Battle of Okehazama ~Why Nobunaga won ? ~

Nobunaga is known as one of the greatest Daimyo in Sengoku era. He defeated many great rival. This battle of Okehazama is his first time big victory.

When Nobunaga was 27 years old, Yoshimoto attacked Nobunaga’s territory Owari(Aichi) in June 1560. Nobunaga’s soldiers is 5,000, Yoshimoto’s soldiers is 20,000 （There are various view).

Yoshimoto is known as great Daimyo in Suruga(Shizuoka). First time Yoshimoto took many Owari’s castles and fort . He based on there. Ieyasu-Tokugawa supplied foods and weapons to this bases for Yoshimoto, because he belonged to Yoshimoto in this time.

When many castles were deprived, Nobunaga’s vassals discussed which is best charge or intercepted in main castle.

Yoshimoto deployed his troops each where to attack Nobunaga’s castle and fort. He based his main base on mount of Okehazama to command. The mount was suitable to command, but as the result, it was big chance for Nobunaga.

Nobunaga understood that information is the most important facts in battle. So he knew where is Yoshimoto’s main base.

When he knew Yoshimoto based on there, he was convinced his victory.

In the early morning, Nobunaga charged Yoshimoto with few soldiers. In this time weather was storm, so this attack was surprise attack. It was good luck for Nobunaga.

In the mountain, Yoshimoto’s soldiers could not gather, Yoshimoto escaped with few soldiers from mountain, but he fall rice field mad.

Yoshimoto resisted until death, he slashed enemy elite soldiers. In the last, he was killed. He was death 42 years old. Imagawa troops returned Suruga.

Young Nobunaga defeated a great Daimyo. He showed his power in Japan. After that he aimed unification of Japan.

There are various views about this battle.

I think, Nobunaga’s “information is the most important facts in battle” understanding is why he won.

If he did not know where was Yoshimoto’s main base, he would not charge. After the battle, he won vs many great rivals.