Oda Nobuhide by Sumio Yokoyama

 

Earlier today I bought a book on Oda Nobuhide by Sumio Yokoyama. It was published in the fall of 2024 and had the chance to pick it up, but ended not buying it. That changed and happy to have a copy in my library. There is six chapters covering several topics as well early Nobunaga. I plan to write another post on this book once it is read.

Tenka no tame!

Sugitani Print

 This is a woodblock print from Utahawa Yoshitsuya (1864) showing Sugitani Zenjubo attempting to assassinate Oda Nobunaga. The incident took place in 1570 just before the Battle of Anegawa. Harunaga is supposed to Nobunaga. 

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 199-200)

" Sugitani Zenjubo was a crack shot. Some years ago, when Nobunaga had the occasion to cross the Chikusa Pass, Sasaki Jotei hired him to ambush Nobunaga in the mountains. Sugitani loaded his harquebus with two bullets and fired in cold blood from a distance of twelve or thirteen ken [twenty-two to twenty-four meters]. But the Way of Heaven watched over Nobunaga, and the bullets merely grazed his body. Having escaped from the jaws of the crocodile, Nobunaga reached Gifu Castle safely."

In 1573 Sugitani Zenjubo was captured and had his head sawed off.

Nobunaga no tame!

Crane Offering

 

Nobunaga offers a crane for inspection. This incident took place early 1578.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 280)

"On the 10th of the First Month, Nobunaga offered a crane, one caught by his falcon, for His Majesty's inspection in the imperial palace. It was immediately put before the sovereign, who was impressed and not a little pleased. Nobunaga presented another crane caught by his own falcon to Lord Konoe. The next day, Lord Konoe made a ceremonial visit to Azuchi to express his gratitude for the gift."

Tenka no tame!

Nobunaga's 2nd Daughter

 

 

Late last year I was able to visit Nobunaga's 2nd daughter's grave at Hyakumanben Chionji in Kyoto. She was born (1558/61-1641) and was married to Gamo Ujisato (1556-95). Her birth mother is still unknown and also her name as well. She was known as Fuyuhime (Princess winter). That being said, she was married during the winter of 1569 and it was misinterpreted as Princess winter. She passed away in 1641 in the Sagano area of Kyoto. She was also known as Soouin.

Tenka no tame!

2025

 

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Happy New Year! As always, we celebrate it Nobunaga style. You know, the golden lacquered skulls that were displayed at Gifu Castle in 1574. The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 204)

"Item The head of Asakura Sakyo no Daibu Yoshikage. Item The head of Azai Shimotsuke. Item The head of Azai Bizen.

These had been taken by Nobunaga the previous year in the North. The banquet began when the aforesaid three skulls, lacquered and gilt, were brought out on white wooden dinner trays as a relisto the sake."

Heads of Asakura Yoshikage, Azai Nagamasa, and Azai Hisamasa.

Nobunaga no tame!

New Nijo Palace

 Late in 1579, Nobunaga was at the New Nijo Palace to offer gifts.

Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 350)

"On the 18th of the Twelfth Month, after dark, Lord Nobunaga presented himself at the New Nijo Palace and offered gold and silver, rolls of cloth, and countless other presents for the inspection of His Imperial Highness. On the following day, the 19th, he departed the capital and returned to Azuchi through the rains that lasted all day. Much, much celebrated."

Tenka no tame!

2024 Awards

 Here are the 2024 Awards.

Book: Shincho-Ko ki Kubimaki to Okehazama no Tatakai by Obata Taizo

Historian: Volunteers Circle at Gifu City Museum of History 

I will focus on the volunteer group on this post. The volunteers who spend their free time at the museum do a fantastic job making sure guests can experience wearing 16th century clothing. It is extremely popular with the locals as well as the tourists. The photo above is a replica of Nobunaga's Owari no utsuke costume. I have worn this garment many times and you really feel you have traveled back to the time of Nobunaga. Also the volunteers do an excellent job teaching guests the village life of Gifu during the time to Nobunaga and Saito Dosan.

Nobunaga no tame!