The Battle of Yamazaki is one of the most famous battles in Japanese history. The epicenter of the battle is Yamazaki, which is closer to the south of Kyoto. The date of the battle is July 2, 1582. The battle took place two weeks later, when Akechi Mitsuhide attacked and killed Oda Nobunaga and thus took over Nobunaga's power, and power in the capital, Kyoto. At the same time, Nobunaga's generals were located in different parts of the empire. The ruler was surrounded only by a handful of samurai. The enemy knew this important fact and skillfully took advantage of the situation. However, further events unfolded according to a different scenario.
Mitsuhide did not expect that the generals would be so loyal to their former master and be able to quickly avenge him. He believed to the last that time and a long distance were on his side. An important role in this confrontation was occupied by Honno-ji-Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who, keeping the death of the leader a secret from enemies and friends, managed to advance his army 40 km towards Kyoto. Further, other commanders joined him.
At the same time, Mitsuhide did not know how to properly hold the castle. First, his troops were very tired. Secondly, the united army (Toyotomi's forces) was approaching at great speed. He was well aware that Hideyoshi's army was stronger and outnumbered. In such a situation, Mitsuhide began to ask his son-in-law and his father for help, but was refused. The reason for the refusal was that both samurai were outraged by the sudden attack on Nobunaga. They feared for their lives and the lives of their soldiers. In addition, many people from Mitsuhide's army deserted during this time. Thus, Mitsuhide was left on his own, without outside help.
He decided to meet the advancing army at Yamazaki. This location was chosen for several reasons. The most basic is the ability to retreat if necessary. Secondly, the place itself had a good location. On the one hand, the Yodo River, which protected the right flank, and on the other hand, Mount Tennozan, 270m high, it acted as a defense of the left flank.
According to Mitsuhide's calculation, castles and natural defenses were supposed to provide reliable cover for his troops and thereby give an advantage over a numerous enemy. He positioned his army behind a small river, which provided a good defensive position. However, the enemy also did not waste time. On the night of July 1, the enemy sent several ninja to Mitsuhide's camp. They set fire to buildings, and thereby dispelled panic, fear among the soldiers, depriving them of normal sleep.
The Battle of Yamazaki took place the very next morning. On the same day, the main battles began. Each army took up its battle positions. Already at the first stages, the enemy army took advantageous positions and surrounded Mitsuhide's people. At this time, many Mitsuhide warriors fled. Only 200 people remained at Mitsuhide's disposition, who were destroyed by Hideyoshi's forces during the battle. This ended the battle of Yamazaki. Mitsuhide first fled, and a little later was killed by a peasant warrior. Thus, the reign of Mitsuhide lasted only 13 days.
See also
-
The Battle of Norada
The Battle of Norada is a striking example of a clash during the Sengoku Jidai period, when numerical superiority did not always guarantee victory, even in open battle.
-
Battles of Kawanakajima
The Battles of Kawanakajima were a series of fierce conflicts during Japan's Sengoku period, waged between Takeda Shingen of Kai Province and Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo Province from 1553 to 1564. These battles centered around the strategic Kawanakajima plain, lying between the Sai and Chikuma rivers in northern Shinano Province, now within Nagano City. The rivalry began when Shingen took control of Shinano, forcing Ogasawara Nagatoki and Murakami Yoshikiyo to seek refuge with Kenshin, prompting repeated clashes.
-
Siege of Odawara 1590
The Third Siege of Odawara in 1590 was a pivotal moment in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's efforts to neutralize the Hojo clan as a challenge to his authority. In the months leading up to the siege, the Hojo made significant, hurried improvements to the castle's defenses as Hideyoshi’s intentions became clear. However, despite Hideyoshi's overwhelming force, there was little actual combat during the siege.
-
Battle of Tenmokuzan
The Battle of Tenmokuzan in 1582 is remembered as the final stand of the Takeda clan in Japan. This battle marked the last attempt by Takeda Katsuyori to resist Oda Nobunaga's relentless campaign against him. Fleeing from his pursuers, Katsuyori set fire to his fortress at Shinpu Castle and sought refuge in the mountains at Iwadono, a stronghold held by his loyal retainer, Oyamada Nobushige. However, Oyamada betrayed Katsuyori, denying him entry. Left with no other option, Katsuyori committed suicide alongside his wife, while the remnants of his army made a valiant effort to hold off their attackers.
-
Battle of Oshu
The Northern Fujiwara clan had governed the Mutsu and Dewa provinces since 1087, maintaining their rule for over a century by 1189. The clan was founded by Fujiwara no Kiyohira, alongside Minamoto no Yoshiie, who established their independence in Hiraizumi, located in present-day Iwate Prefecture. Under Kiyohira, and later his successors Fujiwara no Motohira and Fujiwara no Hidehira, the Northern Fujiwara reached the height of their power in the Tohoku region. They infused the area with Kyoto culture and constructed significant temples, such as Chuson-ji, founded in 1095.
-
Battle of Omosu
The 1580 Battle of Omosu (Omosu no Tatakai) was one of many conflicts between the Hojo and Takeda clans during Japan's Sengoku period. What sets this battle apart is its rarity as one of the few naval engagements in pre-modern Japan. The conflict occurred off the coast of the Izu Peninsula, involving the fleets of Hojo Ujimasa, the leader of the Hojo clan, and Takeda Katsuyori, the head of the Takeda clan.
-
The Battle of Azukizaka
The Battle of Azukizaka, also known as the Battle of Bato-ga-hara, occurred in 1564, as Tokugawa Ieyasu aimed to quash the emerging threat of the Ikko-ikki, a coalition of monks, samurai, and peasants strongly opposed to samurai rule.
-
Battle of Osaka
Upon Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death in 1598, Japan entered a period of governance by the Council of Five Elders, with Tokugawa Ieyasu wielding the most influence. Following his victory over Ishida Mitsunari in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu effectively seized control of Japan and disbanded the Council. In 1603, the Tokugawa shogunate was established in Edo, with Hideyoshi's son, Toyotomi Hideyori, and his mother, Yodo-dono, permitted to reside at Osaka Castle. Hideyori was granted a significant fief valued at 657,400 koku but remained confined to the castle for several years. As a means of control, it was arranged for Hideyori to marry Senhime, the daughter of Hidetada, in 1603, who had ties to both clans. Ieyasu aimed to establish a strong and stable regime under his clan's rule, with only the Toyotomi, led by Hideyori and influenced by Yodo-dono, posing a challenge to his ambitions.
