The pair of Kizugawaguchi Battles took place during Oda Nobunaga's endeavors to besiege the Ishiyama Hongan-ji in Osaka. Serving as the stronghold of the Ikko-ikki, a coalition of warrior monks, priests, and farmers in opposition to Oda's rule, the Hongan-ji posed a formidable challenge. To counter the Ikko-ikki's attempts to supply the fortress and break the siege, Oda commanded Admiral Kuki Yoshitaka to organize a blockade against their allies' fleets. Among the opposition were influential families, notably the Mori Terumoto from the Mori clan in neighboring provinces.
First Battle
In the initial clash in 1576, the Mori navy, led by Motoyoshi, the son of Murakami Takeyoshi, achieved victory over Kuki Yoshitaka's fleet. This defeat broke the blockade, allowing supplies to reach the fortress. Both sides employed firearms, a relatively new aspect of Japanese warfare. However, Mori's naval expertise and tactical knowledge proved decisive in this encounter.
Second Battle
Two years later, in 1578, with the Ishiyama Hongan-ji still under siege, Oda's fleet, under the command of Takigawa Kazumasu, coordinated a renewed effort. This time, Kuki Yoshitaka led six sizable o'atakebune ships against the Mori navy, deviating from the conventional use of a combination of small (kobaya), medium (sekibune), and large (adakebune) vessels. Typically, atakebune were floating wooden fortresses equipped with gun and bow emplacements. Some accounts suggest that these six vessels might have been Tekkosen, early ironclads designed to resist penetration by enemy weapons. However, it is likely that these crafts featured limited iron plating in specific areas rather than being entirely composed of metal.
During the battle, several Mori vessels under Murakami Takeyoshi were set ablaze and sank, ultimately resulting in victory for Oda's fleet. The supply lines were successfully severed, leading to the eventual fall of the Hongan-ji. However, a flaw in the Tekkosen design surfaced as Mori samurai rushed to board the large ship, causing it to capsize due to a shift in the center of gravity.
Following this triumph, Yoshitaka went on to defeat the Mori once again the following year.
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.
