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[[Battle of Ukino|Ukino]] -

[[Battle of Ukino|Ukino]] -

[[Siege of Uozu|Uozu]] }}</td></tr></table>

[[Siege of Uozu|Uozu]] }}</td></tr></table>

==The Oda of Owari, 1534-1559==

==The Oda of Owari, 1534-1559==

Nobunaga was born Oda Kipposhi, the second son of [[Oda Nobuhide]] ([[1508]]? –[[1549]]), a minor lord whose family once served the [[Shiba clan|Shiba]] shugo. Nobuhide was a skilled warrior, and spent much of his time fighting the samurai of [[Mikawa province|Mikawa]] and [[Mino province|Mino]]. He also had enemies closer to home - the Oda were divided into two separate camps, with both vying for control of [[Owari province|Owari's]] eight districts. Nobuhide's branch, of which he was one of three elders, was based at [[Kiyosu castle]]. The rival branch was to the north, in [[Iwakura castle]].  

Nobunaga was born Oda Kipposhi, the second son of [[Oda Nobuhide]] ([[1508]]? –[[1549]]), a minor lord whose family once served the [[Shiba clan|Shiba]] shugo. Nobuhide was a skilled warrior, and spent much of his time fighting the samurai of [[Mikawa province|Mikawa]] and [[Mino province|Mino]]. He also had enemies closer to home - the Oda were divided into two separate camps, with both vying for control of [[Owari province|Owari's]] eight districts. Nobuhide's branch, of which he was one of three elders, was based at [[Kiyosu castle]]. The rival branch was to the north, in [[Iwakura castle]].  

The next morning, while Marume and Washizu were going up in flames, Nobunaga led a handful of men out of the castle and headed in the direction of Imagawa's army. Along the way he was joined by enough ashigaru and samurai to make an attack credible-if not particularly wise. At ten to one odds, Nobunaga's chances seemed slim at best, although the priests at the Atsuta Shrine that he stopped at to pray for victory commented on how calm he appeared.  

The next morning, while Marume and Washizu were going up in flames, Nobunaga led a handful of men out of the castle and headed in the direction of Imagawa's army. Along the way he was joined by enough ashigaru and samurai to make an attack credible-if not particularly wise. At ten to one odds, Nobunaga's chances seemed slim at best, although the priests at the Atsuta Shrine that he stopped at to pray for victory commented on how calm he appeared.  

Meanwhile, Imagawa was celebrating the course of his campaign so far. Encamped in the Dengakuhazama gorge, Imagawa's army rested and enjoyed sake, their leader engrossed in the viewing of the heads taken at Marume and Washizu. Nobunaga, paused near the Imagawa's Narumi Fort, learned of the Imagawa's location from scouts, and played a stratagem. He had battle flags hoisted up from behind a hill, presenting the image to the Imagawa stationed inside Narumi that the Oda were resting nearby. In fact, Nobunaga slipped his men quietly away, leading them in the direction of the Dengakuhazama. At this critical point, a bit of good luck went Nobunaga's way. A summer thunderstorm broiled over and let loose with a torrential downpour, enabling Nobunaga to sneak up quite close to the Imagawa's position. When the rains abated, he gave the order to attack.  

Meanwhile, Imagawa was celebrating the course of his campaign so far. Encamped in the Dengakuhazama gorge, Imagawa's army rested and enjoyed sake, their leader engrossed in the viewing of the heads taken at Marume and Washizu. Nobunaga, paused near the Imagawa's [[Narumi castle]], learned of the Imagawa's location from scouts, and played a stratagem. He had battle flags hoisted up from behind a hill, presenting the image to the Imagawa stationed inside Narumi that the Oda were resting nearby. In fact, Nobunaga slipped his men quietly away, leading them in the direction of the Dengakuhazama. At this critical point, a bit of good luck went Nobunaga's way. A summer thunderstorm broiled over and let loose with a torrential downpour, enabling Nobunaga to sneak up quite close to the Imagawa's position. When the rains abated, he gave the order to attack.  

Such was the suddenness and ferocity of the attack; Imagawa assumed that a fight had broken out among his own men. His misconception was quickly righted by the appearance of Oda spearmen who succeeded in taking the head of the lord of Suruga. Nobunaga's surprise attack worked beautifully, and once word spread of Yoshimoto's demise, the Imagawa army fled, utterly defeated. Matsudaira Motoyasu, resting his men in Marume, heard of the defeat and thought it best to return to Mikawa forthwith.

Such was the suddenness and ferocity of the attack; Imagawa assumed that a fight had broken out among his own men. His misconception was quickly righted by the appearance of Oda spearmen who succeeded in taking the head of the lord of Suruga. Nobunaga's surprise attack worked beautifully, and once word spread of Yoshimoto's demise, the Imagawa army fled, utterly defeated. Matsudaira Motoyasu, resting his men in Marume, heard of the defeat and thought it best to return to Mikawa forthwith.

In [[1561]], [[Saito Yoshitatsu]], who had continued to fend off advances by the Oda, passed away, probably of leprosy. This left his son, Tatsuoki, in command and Nobunaga was quick to take advantage of the new lord's weak character. By bribing away key Saito generals, Nobunaga was able to weaken the defenses of Mino and in [[1567]] he attacked Inabayama, the headquarters of the Saito clan. According to tradition, the hill-top castle was brought down by [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi|Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi]], although this valuable Oda retainer does not begin appearing in written records until around [[1576]].  

In [[1561]], [[Saito Yoshitatsu]], who had continued to fend off advances by the Oda, passed away, probably of leprosy. This left his son, Tatsuoki, in command and Nobunaga was quick to take advantage of the new lord's weak character. By bribing away key Saito generals, Nobunaga was able to weaken the defenses of Mino and in [[1567]] he attacked Inabayama, the headquarters of the Saito clan. According to tradition, the hill-top castle was brought down by [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi|Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi]], although this valuable Oda retainer does not begin appearing in written records until around [[1576]].  

The following year, Nobunaga moved his capital to Inabayama and renamed the castle Gifu. Everything about the move was auspicious, and made possible by two alliances - one to Matsudaira Motoyasu, and another to [[Takeda Shingen]] of [[Kai province|Kai]] and [[Shinano province|Shinano]]. The name Gifu was taken from the castle from which Wu Wang, ruler of the Chou, had set out in the 12th Century to unify China. Emperor Ogimachi sent a letter of congratulations and Nobunaga adopted the motto Tenka Fubu, or 'the realm covered in military glory' (or, alternatively, 'The nation under one sword").  

The following year, Nobunaga moved his capital to Inabayama and renamed the castle Gifu. Everything about the move was auspicious, and made possible by two alliances - one to Matsudaira Motoyasu, and another to [[Takeda Shingen]] of [[Kai province|Kai]] and [[Shinano province|Shinano]]. The name Gifu was taken from the castle from which [[King Wu of Zhou]] (or Wu Wang), ruler of the [[Zhou Dynasty]], had set out in the 11th or 12th century BCE to unify China. [[Emperor Ogimachi|Emperor Ôgimachi]] sent a letter of congratulations and Nobunaga adopted the motto Tenka Fubu, or 'the realm covered in military glory' (or, alternatively, 'The nation under one sword").  

The only real opposition to his moves in Mino came from the Asai, who had declared war on the Saito at around the same time. [[Asai Nagamasa]] considered Mino at least partly his, and a small war quickly brewed up on the Omi-Mino border. Nobunaga quickly arranged a peace and sealed an alliance by marrying his sister (O-ichi) off to Asai Nagamasa.  

The only real opposition to his moves in Mino came from the Asai, who had declared war on the Saito at around the same time. [[Asai Nagamasa]] considered Mino at least partly his, and a small war quickly brewed up on the Omi-Mino border. Nobunaga quickly arranged a peace and sealed an alliance by marrying his sister (O-ichi) off to Asai Nagamasa.  

Then Yoshiaki turned to Oda Nobunaga, who fairly jumped at the opportunity. In fact, he had expressed a desire in late [[1565]] to do just what Yoshiaki was asking, and it may be that Yoshiaki had been leery of approaching this young upstart to begin with. Uesugi and Asakura, after all, were names that carried quite a bit of prestige along with them. But, by [[1567]], Yoshiaki had evidently decided that beggars couldn't be choosers.  

Then Yoshiaki turned to Oda Nobunaga, who fairly jumped at the opportunity. In fact, he had expressed a desire in late [[1565]] to do just what Yoshiaki was asking, and it may be that Yoshiaki had been leery of approaching this young upstart to begin with. Uesugi and Asakura, after all, were names that carried quite a bit of prestige along with them. But, by [[1567]], Yoshiaki had evidently decided that beggars couldn't be choosers.  

In [[1568]] Nobunaga's army marched westward in Yoshiaki's name, brushing aside the Rokkaku of southern Omi and putting to flight Miyoshi and Matsunaga. [[Matsunaga Hisahide]] promptly submitted (for which he was confirmed Daimyo of [[Yamato province|Yamato]]) while the Miyoshi withdrew to Settsu. In the ninth month Nobunaga entered Kyoto and within three weeks Yoshiaki was installed as the fifteenth Ashikaga shogun with the approval of Emperor [[Ogimachi]]. The mutually beneficial relationship of Yoshiaki and Nobunaga had thus far borne sweet fruit. In time, it would grow quite sour, foreshadowed by Nobunaga's refusal to accept the position of Kanrei, or deputy shogun, even when the Emperor himself requested he do so in [[1569]]. Nobunaga seemed determined to exist in a sort of political limbo, and expressed little interest in any orthodox rank or titles, including, as we shall see, that of shogun. That Nobunaga was the real ruler in Kyoto was the only part of the equation that lacked any sort of ambiguity.

In [[1568]] Nobunaga's army marched westward in Yoshiaki's name, brushing aside the Rokkaku of southern Omi and putting to flight Miyoshi and Matsunaga. [[Matsunaga Hisahide]] promptly submitted (for which he was confirmed Daimyo of [[Yamato province|Yamato]]) while the Miyoshi withdrew to Settsu. In the ninth month Nobunaga entered Kyoto and within three weeks Yoshiaki was installed as the fifteenth Ashikaga shogun with the approval of Emperor Ôgimachi. The mutually beneficial relationship of Yoshiaki and Nobunaga had thus far borne sweet fruit. In time, it would grow quite sour, foreshadowed by Nobunaga's refusal to accept the position of Kanrei, or deputy shogun, even when the Emperor himself requested he do so in [[1569]]. Nobunaga seemed determined to exist in a sort of political limbo, and expressed little interest in any orthodox rank or titles, including, as we shall see, that of shogun. That Nobunaga was the real ruler in Kyoto was the only part of the equation that lacked any sort of ambiguity.

 

==Resistance, 1570-1573==

==Resistance, 1570-1573==

Nobunaga, hardly willing to allow his enemies time to strangle him, responded with an act of brutality so unusual that even his own generals were shocked. In later 1571, Nobunaga's troops surrounded Mt. Hiei and proceeded to work their way up the mountainside, killing any and all found in their path. By the next day, the once sprawling Enryakuji complex was reduced to ashes and thousands lay dead. The centuries old power of Mt. Hiei had been broken, and Nobunaga was afforded a little breathing room. An attempt to repeat this success at Nagashima, however, ended in failure, and Nobunaga was forced to hold off on further efforts to reduce this stronghold while the Takeda threatened.

Nobunaga, hardly willing to allow his enemies time to strangle him, responded with an act of brutality so unusual that even his own generals were shocked. In later 1571, Nobunaga's troops surrounded Mt. Hiei and proceeded to work their way up the mountainside, killing any and all found in their path. By the next day, the once sprawling Enryakuji complex was reduced to ashes and thousands lay dead. The centuries old power of Mt. Hiei had been broken, and Nobunaga was afforded a little breathing room. An attempt to repeat this success at Nagashima, however, ended in failure, and Nobunaga was forced to hold off on further efforts to reduce this stronghold while the Takeda threatened.

Nobunaga marched against the Asai's Odani Castle twice in 1572.  On both occasions he felt compelled to withdraw when the Asakura army approached in relief of the defenders.  On at least one of these campaigns Nobunaga was accompanied by his eldest son, Nobutada, for the first time.  In 1573 he sent an army to besiege Sawayama Castle, held by Asai retainer Isono Kazumasa.  Kazumasa was to hold out for nearly eight months before surrendering after his supplies ran out.

Nobunaga marched against the Asai's Odani Castle twice in 1572.  On both occasions he felt compelled to withdraw when the Asakura army approached in relief of the defenders.  On at least one of these campaigns Nobunaga was accompanied by his eldest son, Nobutada, for the first time.  In 1573 he sent an army to besiege Sawayama Castle, held by Asai retainer [[Isono Kazumasa]].  Kazumasa was to hold out for nearly eight months before surrendering after his supplies ran out.

In [[1572]] Takeda Shingen stepped up his forays into Tokugawa's land, and Ieyasu requested military assistance. Nobunaga, despite the aid he had himself gotten from Ieyasu in the past, hesitated (he was, after all, still technically allied to Shingen). Ieyasu's response was to hint that there was little that might otherwise stop the Tokugawa from actually joining the Takeda - a scenario that would put the Oda in a most precarious position. Wisely, Nobunaga agreed to help as much as his own situation allowed.  

In [[1572]] Takeda Shingen stepped up his forays into Tokugawa's land, and Ieyasu requested military assistance. Nobunaga, despite the aid he had himself gotten from Ieyasu in the past, hesitated (he was, after all, still technically allied to Shingen). Ieyasu's response was to hint that there was little that might otherwise stop the Tokugawa from actually joining the Takeda - a scenario that would put the Oda in a most precarious position. Wisely, Nobunaga agreed to help as much as his own situation allowed.  

Yoshiaki was barely on the road to refuge in the western provinces when Nobunaga marched north against the Asai and Asakura. He threatened [[Odani castle]], then ambushed and defeated the Asakura army dutifully dispatched in relief. Leaving a force to mask Odani, Nobunaga chased the fleeing Asakura into Echizen, easily capturing Ichijo-ga-tani. Asakura Yoshikage had abandoned his castle and ended up committing suicide in a temple on 16 September. Nobunaga then returned to Omi and surrounded Odani. Asai Nagamasa died a much less pathetic death then his ally Yoshikage, and made the honorable gesture of returning Nobunaga's sister and her children before committing suicide.  

Yoshiaki was barely on the road to refuge in the western provinces when Nobunaga marched north against the Asai and Asakura. He threatened [[Odani castle]], then ambushed and defeated the Asakura army dutifully dispatched in relief. Leaving a force to mask Odani, Nobunaga chased the fleeing Asakura into Echizen, easily capturing Ichijo-ga-tani. Asakura Yoshikage had abandoned his castle and ended up committing suicide in a temple on 16 September. Nobunaga then returned to Omi and surrounded Odani. Asai Nagamasa died a much less pathetic death then his ally Yoshikage, and made the honorable gesture of returning Nobunaga's sister and her children before committing suicide.  

With the Asai and Asakura gone, and the Takeda for the moment quiet, Nobunaga was free to inflict vengeance on the Ikko of Nagashima. Supported by the naval strength of Kuki Yoshitaka of Shima, Nobunaga blockaded Nagashima and captured its outlaying forts. During the August of [[1574]] the Oda forced the Ikko within the walls of their main fortifications and essentially imprisoned them there. The Nagashima complex was then set alight, and as many as 20,000 men, women, and children were massacred. This was not to be the last of Nobunaga's blood baths, but in many ways it was the most shocking, though not nearly as well known as his destruction of Mt. Hiei.  

With the Asai and Asakura gone, and the Takeda for the moment quiet, Nobunaga was free to inflict vengeance on the Ikko of Nagashima. Supported by the naval strength of Kuki Yoshitaka of Shima, Nobunaga blockaded Nagashima and captured its outlaying forts. During the August of [[1574]] the Oda forced the Ikko within the walls of their main fortifications and essentially imprisoned them there. The Nagashima complex was then set alight, and as many as 20,000 men, women, and children were massacred. This was not to be the last of Nobunaga's blood baths, but in many ways it was the most shocking, though not nearly as well known as his destruction of Mt. Hiei.  Nobunaga's armies would commit atrocities elsewhere, in Echizen and Noto and in Settsu as well, according to the ''Shinchoko-ki''.

Within one year, Nobunaga's borders and military clout had grown substantiality, enough to allow him to conduct three initiatives at once: the continued siege of the Honganji, a war of extermination aimed at the Ikko of Echizen and Kaga, and a showdown with the Takeda. The last would culminate in the bloody struggle at [[Battle of Nagashino|Nagashino]].

Within one year, Nobunaga's borders and military clout had grown substantiality, enough to allow him to conduct three initiatives at once: the continued siege of the Honganji, a war of extermination aimed at the Ikko of Echizen and Kaga, and a showdown with the Takeda. The last would culminate in the bloody struggle at [[Battle of Nagashino|Nagashino]].

==Nobunaga the Ruler==

==Nobunaga the Ruler==

Prior to Ashikaga Yoshiaki’s fall in 1573, Nobunaga had not accepted any court titles.  Now he accepted the prestigious rank of ''Kugyo''.  As a ''kugyo'', Nobunaga was officially part of the ruling hierarchy and could act in state affairs.  Court appointments would continue to be lavished on a near-yearly basis.  He was named ''Gondainagon'' and ''Ukon’etaishou'' in 1574 and two years later was elevated to ''Udaijin''.  He showed his regard for the Court by assuring the property of the ''kuge'' (nobles) and ordered that all land in Kyoto that had belonged to the ''kuge'' in the previous one hundred years be restored to them.  Normally, statutes of limitations were considered to come into effect after a period of 20 years.  On the same token, he assumed the right to settle disputes involving members of the nobility, a right he excersied by placing under temporary arrest the nobleman who had opposed his selection of the head abbot of the Kofuku-ji. During this time he handed over the official leadership of the Oda to his son Nobutada and clearly intended to carve out a political structure for his hegemony of the country.  In 1577 he resigned from his ranks of ''Udaijin'' and ''Ukon’etaishou'', pleading unfinished work in the provinces.  Actually, since the policy of the court was to honor an individual based on the highest post he had achieved, Nobunaga lost no influence by so doing.  According to some historians, such as Fujiki Hisashi, Nobunaga maneuvered to try to force [[Emperor Ogimachi]] into retirement.  Osamu Wakita has refuted this theory.  Nobunaga adopted a son of Ogimachi’s in 1579 and in the construction of Azuchi Castle had a room set aside to receive future visits from the future emperor.  As Nobunaga would be the father-in-law to the emperor, he would enjoy a status along the lines of a Retired Emperor.  Far from disdaining the court, Nobunaga had worked to link it directly to his vision of a united country under his rule.

Prior to Ashikaga Yoshiaki’s fall in 1573, Nobunaga had not accepted any court titles.  Now he accepted the prestigious rank of ''Kugyo''.  As a ''kugyo'', Nobunaga was officially part of the ruling hierarchy and could act in state affairs.  Court appointments would continue to be lavished on a near-yearly basis.  He was named ''Gondainagon'' and ''Ukon’etaishou'' in 1574 and two years later was elevated to ''Udaijin''.  He showed his regard for the Court by assuring the property of the ''kuge'' (nobles) and ordered that all land in Kyoto that had belonged to the ''kuge'' in the previous one hundred years be restored to them.  Normally, statutes of limitations were considered to come into effect after a period of 20 years.  On the same token, he assumed the right to settle disputes involving members of the nobility, a right he excersied by placing under temporary arrest the nobleman who had opposed his selection of the head abbot of the Kofuku-ji. During this time he handed over the official leadership of the Oda to his son Nobutada and clearly intended to carve out a political structure for his hegemony of the country.  In 1577 he resigned from his ranks of ''Udaijin'' and ''Ukon’etaishou'', pleading unfinished work in the provinces.  Actually, since the policy of the court was to honor an individual based on the highest post he had achieved, Nobunaga lost no influence by so doing.  According to some historians, such as Fujiki Hisashi, Nobunaga maneuvered to try to force [[Emperor Ogimachi]] into retirement.  Osamu Wakita has refuted this theory.  Nobunaga adopted a son of Ogimachi’s in 1579 and in the construction of Azuchi Castle had a room set aside to receive visits from the future emperor.  As Nobunaga would be the father-in-law to the emperor, he would enjoy a status along the lines of a Retired Emperor.  Far from disdaining the court, Nobunaga had worked to link it directly to his vision of a united country under his rule.

   

   

Culturally Nobunaga was also active. An avid student of the tea ceremony and poetry (if not an exceptional poet) he collected tea items from near and far, and held tea and poetry gatherings with such learned and cultured men as [[Hosokawa Fujitaka]], [[Imai Sokyu]], and [[Sen no Rikyu]]. In the same vein he encouraged the giving of tea items and other objects as a reward for exceptional service, as opposed to the traditional grant of land, and the reward of a tea item from Nobunaga's hand was felt to be an exceptional honor.

Culturally Nobunaga was also active. An avid student of the tea ceremony and poetry (if not an exceptional poet) he collected tea items from near and far, and held tea and poetry gatherings with such learned and cultured men as [[Hosokawa Fujitaka]], [[Imai Sokyu]], and [[Sen no Rikyu]]. In the same vein he encouraged the giving of tea items and other objects as a reward for exceptional service, as opposed to the traditional grant of land, and the reward of a tea item from Nobunaga's hand was felt to be an exceptional honor.

Westerners fascinated Nobunaga and he showed a high degree of tolerance for their activities, to the extent that he is sometimes referred to mistakenly as a Christian. The chances that Nobunaga had any intention of converting are probably nonexistent.  However, Nobunaga was indeed very hospitable towards his European callers.  They provided him with some of the novelties and artifacts he habitually collected and almost certainly added to his sense of power-the Jesuits tended to see Nobunaga as the real ruler of Japan, a distinction he could not have but enjoyed.  Additionally, they acted as a foil to his Buddhist enemies, if only to increase their frustration. Much has always been made in western works of Nobunaga's relationship with the Jesuits.  it is possible, however, that he saw them as merely useful and somewhat amusing diversions.  Yet it seems unlikely that Nobunaga would have trivialized the connection they afforded him with the outside world, especially as an alternative to China.  Far more important to Nobunaga were his own retainers, and yet he does not come across as a particularly trustworthy leader. Few if any samurai entered his inner circle of top retainers after 1568. Even those top men he did employ were moved about from place to place, and often treated with at least some modicum of coldness. In 1580, after the fall of the [[Ishiyama Honganji]], Nobunaga summarily dismissed and allowed the death in exile one of his oldest retainers, [[Sakuma Nobumori]], for alleged incompetence of command. He is recorded as teasing Hideyoshi with the nickname 'Saru', or Monkey, and deriding Akechi Mitsuhide for his poetic ability (actually considered rather good) and his hairline. There are other, more outrageous recordings, but, as always in Sengoku tales, it is sometimes difficult to discern where truth ends and hyperbole begins. For all that, it is likely that Nobunaga would not have been nearly as successful as he was had he been afraid to delegate. Shibata Katsuie, for instance, was dispatched to subdue the Hokuriku and with a few notable exceptions, Nobunaga left him to it for the better part of a decade. When Nobunaga decided to launch a campaign into the Chugoku region, he sent Hideyoshi and Akechi to lead the armies, never once commanding troops there himself.  

Westerners fascinated Nobunaga and he showed a high degree of tolerance for their activities, to the extent that he is sometimes referred to mistakenly as a Christian. The chances that Nobunaga had any intention of converting are probably nonexistent.  However, Nobunaga was indeed very hospitable towards his European callers.  They provided him with some of the novelties and artifacts he habitually collected and almost certainly added to his sense of power-the Jesuits tended to see Nobunaga as the real ruler of Japan, a distinction he could not have but enjoyed.  Additionally, they acted as a foil to his Buddhist enemies, if only to increase their frustration. Much has always been made in western works of Nobunaga's relationship with the Jesuits.  it is possible, however, that he saw them as merely useful and somewhat amusing diversions.  Yet it seems unlikely that Nobunaga would have trivialized the connection they afforded him with the outside world, especially as an alternative to China.  Far more important to Nobunaga were his own retainers, and yet he does not come across as a particularly trustworthy leader. Few if any samurai entered his inner circle of top retainers after 1568. Even those top men he did employ were moved about from place to place, and often treated with at least some modicum of coldness. In 1580, after the fall of the [[Ishiyama Honganji]], Nobunaga summarily dismissed and allowed the death in exile one of his oldest retainers, [[Sakuma Nobumori]], for alleged incompetence of command. He is recorded as teasing Hideyoshi with the nickname 'Saru', or Monkey, and deriding [[Akechi Mitsuhide]] for his poetic ability (actually considered rather good) and his hairline. There are other, more outrageous recordings, but, as always in Sengoku tales, it is sometimes difficult to discern where truth ends and hyperbole begins. For all that, it is likely that Nobunaga would not have been nearly as successful as he was had he been afraid to delegate. Shibata Katsuie, for instance, was dispatched to subdue the Hokuriku and with a few notable exceptions, Nobunaga left him to it for the better part of a decade. When Nobunaga decided to launch a campaign into the Chugoku region, he sent Hideyoshi and Akechi to lead the armies, never once commanding troops there himself.  

In [[1578]] [[Azuchi castle]] was completed in Omi province and stood as the most impressive castle ever built in Japan. Lavishly decorated and immensely expensive, Azuchi was meant not so much for defense but as a way of clearly illustrating his power to the nation. He went to great lengths to draw merchants and citizens to Azuchi's accompanying town, and probably saw it becoming the long-term capital of the Oda hegemony - in whatever form it took.  

In [[1578]] [[Azuchi castle]] was completed in Omi province and stood as the most impressive castle ever built in Japan. Lavishly decorated and immensely expensive, Azuchi was meant not so much for defense but as a way of clearly illustrating his power to the nation. He went to great lengths to draw merchants and citizens to Azuchi's accompanying town, and probably saw it becoming the long-term capital of the Oda hegemony - in whatever form it took.  

===Television===

===Television===

* ''Nobunaga - King of Zipangu'' (信長 - KING OF ジパング) 30th [[NHK Taiga Drama]] 1992

* ''Nobunaga - King of Zipangu'' (信長 - KING OF ジパング) 30th [[NHK Taiga Drama]] 1992

===Books===

===Books===

* ''[[Nobunaga Shisezu]]'' (信長しせず), Nakaji Satoru, Gakken, Japan, 2000 (Book)

* ''[[Nobunaga Shisezu]]'' (信長しせず), Nakaji Satoru, Gakken, Japan, 2000 (Book)

===Appearances===

===Appearances===

* ''Taiko'', Yoshikawa Eiji (Book)

* ''Taiko'', Yoshikawa Eiji (Book)

==See Also==

==See Also==

* [[Vassals of Oda Nobunaga]]

* [[Vassals of Oda Nobunaga]]

==References==

==References==

* Initial text from [http://www.samurai-archives.com Samurai-Archives.com] FWSeal & CEWest, 2005

* Initial text from [http://www.samurai-archives.com Samurai-Archives.com] FWSeal, 2005

*Wakita Osamu ''The Emergence of the State in Sixteenth-Century Japan: From Oda to Tokugawa'' Journal of Japanese Studies, Vol 8 No 2, 1982

*Wakita Osamu ''The Emergence of the State in Sixteenth-Century Japan: From Oda to Tokugawa'' Journal of Japanese Studies, Vol 8 No 2, 1982

[[Category:Samurai]]

[[Category:Samurai]]

[[Category:Sengoku Period]]

[[Category:Sengoku Period]]