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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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."

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nanban Mochi Update

 Earlier this year I was able to try the Nanban Mochi. The Nanban Mochi was probably Nobunaga's last request for sweets. I was able to buy a packet of these delicious sweets at Kameya Yoshinaga in Kyoto. The texture of the sweet was chewy. I wrote a short post regarding to the Nanban Mochi last December. The sweet consists of wheat flour, brown sugar, and kudzu starch. Mixed with water, kneaded, and steamed. As for the mochi itself, it was not overly sweet. It goes well with a bowl of matcha. While eating the mochi and drinking the matcha tea, you did feel as if you were in the era of Nobunaga.

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Azuchi Miyuki no Ma

 This is an AI video explaining Azuchi Castle and Miyuki no Ma (3:35-5:00 minute mark). The Miyuki no Ma was hall built below the castle tower. Built for the emperor's visit to Azuchi, Miyuki no Ma was similar to Seiryoden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Recent excavations reveal 119 foundation stones were discovered. It was also built on stilts. Unfortunately, Nobunaga was killed before the emperor made a visit to Azuchi. If the emperor did visit Azuchi while Nobunaga was alive, it would have been a truly unique event.

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Dodo Bashi

 In keeping up with celebrating Azuchi Castle 450th Anniversary, here is a short post regarding Azuchi Castle Dodo Bashi (bridge).

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 366) The incident happened in 1580.

"Dragon, Forth Month, 11th Day: As Nobunaga was leaving for Mount Chokoji to go hawking, envoys sent by Jinbo Etchu encountered him at Dodo Bridge [below Mount Azuchi] and presented him with two horses."

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Kureha Jinja

 Kureha Jinja is located in Ikeda City, Osaka. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Kurehatori, a weaver from the Qin Dynasty who introduced advanced weaving techniques to Japan.

As for the shrine itself, it was destroyed during the Battle of Arioka Castle 1579 (Itami) between Nobunaga and Araki Murashige (1535-86). Main hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1604.

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Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Kenshin, Yoshimoto and Yoritomo Documents

 Here is an interesting find on YouTube earlier today. Tye Ibaraki Prefecture History Museum will have a special exhibition on several Sengoku warlords documents. Unfortunately, the exhibition is only open until the 22nd of this month. From the video above, Nobunaga's letter is the subject of Araki Murashige's betrayal. Hideyoshi has a document as well as Uesugi Kenshin. Imagawa Yoshimoto's document is one of his oldest. A nice way to end the video was Minamoto Yoritomo document. 

A good video on Sengoku documents.

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Owada Tetsuo Sunomata Video

 Here a video by Owada Tetsuo explaining Sunomata Castle. There is a brief mention of Sunomata in The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 108)

"In Eiroku 4, the Year of Metal Junior and the Bird, in the first decade of the Fifth Month, Nobunaga crossed the wide expanse of the Kiso and Hida rivers and forced his way into western Mino. After setting fire to several locations and settlements in the area, he gave orders to establish a strongpoint at Sunomata."

The best English reading material regarding to Sunomata is David D. Neilson Society at War: Eyewitness Accounts of Sixteenth Century Japan  (pp. 123, 133, 207, 217, 226) are important information on Sunomata.

One of the reasons why Oda Nobuhide failed twice in the 1540s attacking Mino was not the Saito, but Mother Nature was the enemy, the rivers. The water of the river was the Saito key ally. I have written about this in the past.

As for the stockade, it took about five days to build and about 500 guns were equipped for Hachisuka Koroku and his men.

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2026 Spring Sokenin

 Sokenin, a subtemple of Daitokuji located in Kyoto will hold its spring public exhibition. Open to the public on weekends and national holidays from March 28th to May 6th. Open daily April 25th to May 6th. 

Here at Sokenin, one can see the Nobunaga wooden statue constructed by Kousei. Sokenin also is the home to Nohime, Onabe no Kata, and Nobunaga's daughter Tokuhime's grave. 

The price of admission is 800 yen.

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2026 Dosan Matsuri

 The 2026 Gifu Dosan Matsuri will be held on April 4/5. This is a yearly spring festival that celebrates Nobunaga's father-in-law, Saito Dosan.

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Okehazama Short Video

 This a short video by Owada Tetsuo giving a brief update on the Battle of Okehazama at the Nippon Shiro Matsuri (Japan Castle Festival). The Arimatsu Battle of Okehazama Preservation Committee had a booth at the festival. Owada Tetsuo explains that the Battle of Okehazama is very popular with the masses. There is a 3D video map of the battle.

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Kenshoji

 

Earlier this year I made a special visit to Kenshoji, which is located in Kyoto. Kenshoji is the resting place for Nobunaga's illegitimate son, Oda Nobumasa (1554-1647). He was born at Nagoya Castle three years before Nobutada. His mother was Ban Naoko, the younger sister of Ban Naomasa. In 1566, he celebrated his genpuku. Nobumasa did have a wife, Princess Yasuhime, Oda Nobuhiro's daughter. Nobunaga might have been Nobumasa's biological father, but Murai Sadakatsu was his adopted father. In 1585, three years after Nobunaga's death, Nobumasa retired.

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Gifu Castle Stone Foundation and Stone Wall

 

There has been two new recent discoveries at Gifu Castle. At the moment, the castle undergoing archeological work. Stone foundation and stone walls has been discovered. This video clip is short, but provides the necessary information.

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Nohime Sumie Okazu

 The top photo is artwork from Sumie Okazu. This brush artwork of Nohime is beautiful. Nohime (1535-1612) was born at Sagiyamajo (Sagiyama Castle) in Mino. Her father was Saito Dosan and her mother was Omi no Kata. Nohime had several names as well: Sagiyama-dono, Kicho, Kocho, and Azuchi-dono. Here is a passage from The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 58)

"Before long, Hirate Nakazukasa brokered another deal, one calling for Oda Saburo Nobunaga to become Saito Yamashiro Dosan's son-in-law and Dosan's daughter to be welcomed as Nobunaga's bride to Owari Province. As a result, the whole region become peaceful again."

The bottom picture is the ruins of Sagiyama Castle. The birthplace of Nohime and the retirement home of Saito Dosan. Chances are high before Nohime tied the knot with Nobunaga she was briefly married to Toki Yorizumi. As for Nohime, Nobunaga described her as goddess and having a mind of a genius.

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Tenka Seihitsu

 Earlier in January, I visited the Azuchi Castle Archeological Museum to see some new exhibits. Before I went, I saw this video on YouTube. At first, I thought it was some cheap scripted video. I was mistaken. When I saw the whole video at the museum, I was blown away. It was fantastic way to celebrate the 450th Anniversary of Azuchi Castle. While this is only about a thirty second clip, the actual movie documentary provides clues on why Azuchi Castle was built (Tenka Seihitsu/Peace and Tranquility). The video at the museum includes various floor plans, the unfortunate Azuchi Castle folding screen which is still missing (Vatican probably lost it), why Nobunaga built Azuchi in the first place. Here is an answer to that question: close to the capital (Kyoto) without the daily political bickering while still having control in such matters. 

I have to admit, the video was superb. It is better than the one at Azuchi Nobunaga no Yakata (Luis Frois/Okabe Mataemon (Nobunaga's carpenter)? That is a tough one. Both are extremely well done and informative. At the moment, the Nobunaga no Yakata video just edges out due to the public seeing it more often and you can buy the DVD at the gift shop as well as seeing clips on YouTube. In time, the Azuchi Castle Archeological Museum Tenka Seihitsu video will win the hearts of the Azuchi population.

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Recent Readings: Yukio Kajino 2025 Okehazama Seminar

 I recently returned home from a month long trip back to Japan. Now I am slowly reading Yukio Kajino's 2025 Okehazama Seminar which was held at Chofukuji Temple May 2025.

Yoshimoto's invasion of Owari goal

Where was Yoshimoto's camp.

While his seminar did provide some answers and clues. Unfortunately, the old saying goes, there are more questions than answers. In this sense, it is good thing. There is a lot more reading material people can access now through the internet or libraries.

One of the first documentation of the Battle of Okehazama did come from Owari or Mikawa. It came from Echigo, the Kasugayama Nikki (1560?). It is now clear that Uesugi Kenshin sent scouts or spies to observe the battle and report the results. 

Yukio Kajino does provide documentation from the Sengoku Era, most of the primary sources is from the early Edo Era. One document from the Edo Era is the Hosa Bunko Okehazama Kassen Zu (1650). This a map/document. It has listed that Yoshimoto's camp was at Urushiyama, far west from Arimatsu Okehazama Battlefield and the Toyoake City Battlefield. Another document Kajino provides is the Kantougekoumichinoki (1628). Why it is significant? It was the first documentation that mentioned anything related to the Toyoake City Battlefield. 

I plan to write more in the future as I continue to read the paper.

Nobunaga no tame!

New Owada T Video

 Here is a short clip historian Owada Tetsuo discussing the Battle of Okehazama regarding to the Toyotomi Kyodai drama. As I written earlier, I was disgusted about how the battle looked cheap, scripted, and slow. Here in this video, Owada discussed the numbers of the Imagawa army. I am in the 20,000-25,000 camp, separation between soldier and farmer, and Nobunaga's army. Here is a key point here, Nobunaga's army might have been small, but they had lot of experience in full combat. For example, the years between 1552-59 unifying Owari gave Nobunaga's soldiers experience they needed. They were toughen up and ready to go. Full advantage to Nobunaga.

Tenka no tame!

Azuchi Akechi Mitsuhide Residence

 Believe or not, there is a new Azuchi historical landmark. The Azuchi Akechi Mitsuhide Residence landmark is just a five to seven minute walk south from JR Azuchi Station. Many people do not know about this landmark. Even the tourist office did not know about it until I informed them. So it seems that Mitsuhide did have some sort of lodging in Azuchi.

Nobunaga no tame!

Disappointed

 I just watched the Battle of Okehazama scene from the Taiga drama Toyotomi Kyodai. Unfortunately, it was bad as expected. Just heartbreaking. The Battle scenes looked slow and scripted. The Toyotomi brothers arguing and acting like children. Nobunaga just stands there watching the action and slowly walks into the battlefield. It was know that during the battle, Nobunaga got off the his horse and joined in fighting. 

Still, Nobunaga: King of Zinpangu is the best for a Taiga drama Battle of Okehazama scene. I do not know what to say. Everything looks cheap, corners cut, slow and scripted.

Nobunaga no tame!

New Seishiro Mizuno Video

 My good friend and Okehazama colleague Seishiro Mizuno has a new video on YouTube discussing his views on the Battle of Okehazama. Before I give my opinion on the video, I highly recommend his book Wakaki Nobunaga no Shirarezaru Hansei. It is an excellent book that is full of useful information regarding to the Battle of Okehazama. 

Seishiro goes into great detail on the koku (rice production) using the 1598 Taiko Kenchi. Owari Province might have been small in size, but terms of koku, it was extremely prosperous compared to Mikawa, Totomi, or Suruga. 

Now I will discuss where I disagree with Seishiro. He mentions that Imagawa Yoshimoto arrived at Odaka Castle on May 18th and retreated back the next day. Yoshimoto arrived at Kutsukake Castle on the 18th. Then he explains Yoshimoto stopped twice while retreating. First at Urushiyama and the second at Takaneyama. Unfortunately this is false. However, if Yoshimoto was originally marching to Odaka Castle on the 19th of May and he stopped at Urushiyama, I can somehow see that happening. He mentioned that Yoshimoto was waiting for Nobunaga to arrive and did not come. Which was true. Takaneyama was the base camp for Matsui Munenobu. A steep hill at 177 feet high Yoshimoto in a palanquin would have been difficult to transport. Kutsukake Castle to Odaka Castle was approximately eight miles. Again, the only way I see Yoshimoto stopping at Urushiyama if was heading to Odaka on the day of the battle. Then again, why would Yoshimoto retreat back to Mikawa if he had the men and the logistics to advance to Kiyosu. It makes no sense.

Unfortunately, there are more questions than answers regarding to the Battle of Okehazama. As for Seishiro Mizuno's video, I highly recommend it. Easy to understand and his views are coming from a local perspective. That is a good thing.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga, Kitsuno, Children Statue, and Kyushoji

 

I was able to see the new Nobunaga and Kitsuno and their children statue with my own eyes for the first time. The statue is located near the Meitetsu Hotei Station in Konan City.  Later during my visit I was able to take a picture of Kitsuno's grave. Kitsuno (1528?-66) was Nobunaga's concubine. She was the daughter of Ikoma Iemune and gave birth to Nobunaga's children Nobutada, Nobukatsu, and Tokuhime. Unfortunately, she passed away at young age and her posthumous name was Kyuan Keisho Daizenjo-ni. The family, Kyushoji received 660 koku from Nobunaga. Kyushoji was abandoned in 2022 due to budget constraints. In 2023, area became a children's park. The Kyushoji graveyard still exists and one a good day visit Kitsuno's grave along with the Ikoma family.

Nobunaga no tame!