Places of Learning

Ryounji Temple above and Nagono/Tennosha on the bottom.



During Nobunaga's crazy youth, he actually received some formal education.  Ryounji Temple built by his uncle Oda Nobumitsu was the place where Nobunaga learned calligraphy.  It was located near the Shonai River.  Inabaji Castle, a citadel of Oda Nobumitsu, was close by as well.  In fact, the Inabaji landmark is only few minutes from Ryounji.  At the grounds of Ryounji, Oda Nobumitsu's grave can be found.  The temple is peaceful and it has a beautiful small pond as well.

Nagono Shrine located near Nagoya Castle has a long history in the area.  The shrine was established in 911 and it was dedicated to the Shinto god Susanoo.  During the early part of the 16th century the shrine was a casualty of war as it was put to the torch.  Nobunaga's father, Nobuhide rebuilt the shrine in 1540.  When Nobunaga studied at the shrine as a young lad, it was known as Tennosha.  Hirate Masahide and/or Hirata Sanmi taught the future Demon King at Tennosha.

There is a high possibility that Nobunaga met young Takechiyo (Tokugawa Ieyasu) for the first time at Tennosha.  I tend to agree on that theory.  The shrine moved to its present site in 1876.  Both Ryounji Temple and Nagono Shrine can be easily visited in one day while in Nagoya.

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Letter I

There is a television program that will be aired on the writings of the Big Three: Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu.

http://www.j-cast.com/tv/2014/06/29208832.html

As for the Uesama, you are more likely to reprimanded by him.  A word for the wise:  Just do not get into trouble with the Uesama or else.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga no Chef III

Tamamori Yuta, the actor in the drama Nobunaga no Chef prayed for success at the Honnoji in Kyoto. Good move on his part since you can always use help from the Uesama.  Would like to see Yuta pray at Kenkun Jinja as well.  The second season of Nobunaga no Chef starts in July.

Nobunaga no tame!

Yoshimoto Print

This is a nishiki-e or multi-colored woodblock print of Imagawa Yoshimoto by the artist Adachi Ginko.  The Kabuki actor's facial expression is known as mi-e.  I do have some interesting information on the Battle of Okehazama.  According to historian Ebata Hidesato, a year before the Battle of Okehazama (1559), Suruga suffered a famine.  http://kagiya.rakurakuhp.net/i_676771.htm

If this was true that Suruga did suffer a famine in 1559, the most likely scenario would have been the Imagawa would have purchased rice from Mino that was shipped from Ise to Okazaki or Sunpu.  I am skeptical on this theory and more research is needed to convince on this.  Then again, the Imagawa were planning to expand their control towards the west for years.  Yoshimoto and his advisers would have planned for something like this.

Tenka no tame!

Chosokabe Letter

There is a letter written by Chosokabe Motochika to Akechi Mitsuhide's retainer Saito Toshimitsu just before the Honnoji Rebellion in June 1582.  Akechi Mitsuhide had a good relationship with the Chosokabe.  Mitsuhide tried to protect the Chosokabe's domain from an attack from Nobunaga.  The Chosokabe did not want to pick a fight with Nobunaga since it they were not strong enough to handle Nobunaga's army in battle.  In the end, it seems that the Chosokabe would give in to Nobunaga's demands without fighting.  This actually makes sense.  You know the old saying, "Never fight a losing battle."  Now the big question: Did Mitsuhide know about the Chosokabe bowing to Nobunaga's demands?  Who knows.

There is another theory out there that Mitsuhide knew about the letter.  At first, Nobunaga and the Chosokabe deal was not going to work out.  However, Nobunaga changed his mind and wanted to work with the Chosokabe.  That being said, both Mitsuhide and Toshimitsu planned a deal on their terms, not on Nobunaga's.  This letter mystery still and will be debated for awhile.

http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/national/news/CK2014062402000116.html

Nobunaga no tame!

Nobunaga Portrait

This is a portrait of Oda Nobunaga painted by Kano Motohide (Soshu) on the order by Yogo Kyu Saburo Masakatsu in 1583, a year after Nobunaga's death.  The painting is a national cultural treasure and it is located at Chokoji Temple Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.  This is one of the most common portrait of Nobunaga in history books and magazines.

Chokoji Temple that was burned down in 1567 by Nobunaga and his army.  Eventually, it was rebuilt.

Now this is supposedly a portrait of Nobunaga by an Italian Jesuit Giovanni Niccolo.  However, there is a theory that is a picture of an Oda descendant taken in the early Meiji Era.

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga no Chef II

Here is the cover for the second season of Nobunaga no Chef.  Besides Nobunaga, Ken, and Natsu, there are some new characters.  Nobunaga's wife Nohime and Takeda Shingen will appear on season two.  The series will air on Asahi TV in July.

Nobunaga no tame!