The Battle of Shizugatake, occurring during Japan's Sengoku period, unfolded between Toyotomi Hideyoshi (then known as Hashiba Hideyoshi) and Shibata Katsuie in Shizugatake, Omi Province, spanning two days from the 20th day of the fourth month of Tensho 11 (equivalent to June 10-11, 1583, on the Gregorian calendar). Katsuie, supporting Oda Nobutaka's claim as successor of Oda Nobunaga, engaged in a succession dispute within the Oda clan, ultimately favoring Hideyoshi.
At the outset, Katsuie and Sakuma Morimasa initiated attacks on Hideyoshi's fortified positions at Shizugatake, effectively overcoming Nakagawa Kiyohide's defenses. However, other sieges led by Toshiie and Kazumasu encountered obstacles. Despite Katsuie ordering Sakuma to retreat, the command was disregarded. Subsequently, Hideyoshi orchestrated a surprise counterattack, driving Sakuma's forces into retreat. Hideyoshi's pursuit led to the successful siege of Kitanosho Castle, prompting Katsuie and Oichi to commit suicide.
The Battle of Shizugatake marked a crucial moment for Hideyoshi in securing his role as the successor to Oda Nobunaga, effectively quelling one of the last significant challenges to his leadership, along with the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute in 1584. Renowned historian George Sansom regards the Battle of Shizugatake as a pivotal moment in Japanese history.
In the aftermath of the Honno-ji Incident in June 1582, which resulted in the demise of Oda Nobunaga and his heir Nobutada, a power vacuum and succession crisis unfolded within the Oda clan. Nobukatsu and Nobutaka, Nobunaga's second and third eldest sons, engaged in disputes over succession. Hashiba Hideyoshi emerged as a prominent figure, having vanquished Akechi Mitsuhide at the Battle of Yamazaki and with Nobunaga's heir being an infant. Shibata Katsuie, one of Nobunaga's trusted generals, initially supported Nobutaka's claim, challenging Hideyoshi's dominance.
In May 1583, Katsuie orchestrated multiple coordinated assaults on the forts of Shizugatake located in the northern region of Omi Province. Despite initial successes, Sakuma Morimasa's failure to comply with Katsuie's orders and Hideyoshi's swift response led to Katsuie's eventual defeat. Hideyoshi's triumph allowed him to assume control over much of the Oda clan, culminating in Nobutaka's suicide in June 1583.
Hideyoshi's consolidation of power persisted, though he faced opposition from Nobukatsu, who aligned with Tokugawa Ieyasu, until the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute in 1584.
See also
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The Siege of Arai Castle
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Battle of Sakai
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Battle of Shijonawate
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