Siege of Iwaya

• Shimazu Yoshihiro (under the command of Shimazu Yoshihisa) (50,000) vs. Takahashi Shigetane (under the command of Otomo Yoshimune) (760)
  • Date: 1586
  • Location: Chikuzen province
  • Castle Siege
  • KIA: Takahashi Shigetane

With the defeat of the Ryuzoji at Okitanawate in 1584, the Shimazu returned their full attentions to the Otomo and began to push deeply into their territory. A drive into Chikuzen Province resulted in the Siege of Iwaya in 1586. Iwaya was held by one of the pillars of the Otomo house, Takahashi Shigetane (Shoun), and some 760 men. After holding out for two weeks against enormous odds, Shigetane, aware of the futility of further resistance, committed suicide. When the Shimazu heard of his end, they are said to have prayed for his spirit, so impressed were they by his bravery.