Azukizaka, Anjo, the exchanged hostages between Nobuhiro and Takechiyo (Tokugawa Ieyasu), Saito Dosan. This is important because the result was the marriage between Nobunaga and Nohime. Nobuhide's funeral as well.

Nobunaga no tame!

Gifu City Museum History Renewal Update Video

 Here is a short video regarding Gifu City Museum of History renewal and reopening. The museum will reopen in early November. As for the Nobunaga and Sengoku Era historian, the new exhibits will be a major improvement. The Sengoku Era costume experience corner looks to be improved and impressive. Also the video explained the recent Gifu Castle archeological work as well. 

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga and Rikyu

 Nobunaga and Rikyu, what a tea combo. Nobunaga was passionate regarding the tea ceremony. He collected tea utensils and knew how to use them in a proper way. For his knowledge of tea, Rikyu was the man.

Warlords, Artists, and Commoners Japan in the Sixteenth Century. Edited by George Elison and Bardwell L. Smith. The Culture of Tea: From Its Origins to Sen no Rikyu H. Paul Varley and George Elison (p. 214)

"Rikyu, whose family was in the warehousing business, did not--so far as we know-play a significant role during the time when Nobunaga forced Sakai into his sphere of influence. It is not even clear when and under what circumstances Rikyu and Nobunaga and entered his service. But by about 1573, the year Nobunaga chased the last Ashikaga shogun, Yoshiaki, out of Kyoto and thereby put an end to the Muromachi bakufu, Rikyu had become, along with Sokyu and Sogyu, one of Nobunaga's--and therefore the country's--leading tea masters. Proof of the prominence Rikyu had achieved  by the mid-1570s may observed in the fact that he was selected to serve tea at a party for seventeen connoisseurs (sukisha) from Kyoto and Sakai which Nobunaga held at the Myokakuji in 1575, right after his return to the capital from the victorious campaign against the True Pure Land sector in Echizen. The record states unequivocally that Rikyu was the master of ceremonies--sado wa Rikyu. For Rikyu this association meant fame and fortune, and for Nobunaga it brought qualification as a man of culture."

I have written about the 1575 Myokakuji tea ceremony in the past. I drank tea there as well. The Honnoji Museum in Kyoto houses several of Nobunaga's tea utensils.

As for Warlords, Artists, and Commoners Japan in the Sixteenth Century, I highly recommend the book. It is a must read.

Nobunaga no tame!

Azuchi Jaishi

 Azuchi Jaishi or Serpent stone was the famous rock hauled for the construction of Azuchi Castle. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga has a passage on this subject (pp. 248-249)

"Nobunaga had large rocks hauled down from Mount Kannonji, Mount Chomeiji, Mount Chokoji, Mount Iba, and so forth. Each rock was transported up Mount Azuchi by as many men as it took--one thousand, or two or three. The quarry masters were Nishio Kozaemon (Yoshitsugu), Ozawa Rokurosaburo, Yoshida Heinai, and Onishi.

These men selected large stones for transportation, while rejecting the smaller ones. Tsudo Bo moved a great boulder as far as the foot of Mount Azuchi, but this rock, widely known as the Jaishi (Serpent's Stone) was so enormous that he could not get it up the mountain. That being the case, Hasiba Chikuzen, Takikawa Sakon, and Korezumi Gorozaemon came to Tsuda's aid with more than ten thousand men.  It took them three days and three nights to haul the Jaishi up the mountain. Thanks to Lord Nobunaga's ingenuity, building materials were brought up to the donjon with greatest of ease. Mountains and valleys were the scene of continuous activity by day and by night."

Tenka no tame!

Great For Fall Reading

 Looking for a great book to read during the fall season. My Battle of Okehazama novel is perfect book for the fall. Available at Amazon.com 

Nobunaga no tame! Tenka no tame!

Omido Castle Video

 Earlier this month I wrote a blog post regarding Omido Castle, the birthplace of Takenaka Hanbei. Here is a video by historian Owada Tetsuo explaining Omido Castle. He later visits a local museum with a small interview with a staff member.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Kasugayama Nikki

 Here is a copy of the Kasugayama Nikki regarding to the Battle of Okehazama. This is one of the first primary sources written about the battle. Earlier in May, I wrote a post about it, but using a secondary source, Kikei Okehazama Kassen no Shinjutsu by Ota Teruo. First clue is Bishu Okehazama. Okehazama is where the battle was taken place. Second clue: Yoshimoto's army 30,000. It is a bit high, but much lower than the 45,000 mentioned in The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga and the Shinchoki (Oze Hoan) Third clue: the two words kikei (ingenious plan) and fuiuchi (surprise attack) by Nobunaga.

The Kasugayama Nikki is not perfect. No document is perfect. Uesugi Kenshin probably sent scouts or spies to Owari. Once Yoshimoto was killed in action, the news of his death quickly reached Echigo. Did Kenshin's spies/scouts know the geography around the Okehazama area. Probably not. Then why Okehazama is written instead of Dengakutsubo or Dengakuhazama? Highly probable scenario: one of the villagers gave the name of the area to the scouts. Only a decade later or so, the document Ashikaga Kisetsuki Okehazama was written down as the location of the battle. 

My opinion, Okehazama was first used as the location of the area of the battle. Over time, the name changed. As in my previous post, many of the documents have different names written down. For example, Narumi Okehazama, Okehazama Okehazamayama, Dengakutsubo, Dengakuhazama, and others.

Kasugayama Nikki is the first document written on the battle, first written as Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!

Battle of Okehazama Area Location Document List

 Okehazama Kassen Kenkyuu by Sakakibara Kunihiko is a fantastic book regarding to the Battle of Okehazama. Pages 11-12 are extremely important since he lists most of the primary sources related to the name of area. I will list the key sources. You can find most of them online (digital documentation)

Narumi Okehazama: Matsudairaki, EhonTaikoki

Okehazama: Ashikaga Kisetsuki

Okehazamayama: The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga, Oda Shinki

Okehazama no Yama (sange): Oda Gunki, Sokenki, Bukejiki

Okehazama no kita: Shinpen Okehazama Kassenki, Seikoki

Okehazama Matsubara: Bukejiki

Dengakutsubo: Chuko Nihon Chiranki, Okehazama Kassenki, Mikawa Gofudoki

Dengakuhazama: Shinpen Okehazama Kassenki, Bukoyawa 

Dengakubo: Koyo Gunkan, Mikawa Gofudoki, Okehazama mura kassenki

Oyakatahazama: Choushuu Zasshi, Okehazama Okehazama Kassenenki

Chausuyama: Okehazama Kassenenki, Okehazama Kassenryakuki

There are more, but I wanted to add the key documents. My next post will regarding the Kasugayama Nikki and the Battle of Okehazama, since I have found the document online.

Many thanks to Yukio Kajino and the Battle of Okehazama Preservation Committee.

Nobunaga no tame!

Omido Castle

 Omido Castle was the birthplace of Takenaka Hanbei (1544-79). Located in western Mino, modern day Gifu Prefecture. It was known to be a flatland (hirajiro) type of castle. Hanbei's baptism of fire was at the Battle of Nagaragawa 1556, fighting on the side of Saito Dosan. He replaced his father as the serving commander. Hanbei also had a residence near Gifu Castle at Myoshoji Temple during the time of Nobunaga. Omido Castle is located at Ono Town, Ibi district Gifu Prefecture.

Nobunaga no tame!

Okehazama Gunki

 

Earlier this morning I found an old Okehazama document online. Okehazama Zokugunki/ Okehazama Gunki is mixed with prints with documentation of the Battle of Okehazama. The first print is Imagawa Yoshimoto at camp. The second print Yoshimoto is killed at the Battle of Okehazama. The last print: Nobunaga holding the post-battle head viewing ceremony with Maeda Toshiie. Reliable? It is what is it is, a historical propaganda document, but it does provide clues regarding the Battle of Okehazama. I like it since the prints are different from the usual ones found in museums.

Nobunaga no tame!

Takakura Musubimiko Jinja

 Believe or not, Takakura Musubimiko Jinja has a special relationship with Nobunaga. Located north from Atsuta Shrine, Nobunaga donated and rebuilt the main hall of the shrine in 1571. It was built Owari zukuri style. Later in the early Edo Era, the Hachisuka family made additional repairs to the shrine. 

Takakura Musubimiko Jinja is about a 25 minute walk from Atsuta Shrine.

Nobunaga no tame!

Hairstyles

 

Whoever made this chart is a lifesaver. A lifesaver, because it simply describes and compares Sengoku hairstyles from what you see on the television and the movies, to the portraits itself. The portraits of Nobunaga, Ashikaga Yoshiharu, and Yoshiteru still have some hair on the top. So, which is correct? In my opinion, the option on the right, the one with some hair on the top is correct. Those artists who drew the portraits back in the day had interaction with the people of Sengoku Japan, so they knew how people dressed their clothes and hair.

Tenka no tame!

Bukoyawa Short Video

 Here is a short video by local historian Seishiro Mizuno on his opinion regarding the Bukoyawa. Unfortunately, he thinks it is a fraudulent document. I highly recommend the Bukoyawa to its rich information relating to the Battle of Okehazama and Sumomata. There is a well-written thesis by David D. Neilson, Society at War: Eyewitness Accounts of Sixteenth Century Japan (University of Oregon) explains the Bukoyawa and the Men of the Fields. To be honest and fair, I do not think Seishiro Mizuno knows or most Japanese historians know about Neilson's work. Also I do not know if his thesis has been translated into Japanese. I have discussed the Bukoyawa with Seishiro Mizuno and explained my opinion. It is not some Showa Era historical novel. 

Neilson (pp.4-5) "Much of what has been produced has been resoundingly negative in its evaluation of the Bukoyawa as a legitimate historical source. Let it suffice at this point to say that although it is not a perfect source, there is still a great deal that can be learned from the Bukoyawa...."

Is the The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga or the Mikawa Monogatari perfect? No. No primary source is perfect. In fact, you will find many irregularities with them.

I agree with Neilson on this statement regarding to the Bukoyawa Neilson (p. 33)

"I have come to the conclusion that much of the reason behind the apparent blacklisting of the Bukoyawa has to do with the way that the documents were released." Historians were caught by surprise were the Bukoyawa appeared in bookstores.

Neilson (pp. 33-34) "Historians can be very protective of their sources and sometimes think of documents as things that, because of their special skills, belongs to them. In this case though, the normal process was sidestepped and the documents were not given to historians for official vetting."

Historians are upset that they did not get their greasy fingers first, that is why the Bukoyawa is blacklisted. Again to be fair, Mizuno and others do not know Neilson's published works. It is not their fault. The blame can go to the national historians and the like since they have a personal vendetta regarding to the Bukoyawa.

Nobunaga no tame!

Toll Barriers Continued

 This post continues with Nobunaga's abolition of toll barriers. This time in Ise Province, 1569. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 137)

" The toll barriers in Ise Province caused a great deal of trouble to travelers coming and going, and Nobunaga therefore abolished them in perpetuity, issuing strict orders that henceforth no tolls be collected there."

As I stated in an earlier post, Nobunaga abolished most of the toll barriers under his control. Some were kept in place. For example, the toll barrier that benefited the Imperial treasury was still in use. As for the normal traveler and merchant, it became safer and cheaper. Once Nobunaga abolished the tolls barriers, economic development rapidly increased.

Tenka no tame!

Shinpen Okehazama Kassenki

Here is my current summer reading and it is a good one. Shinpen Okehazama Kassenki by Tamiya Atsuteru (1808-71). Written in 1846 (Kouka 3) 286 years after the Battle of Okehazama. Believe or not, the Shinpen Okehazama Kassenki is not that difficult to read and it is full of useful information. Is it perfect? No. That being said, it is a must read for any Battle of Okehazama scholar.

Key points: Brief mention of the Battle of Muraki.

His take on Nobunaga's Atsumori performance is different and radical than the traditional norm. For example, he mentioned that Nobunaga held an eve-of-battle banquet with his retainers performing Atsumori. To tell you the truth, that never happened. I plan to write a separate post on this important subject in the near future.

Yoshimoto's camp: Dengakuhazama. Again, nobody knows the full answer to this. It is still highly debated.

Kutsukake Castle mentioned several times in the manuscript. Including Yanada Masatsuna's reward.

Nobunaga's prayer at Atsuta Shrine. All of Nobunaga's key forts mentioned: Tange, Zenshouji, and Nakajima. The bad weather: heat and rain.

The constant retreating and fighting by the Imagawa army. Mori Shinsuke's finger chewed off by Yoshimoto before being killed. Yoshimoto's palanquin abandoned during battle.

There are many nuggets of information in the manuscript. That being said, there is a lot of side notes and endnotes as well.

I do highly recommend Shinpen Okehazama Kassenki.

Many thanks to Yukio Kajino and the Okehazama Battlefield Preservation Committee for the recommendation.

Nobunaga no tame!

Old Okehazama Matsuri Video and Book Review

 On the bottom is a two year Battle of Okehazama Festival Video from Touken. The festival took place at the Toyoake City Battlefield. Near the end of the video, a mock battle takes place. If I had to choose between the Arimatsu or Toyoake City Okehazama festival, Toyoake wins out simply because of the mock battle. I have participated in both. There is nothing wrong with the Arimatsu Okehazama festival. It just does not have the mock battles.

Years ago I wrote a short post on Fumio Watanabe's Okehazama book. It is decent, but it does have some flaws.

Fumio Watanabe Okehazama Kassen no Shinjutsu

Publisher: Ikohousha Year: 2012 Pages: 255

Watanabe's big push: Nobunaga's victory at the Battle of Okehazama was not a chaotic, impromptu dash, but a well calculated strategy combining frontal and flanking maneuvers from Fort Nakajima. Yoshimoto's weakness he stated was not military educated properly compared to Nobunaga and letting his retainers do the job. There is some truth to that. See pages 247-250.

One of the negatives, unfortunately, Fumio Watanabe never visited the battlefield and reaches his conclusions by the use of books and maps. I am assuming after publishing his book, he has visited both battlefields. That being said, his two maps at the end of the book are useful. 

I do think Fumio Watanabe's Okehazama book is a must read for the Battle of Okehazama scholar. It will open your mind a bit. Read it for yourself and then decide. 

Tenka no tame!

Oda Nobumitsu, Nobunaga, and Kiyosu Video

 This is another fantastic video by local historian Seishiro Mizuno regarding Nobunaga's uncle Nobumitsu and Kiyosu Castle. Nobunaga captured Kiyosu Castle, the Jewel of Owari in 1555 with the help of Nobumitsu. In exchange, Nobumitsu would receive Nagoya Castle. It did happen. However, he was assassinated by one of his retainers Sakai Magohachiro.

Oda Hikogoro (Nobutomo) Oda Magosaburo (Nobumitsu)

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 74-75)

"On the 20th of the Fourth Month, an ambush was prepared. Should Sakai Daizen come to the southern tower to pay his respects to Magosaburo, he was to be killed by men who lay in wait. Daizen indeed came to the castle, but he sensed something dreadful in the air and immediately took to his heels, not stopping until he reached Suruga Province, where he asked Imagawa Yoshimoto for asylum. Magosaburo, however, forced the deputy military governor, Lord Hikogoro, to commit hara-kiri, seized control of Kiyosu, handed it over to Kazusa no Suke Nobunaga, and moved to Nagoya Castle himself.

On the 26th of the Eleventh Month that same year, Lord Magosaburo died in an unforseen incident. To be sure, the end result was consequent with Lord Kazusa no Suke's good fortune."

Nobunaga no tame!

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 with 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!

Toyotomi Kyodai Honnoji

 Here is the upcoming Toyotomi Kyodai Honnoji episode. It looks good, but the best Honnoji scene is from the movie The Legend & Butterfly with Takuya Kimura as Nobunaga. As for reading material in English Brandon C. Schindwolf's Toki wa Ima is highly recommended. As for Akechi Mitsuhide, he was nothing more than a disgruntled employee in my opinion.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga and Nohime Tanabata

 Today is Tanabata Day and here is a card that celebrates it the Nobunaga way. Nobunaga's name is on the right and Nohime's name is on the left. Gifu Castle is written in the middle.

At the moment, I am rereading Fumio Watanabe's Okehazama Kassen no Shinso. It is a great book with a different opinion regarding to the Battle of Okehazama. I plan to write a full report in the near future.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga's Turning Point

 Here is an interesting video short by historian Kaku Kozo. He explains Nobunaga's turning point was his defeat at the Battle of Kanegasaki 1570. Nobunaga was lucky to escape. The betrayal of Azai Nagamasa shook Nobunaga in my opinion. While the Azakura were strong enough to hold their Echizen domain, they were never a threat to become a national power. The Azai on the other hand, controlled Omi and that was the gateway to Kyoto. It was a matter of time that Nobunaga battled it out with the Azai and Asakura at Anegawa 1570. Nobunaga did have help from Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was only a couple of years later Ieyasu's turning point happened at the Battle of Mikatagahara against the Takeda.

I have visited the Anegawa battlefield, but it was decades ago.

As for the Battle of Kanegasaki, see The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 142-43) Anegawa (pp. 147-48).

Nobunaga no tame!

2026 Nobunaga Gion Matsuri Post

 As always, I will post Nobunaga's participation in the Gion Matsuri. He seemed to loved festivals in general. One must remember Nobunaga and Nohime enjoyed the Tsushima Tenno Matsuri decades earlier. The photo above is from the 1870s. Nobunaga's participation was in 1578.

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 live guards and went hawking straight away with about ten pages."

Nobunaga no tame!

Kura no Kata

 Kura no Kata was Nobunaga's older sister. Unfortunately, little is known about her. Her birth and death date is unknown. Kura no Kata's mother is also unknown. However, she did marry Ohashi Shigenaga who was from the Owari Tsushima area. Shigenaga served under Oda Nobuhide and Nobunaga. He passed away in 1565. The couple did have children. 

For more information see Okada Masahito Oda Nobunaga Sogo Jiten pp. 147-148.

Nishigaya Yasuhiro Kosho Oda Nobunaga Jiten p. 249

Tenka no tame!

Ungoji

Ryuhozan Ungoji is the family temple of the Hattori family. Located in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture it is a ten minute walk from Meitetsu Tsushima Station. Also Tsushima Shrine is close as well. Ungoji is supposedly founded by Hattori Iga no Kami Munezumi in 1429. The Shrine itself is part of the Soto sect of Buddhism. What makes this temple special is Hattori Koheita. He was the first man to attempt to kill Imagawa Yoshimoto at the Battle of Okehazama 1560. It is his family temple. Tsushima City has quite a few landmarks related to Nobunaga and the Oda family as well.

Nobunaga no tame!

Kaku Kozo Okehazama Art

 Here is another brilliant video by historian Kaku Kozo and artist Mami Nakamura. This time the video showcase art from a primary school student regarding the Battle of Okehazama. When the two discuss and breakdown the painting, you will see Nobunaga on his horse leading the way to victory, Yoshimoto still inside his lacquered palanquin, Hattori Koheita and Mori Shinsuke in action, and near the top righthand corner Fort Washizu and Marune being burned. For a primary school student, the artwork is colorful and highly detailed. Also Mami Nakamura also explains her Nohime Kigan no tsuzumi portrait as well. A short video, but highly informative.

Tenka no tame!

Taigan Historical Art Museum

 This is a video regarding to the Taigan Historical Art Museum. The Taigan Historical Art Museum is located at Machida City, Tokyo. From what I understand, this museum is similar to the Touken Museum located in Nagoya. The difference between the two is that Taigan does have a lot more documents and artifacts related to Oda Nobunaga. In fact, there is a two-story replica of Azuchi Castle. To be honest, I have never visited the Taigan Historical Art Museum. If you have, please tell me your experience. As for the video, the main points are documents related to Nobunaga and artifacts regarding Kawanakajima.

Nobunaga no tame!

Youtokuin Mokuzou

 This is the wooden statue of Nobunaga's wet nurse Youtokuin (1515-1608) located at Kokuseji, Okayama City. Youtokuin was the mother of Nobunaga's retainer Ikeda Tsuneoki (1536-84).

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 98) "...Ikeda Shozaburo (Tsuneoki), the son of Nobunaga's wet nurse. In other words, Shozaburo and Lord Nobunaga, the actual power holder, had drunk the same mother's milk; the two were like brothers."

Another good resource is Okada Masahito Oda Nobunaga Sogo Jiten (pp. 183-185).

Tenka no tame!

Mitsuashi no Kaeru Kouro

 If you visited the Honnoji Museum in Kyoto in the past, you have probably seen the Mitsuashi no Kaeru incense burner. On the eve of the Honnoji Rebellion, legend has it, the Three Legged Frog incense burner croaked to warn Nobunaga the danger that was about to come. Was it true? Who knows. That being said, it is a good story. Nobunaga did own the incense burner and it survived the Honnoji destruction. To see the original incense burner with your own eyes is a real treat. Also at the Honnoji Museum, is various tea cups (chawan) and tea kettle Nobunaga owned. Regarding to the Three Legged Frog incense burner, it played a role in the movie The Legend and the Butterfly. 

Nobunaga no tame!

Higishou

 Nobunaga performed a higishou, a ordeal by fire at Sanno/Hiyoshi Shrine near Kiyosu. The shrine is a short walk from Meitetsu Shin Kiyosu Station. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 98-99)

"It was decided to hold an ordeal by fire in front of the Sanno Shrine, in presence of officials and witnesses nominated by both parties involved in the suit. Here was demonstrated how terrible is the Way of Heaven. 

Nobunaga had each side give him its version of what had happened and quickly sized up the situation. His complexion changed. He asked to hear the details regarding the ordeal by fire.

Nobunaga received the blazing-hot axe head onto his hands took three steps, and placed in on its tray. 'Did you see that?' he asked, and had Sasuke put to death."

The Sanno/Hiyoshi Shrine is not far from the Minoji and the Gojo River. It is only about a ten to fifteen minute walk to Kiyosu Castle.

Tenka no tame!

Matsunaga Hisahide Hiragumo Tea Ketttle Video

 Here is a video by historian Owada Tetsuo explaining Matsunaga Hisahide and the famous tea kettle (hiragumo). Near the end of the video, he discusses a document between Nobunaga and the Hosokawa family. If you are in the Kyoto area, you can visit Matsunaga Hisahide's grave at Myoekaiso graveyard. Not far from Myoekaiso graveyard is Shinnyoin, a temple that has a relationship with Nobunaga and Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki. As for the tea kettle Hiragumo, it is shaped as a spider crawling on the ground.

Nobunaga no tame!

Camp Hot Pot (Jinchunabe)

 Continuing with the Sengoku food series with Jinchunabe. Jinchunabe is roughly translated as camp hot pot. Nobunaga's Jinchunabe consists of chicken, daikon radish, ginger simmered in grilled miso with sake. A simple and hearty dish packed necessary nutrients. The video also includes dish for Hideyoshi and Ieyasu. The recipes are simple and one can recreate a Sengoku Era hot pot by watching the video. I to admit all three hot pots looks delicious (Nobunaga's jinchunabe was superb).

Tenka no tame!

More News on Gifu Castle Shutdown

 Here is another video regarding to the Gifu Castle being shutdown for a year for renovations. This video interviews locals and domestic tourists. One of the highlights of this video is when the newscaster presents a bar graph showing when Gifu Castle hit its peak as well as decline. When NHK broadcasted Kunitori Monogatari and Nobunaga: King of Zipangu, many people came to visit Gifu Castle. As the previous video I posted awhile ago, when all done, the emaki will added to the new Gifu Castle exhibit. 

Nobunaga no tame!

Rare Okehazama Postcard

 We continue with the celebration of the Battle of Okehazama. Here is a rare Battle of Okehazama postcard. This postcard was probably pre-war (WW2). If you look at the card, Imgawa Yoshimoto's name begins on the right side. After the war, it became left-right in terms of reading.

Tenka no tame!

Kasugayama Nikki Okehazama

 Happy Battle of Okehazama Day! Today's post will be different. Believe or not, the first mention of the Battle of Okehazama did not come from Owari, Mikasa, Totomi, or Suruga. It came from Echigo. The home province of Uesugi Kenshin. If everything is true and correct, it was recorded not long after the Battle of Okehazama. The first recording of the Battle of Okehazama comes from the Kasugayama Nikki. In Ota Teruo's Kikei Okehazama kassen no Shinjitsu page 3 has a small passage. One of the key words was kikei (ingenious plan) and fuiuchi (surprise attack). The Kasugayama Nikki does provide some clues what happen during the Battle of Okehazama. Nobunaga planned something out of the ordinary and there was possibly a surprise attack. 

It is highly possible that Uesugi Kenshin sent spies or scouts to observe the battle. I highly believe that happened. As for the area where the battle took place, the Kasugayama Nikki mentioned the word Okehazama.  One of the first recordings of Okehazama. It is  possible the scouts or spies did not know the true name of the area and mentioned the area as Okehazama to be on the safe side. Actually, while the Kasugayama Nikki does give historians a clue on what happened at Okehazama, there is always more questions than answers.

Nobunaga no tame!

Kaku Kozo Okehazama Video

 Earlier this week I found a nice gem regarding to the Battle of Okehazama on YouTube. The segment is hosted by historian Kaku Kozo (I have several of his books regarding to Nobunaga) and artist Mami Nakamura. Mrs. Nakamura has recently painted a beautiful portrait of Nohime. Speaking of Nohime, Kaku Kozo mentions that Nohime was not at the Honnoji and she lived until 1612. I agree with both of them. Nohime passed away in 1612. Kaku Kozo mentions Daitokuji subtemple Sokenin where Nohime's grave is located. 

As for Okehazama, one of Yoshimoto's main weak points was his lack of diligence and the loss of advisor Taigen Sessai. I do believe that if Sessai was still alive, Yoshimoto might not have marched to Kyoto/Owari or the Battle of Okehazama would never had happen. My opinion is that Nobunaga feared Sessai. 

Ota Gyuichi The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga was mentioned. He wrote Okehazamayama (Mt. Okehazama). As always, the rainstorm was noted as well as Nobunaga's visit to Atsuta Shrine. Believe or not, this video is informative and highly recommend to those who love Nobunaga and the Battle of Okehazama.

Tenka no tame!

Breaking News: Gifu Castle To Shut Down For A Year

 Breaking news regarding Gifu Castle. Gifu Castle will be shut down for over a year for Castle renovations. I was in Gifu recently and heard the news on the grapevine. Now it is finally official. At the same time, there has been archeological work being done at castle area as well. Near the end of this video you will get a hint on what is being done. There will be an emaki tenji or picture scroll display of Gifu's history and its warlords. You can expect Nobunaga and Saito Dosan to be the display on the first floor.

The Gifu Rakuichi is now finally open, but it faces uncertainty as the castle and ropeway is shutdown. According to the vendors, there will be a lot other festivities to be planned at the park. Also you can see clearly everything is being done in stages. For example, first was the Gifu Rakuichi (now open). Second, the Gifu City Museum of History (still closed, but will open in November, probably during the Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri). Third, Gifu Castle.

Nobunaga no tame!

2026 Toyoake City Okehazama Matsuri

 The 2026 Toyoake City Okehazama Matsuri will be held on June 6th and 7th. Sunday the 7th is big day. Mock battles, tours to various historical sites, and stalls. I have participated in this festival in the past and had a blast.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga and Mt. Fuji

 Nobunaga made a visit to Mt. Fuji in 1582, just after he wiped the Takeda. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 455)

"On the 12th of the Fourth Month, Lord Nobunaga departed Motosu before dawn; it was so cold that it felt like midwinter. At the foot of Mount Fuji, in the plains of Kamino and Ideno, he told his pages to give their horses the whip freely and staged wild charges. As he viewed Mount Fuji, the snow covering its loftiness made it appear like a white cloud. It is an extraordinary and glorious mountain."

Nobunaga no tame!

Gifu City Library

 Over the weekend, I hit the jackpot. The new Gifu City Public Library located next to City Hall is a goldmine regarding books and materials related to Oda Nobunaga. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume books on Nobunaga. Also the library has a lot of books on Akechi Mitsuhide and the Honnoji. It has everything from academic, fictional novels, non-fiction material, and even children's books. If you are near the Gifu City Hall, please made a visit to the library. This is a must for every Nobunaga historian. Everything you need is there at your fingertips.

Tenka no tame!

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!