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.
There were five major battles: Fuse in 1553, Saigawa in 1555, Uenohara in 1557, Hachimanbara in 1561, and Shiozaki in 1564. The most notable of these was the Battle of Hachimanbara on October 18, 1561, which unfolded in the heart of the Kawanakajima plain and saw brutal casualties on both sides. Despite the intensity of these conflicts, neither Shingen nor Kenshin managed to secure definitive control of Kawanakajima.
These battles became iconic in Japanese military history, symbolizing valor, chivalry, and the tactical mastery of the Sengoku period. They are celebrated in Japanese literature, art, and popular culture for their dramatic and relentless nature.
Historical Background
Shingen initiated his campaign in Shinano in 1541, advancing in 1550 to capture several castles from Ogasawara Nagatoki, who fled to Murakami Yoshikiyo. Following intense skirmishes, Shingen forced Murakami out of his strongholds, taking Katsurao Castle in 1553, which led to Kenshin’s intervention and the subsequent battles.
The Major Battles
- First Battle of Kawanakajima (1553): Known as the Battle of Fuse, Shingen marched through Kawanakajima, reaching as far as the Chikumagawa River’s eastern bank, where he encountered Kenshin. Although initially repelled, Shingen pressed forward, defeating scattered Murakami forces, while Kenshin retreated before winter.
- Second Battle of Kawanakajima (1555): Also called the Battle of Saigawa, Shingen set camp south of the Sai River, while Kenshin held the east. The Kurita clan, allied with Shingen, supported him from Asahiyama fortress. Despite Kenshin’s repeated attempts to take this fortress, the armies eventually disengaged without a decisive battle.
- Third Battle of Kawanakajima (1557): Known as the Battle of Uenohara, Shingen captured the Katsurayama fortress near Zenko-ji temple. Kenshin advanced to engage Shingen but later withdrew without a major confrontation.
- Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima (1561): The largest and most famous battle, it saw Kenshin unexpectedly descending on Shingen's forces, catching them off-guard. Kenshin’s army attacked in waves, dealing heavy casualties. Kenshin himself attacked Shingen, who famously defended himself with his war fan until aid arrived. Though Kenshin’s forces withdrew, the battle inflicted a staggering toll on both sides.
- Fifth Battle of Kawanakajima (1564): Also called the Battle of Shiozaki, this final clash involved smaller skirmishes, with both sides withdrawing after 60 days.
Despite severe losses, neither side achieved lasting control over Kawanakajima. The sustained intensity of these battles immortalized them in Japanese history, becoming revered tales of strategy and valor that encapsulate the spirit of the Sengoku era.
See also
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The Siege of Unokuchi Castle
One of the important steps in the career of every Japanese commander was the uijin, the first military campaign in which he took part. For the legendary Takeda Shingen, according to some sources, this campaign was the siege of Unokuchi Castle.
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Battle of Arita-Nakai
By 1517, Takeda Motoshige, lord of Kanyama Castle, was probably the most influential daimyo in Aki Province. Ten years earlier, he had served as a vassal of the Ōuchi clan and participated in Ōuchi Yoshiyuki's campaign in Kyoto. This campaign was part of an effort to support the deposed shogun Ashikaga Yoshitane.
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The Siege of Arai Castle
Hojo Nagauji (Soun) (1432–1519) went down in Japanese history as one of the most notable figures of his time. He is considered a prime example of a gokoku-jo daimyo. The process of gokoku-jo literally means “the lower classes defeat the upper classes” and in Japanese history was expressed, among other things, in the elevation of minor samurai to the status of owners of entire provinces.
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Battle of Sakai
Ōuchi Yoshihiro was an influential shugo of the provinces of Suō and Nagato and played an important role as a supporter of the Ashikaga clan during the war with the Southern Court. His greatest achievement was forcing the Southern Court emperor to surrender in 1392, which brought an end to the Nanboku-chō period. This victory strengthened the Ashikaga clan's position and marked the end of the long-standing rivalry between the two imperial lines.
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Battle of Shijonawate
After Kusunoki Masashige's death in the Battle of Minatogawa, his son, Kusunoki Masatsura, continued his work supporting the Southern Imperial Court in the Nanboku-chō period war. He took on his father's legacy not only as a duty, but also as a way to remain faithful to the ideals for which Masashige had given his life.
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Battle of Minatogawa
After his defeat by Nitta Yoshisada in 1336, Ashikaga Takauji completely restored his forces and secured the support of three powerful clans in Kyushu: the Sōni, Shimazu, and Otomo. In addition, he received significant reinforcements from Shikoku Island under the command of Hosokawa. Having thus strengthened his army, Ashikaga Takauji marched on Kyoto.
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The Siege of Tihaya Castle
Tihaya Castle was built by Kusunoki Masashige on top of Mount Kongo, separated from the neighboring hills by a deep ravine. The terrain itself provided natural protection, making the position extremely convenient for defense.
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The Siege of Akasaka Fort
Kusunoki Masashige, hero of the Genko Rebellion (1331–1333), was a talented commander and inventive strategist. The two sieges of castles where he acted as defender are inscribed in gold letters in the history of Japanese military art.
