The series of conflicts in 1584 known as the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute unfolded between the armies of Hashiba Hideyoshi (who later assumed the name Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1586) and those of Oda Nobukatsu and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Prior to this, both Hideyoshi and Ieyasu had served under Oda Nobunaga without encountering any clashes, making this their sole period of hostility. While the history predominantly recalls the two major battles, the event is sometimes referred to as the Komaki Campaign.
Context:
In 1583, during the Battle of Shizugatake, Hideyoshi lent his support to Nobukatsu, Oda Nobunaga's second son, and defeated Shibata Katsuie, a supporter of Nobunaga's third son, Nobutaka. Following this victory, Hideyoshi invited Nobukatsu and other generals to his newly completed Osaka Castle to assert his dominance and reverse the power dynamic. Nobukatsu, however, refused to attend, severing ties with Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi attempted to reconcile with three of Nobukatsu's main retainers, which fueled suspicions and ultimately led to their execution. This gave Hideyoshi a pretext to attack Nobukatsu, prompting Nobukatsu to seek help from Tokugawa Ieyasu. As Ieyasu dispatched his forces, the conflict shifted into a confrontation between Hideyoshi and Ieyasu.
Battle Events:
The initial battle took place near Mount Komaki, leading to its designation as the "Battle of Komaki." Subsequent engagements unfolded in the vicinity of Nagakute, resulting in the name "Battle of Nagakute" for the overall conflict.
Battle of Haguro:
In Tensho 12, on the 13th day of the third month (April 23, 1584), Ieyasu reached Kiyosu Castle. On the same day, warriors aligned with the Oda clan, led by Ikeda Tsuneoki, defected to Hideyoshi's side, capturing Inuyama Castle originally built by Oda Nobunaga. Learning of this, Ieyasu hurried to Inuyama Castle, arriving two days later. Concurrently, Mori Nagayoshi sought Kiyosu Castle, launching an assault but suffering significant losses. Ieyasu then took control of Inuyama Castle on the 18th day of the third month (April 28).
Mission to Mikawa:
Hideyoshi departed Osaka Castle on the 21st day (May 1), arriving at Inuyama Castle on the 27th day (May 7), and Gakuden (now Inuyama) on the 5th day of the fourth month (May 14, 1584). During this time, Ieyasu mostly avoided direct confrontation, leading Hideyoshi to lower his guard, especially due to Tsuneoki's assertion that Ieyasu was vulnerable in Komakiyama. Hideyoshi, driven by ambition, decided to march towards Mikawa, with support from Mori Nagayoshi, Ikeda Tsuneoki, Hori Hidemasa, and young Hidetsugu. However, their forces suffered a significant defeat in various battles.
Battle of Iwasaki Castle:
Part of the larger Battle of Komaki and Nagakute, the Battle of Iwasaki involved Ikeda Tsuneoki's forces attacking the garrison at Iwasaki Castle, led by Niwa Ujitsugu. Tsuneoki's aggressive assault led to the capture of the castle.
Battle of Hakusanmori:
As Hideyoshi's commanders sought refuge at Hakusanmori, Tokugawa forces closed in. Ōsuga Yasutaka and Sakakibara Yasumasa launched a surprise attack on Hideyoshi's forces, leading to their significant defeat.
Battle of Hinokigane:
Following the Battle of Hakusanmori, Tokugawa forces fortified Mount Komaki, resulting in a standoff. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's commander, Ikeda Tsuneoki, attempted raids in Mikawa Province, leading to clashes with Tokugawa troops. Despite initial resistance, Hori Hidemasa was forced to withdraw.
Battle of Nagakute:
Mori Nagayoshi planned to flank Tokugawa forces during a support operation for Ii Naomasa, but Tokugawa charged directly, avoiding the intended flanking. This demoralized Hideyoshi's forces, and Tokugawa gained the upper hand.
Aftermath:
Hideyoshi's forces pursued Ieyasu but couldn't catch him. Eventually, Hideyoshi and Ieyasu reached a peace agreement in early 1585. Despite the advantages Ieyasu gained in these engagements, both leaders recognized the folly of continuing their quarrel and opted for reconciliation.
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.
