Changes

*'''Kamakura''' Era (1184-1333)

*'''Kamakura''' Era (1184-1333)

   

   

After defeating the Taira clan at Dan-No-Ura, Minamoto no Yorimoto  moved his shogunate to Kamakura. Emperor Gotoba, the formal ruler, remained in Kyoto. This also marked the beginning of the rule of the samurai class. Kamakura became the cultural capitol, and swordsmiths from all over the country gathered there. These are the days of Masamune and his Jittetsu (ten disciples). Today is generally agreed that best blades were made in this period and, for quality and beauty, still remains at the top.

After defeating the Taira clan at Dan-No-Ura, Minamoto no Yorimoto  moved his shogunate to Kamakura. Emperor Gotoba, the formal ruler, remained in Kyoto. This also marked the beginning of the rule of the samurai class. Kamakura became the cultural capitol, and swordsmiths from all over the country gathered there. These are the days of '''Masamune''' and his  

'''Jittetsu''' (ten disciples). Today is generally agreed that best blades were made in this period and, for quality and beauty, still remains at the top.

Kamakura swords can be divided into three sub-periods :

Kamakura swords can be divided into three sub-periods :

* Early Kamakura (1184-1231) :

* Early Kamakura (1184-1231) :

In this period, the Kamakura shogunate and court nobles in Kyoto scrambled for political power. And internal trouble broken out in the Kamakura shogunate. Therefore, demand of swords increased all over the country. This period is a transitional period from the refined shape in the last stage of Heian Era to the mighty shape in next period.

In this period, the Kamakura shogunate and court nobles in '''Kyoto''' scrambled for political power. And internal trouble broken out in the Kamakura shogunate. Therefore, demand of swords increased all over the country. This period is a transitional period from the refined shape in the last stage of Heian Era to the mighty shape in next period.

Sori ( curvature ) does not look like suddenly fall to the ridge side at right above Nakago and the center of Sori moved upper in comparison with the previous period.  

Sori ( curvature ) does not look like suddenly fall to the ridge side at right above Nakago and the center of Sori moved upper in comparison with the previous period.  

This type of Sori is called '''Koshi-zori'''. It means the sword curved at  

This type of Sori is called '''Koshi-zori'''. It means the sword curved at  

waist of a blade. The width near Kissaki ('''Monouchi''') is not so different

waist of a blade. The width near Kissaki ('''Monouchi''') is not so different

from that of near Nakago ('''Habakimoto'''), and Kissaki became little bigger. A standard length of this period is about 79cm. Hamon in this period is based on Sugu-ha, straight.  

from that of near Nakago ('''Habakimoto'''), and Kissaki became little bigger. A standard length of this period is about 79cm. Hamon in this period is based on '''Sugu-ha''', straight.  

The swords until this period are made in '''Ko-Nie'''.  

The swords until this period are made in '''Ko-Nie'''.  

Swords made in '''Nioi''' did not exist yet.

Swords made in '''Nioi''' did not exist yet.

* Middle Kamakura (1232 - 1287) :

* Middle Kamakura (1232 - 1287) :

After the war happened in 1232, Hojo family held real power and Kamakura shogunate reinforced their authority. Kamakura became the center of Samurai culture and the demand of sword increased. Kamakura shogunate called in some swordsmiths who have superior skill from Kyoto and Okayama. They moved with family and Kamakura became the center place of the production of swords. The shapes in this period did not remain copies of the older period but changed to be more mighty.

After the war happened in 1232, Hojo family held real power and Kamakura shogunate reinforced their authority. Kamakura became the center of Samurai culture and the demand of sword increased. Kamakura shogunate called in some swordsmiths who have superior skill from Kyoto and Okayama. They moved with family and Kamakura became the center place of the production of swords. The shapes in this period did not remain copies of the older period but changed to be more mighty.

The width became to be greater, but there is no difference between the width near the Kissaki and near Nakago. Thickness also became greater. Moreover, Kissaki became to be Ikubi-Kissaki and the edge became to be Hamaguri-ba because of the edge became to be thick. Hamaguri means a clam, and we call it because the cross section of the blade looks like a clamshell.  Sori is Koshi-zori and the center of Sori moved more upper and Nakago became to be a little longer then that of former period.

The width became to be greater, but there is no difference between the width near the Kissaki and near Nakago. Thickness also became greater. Moreover, Kissaki became to be  

About Hamon, the brilliant patterns became to be conspicuous. Especially Fukuoka-Ichimonji school in Bizen ( Okayama prefecture ) made the so-called Obusa-Choji or Juka-Choji and they became to be popular. Obusa means the shape of the head of Hamon ( round part of Hamon ) looks like a big bunch of Choji and Juka means Choji overlapped each other.  And a lot of Tanto became to be made from this period. The characteristic is Hira-zukuri and they curved toward the edge. That is, the blade curved contrary to the normal . We call this curvature Uchi-zori or Takenoko-zori. But originally the blade were straight, and the thin edge were polished again and again, then the width of the edge decreased. Therefore it looks as if it curved the reverse way.  

'''Ikubi''' and the edge became to be '''Hamaguri-ba''' because of the edge became to be thick. Hamaguri means a clam, and we call it because the cross section of the blade looks like a clamshell.  Sori is '''Koshi-zori''' and the center of Sori moved more upper and Nakago became to be a little longer then that of former period.

About Hamon, the brilliant patterns became to be conspicuous. Especially Fukuoka-Ichimonji school in Bizen ( Okayama prefecture ) made the so-called Obusa-Choji or Juka-Choji and they became to be popular. Obusa means the shape of the head of Hamon ( round part of Hamon ) looks like a big bunch of Choji and Juka means Choji overlapped each other.  And a lot of Tanto became to be made from this period. The characteristic is Hira-zukuri and they curved toward the edge. That is, the blade curved contrary to the normal . We call this curvature '''Uchi-zori''' or  

'''Takenoko-zori'''. But originally the blade were straight, and the thin edge were polished again and again, then the width of the edge decreased. Therefore it looks as if it curved the reverse way.  

Hawatari is about 25cm.

Hawatari is about 25cm.

   

   

* Late Kamakura (1288 -1333) :  

* Late Kamakura (1288 -1333) :  

The Mongolian invasions attempt of 1274 and 1281 greatly influenced the Japanese sword. Until this period the method of battle in Japan was based on single duels, with rituals as  exchanging names and genealogies each other before fight with no organized formations and tactics. On the contrary Mongolians attacked suddenly in organized formations following tactics. Moreover, their armor were tough and they used weapons which Japanese have never seen before as gunpowder hand-grenades and rockets. Their armors were light and they could move fast. After that the Japanese armors became to be lighter and sword's shape  changed to make them able to chop the light armor without being entrapped and then broken in them.  

The Mongolian invasions attempt of 1274 and 1281 greatly influenced the Japanese sword. Until this period the method of battle in Japan was based on single duels, with rituals as  exchanging names and genealogies each other before fight with no organized formations and tactics. On the contrary Mongolians attacked suddenly in organized formations following tactics. Moreover, their armor were tough and they used weapons which Japanese have never seen before as gunpowder hand-grenades and rockets. Their armors were light and they could move fast. After that the Japanese armors became to be lighter and sword's shape  changed to make them able to chop the light armor without being entrapped and then broken in them.  

The former blade was Hamaguri-ba. When you chop a hard thing, Hamaguri-ba is suitable, but the armors began to be light and thin in this period. So the blade in this period became to be thin compared with the one of former period. And Kissaki became to be Chu-Kissaki (medium length). That is, Kissaki got longer because when Ikubi-Kissaki was damaged, no room for restoration was available. When you stab the enemy, Chu-Kissaki is suitable. Ikubi-Kissaki was wider then Chu-Kissaki. Mihaba ( width ) becomes to be narrow. This shape looks like the refined one of the first stage of Kamakura, but Kissaki in this period is bigger and the center of Sori moved up. In this way, if the edge became to be thin, strength of the blade decrease. Therefore, you have to make Mihaba wide and if Mihaba become wide, Kissaki become to be bigger. The peak like this change is Odanbira in the next Northern and Southern Dynasties.  

The former blade was Hamaguri-ba. When you chop a hard thing, Hamaguri-ba is suitable, but the armors began to be light and thin in this period. So the blade in this period became to be thin compared with the one of former period. And Kissaki became to be  

The Mongolian Invasions influenced Hamon, too. Obusa-Choji and Juka-Choji was giving way to Choji-ha based on Sugu-ha or Kataochi-gunome, because the blade with very wide Ha is easy to break. Swordsmiths realized it from experience. Ha is harder than the other parts. If the harder part hold the most of the blade, the blade is easy to break because the blade can not absorb the shock. And the top of Hi (grooves) invariably stop lower.  This is made to leave room for repair when Kissaki is damaged.

'''Chu-Kissaki''' (medium length). That is, Kissaki got longer because when Ikubi-Kissaki was damaged, no room for restoration was available. When you stab the enemy, Chu-Kissaki is suitable. Ikubi-Kissaki was wider then Chu-Kissaki. '''Mihaba''' ( width ) becomes to be narrow. This shape looks like the refined one of the first stage of Kamakura, but Kissaki in this period is bigger and the center of Sori moved up. In this way, if the edge became to be thin, strength of the blade decrease. Therefore, you have to make Mihaba wide and if Mihaba become wide, Kissaki become to be bigger. The peak like this change is Odanbira in the next Northern and Southern Dynasties.  

The Mongolian Invasions influenced Hamon, too. Obusa-Choji and Juka-Choji was giving way to Choji-ha based on Sugu-ha or Kataochi-gunome, because the blade with very wide Ha is easy to break. Swordsmiths realized it from experience. Ha is harder than the other parts. If the harder part hold the most of the blade, the blade is easy to break because the blade can not absorb the shock. And the top of '''Hi''' (grooves) invariably stop lower.  This is made to leave room for repair when Kissaki is damaged.

In this period, Tanto increased in  number and there is  characteristic shape. That is, Nakago is curved.  This Tanto is called "Mete-zashi ". Samurai put on this Tanto when they wore armor and they put it on the right-side of their waist, handle facing right to be easy unsheathed when armor were in contact with each other, as in a grappling close combat is expected. This Mete-zashi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armors or cut off his neck, so Mihaba is narrow.  

In this period, Tanto increased in  number and there is  characteristic shape. That is, Nakago is curved.  This Tanto is called "Mete-zashi ". Samurai put on this Tanto when they wore armor and they put it on the right-side of their waist, handle facing right to be easy unsheathed when armor were in contact with each other, as in a grappling close combat is expected. This Mete-zashi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armors or cut off his neck, so Mihaba is narrow.  

*'''Nambokucho''' Era (1334-1393)  

*'''Nambokucho''' Era (1334-1393)  

Emperor Godaigo in 1334  started a rebellion to overthrew the shogunate in the attempt of restore the power of the imperial court and gained the control of the country. But after only two years Ashikaga Takauji raised his own Emperor (Komyo) to power. The power split in two courts : Godaigo held court in Yoshino and Komyo built his government in Kyoto. The north (Nan) and south (Hoku) courts fought for nearly  60 years giving the name to this period : ‘the Courts of the South and of the North’. Years of continuous war rised the needs for swords and changed the shape of the blades. The method of battle changed to a battle between group and group. The battle formation became that foot soldiers surround a leader riding on a horse. As the footsoldier raised in importance once again, a very long sword, more suitable for this new horseback fighting style was created. This long Tachi was for driving away enemy, so the length was from 85cm to over 1m was made. Some of these ‘’’Odachi’’’ or ‘’’Nodachi’’’ or ‘’’Odanbira’’’ arrived to a length of 120-150 cm.  The longer ones were used by footsoldiers to cut horses legs and open gaps into enemy spearmen lines. Mihaba of these Tachi were wide, so the Kasane were thin to lighten the weight. A thin Kasane  is the characteristic in this period. Therefore, when looking at Nanbokucho Tachi to understand it is of actual period, you need check Kasane. If Kasane of the blade is thick, doubts about authenticity arise.

Emperor '''Godaigo''' in 1334  started a rebellion to overthrew the shogunate in the attempt of restore the power of the imperial court and gained the control of the country. But after only two years '''Ashikaga Takauji''' raised his own Emperor (Komyo) to power. The power split in two courts : Godaigo held court in Yoshino and Komyo built his government in Kyoto. The north (Nan) and south (Hoku) courts fought for nearly  60 years giving the name to this period : ‘the Courts of the South and of the North’. Years of continuous war rised the needs for swords and changed the shape of the blades. The method of battle changed to a battle between group and group. The battle formation became that foot soldiers surround a leader riding on a horse. As the footsoldier raised in importance once again, a very long sword, more suitable for this new horseback fighting style was created. This long Tachi was for driving away enemy, so the length was from 85cm to over 1m was made. Some of these '''Odachi''' or '''Nodachi''' or '''Odanbira''' arrived to a length of 120-150 cm.  The longer ones were used by footsoldiers to cut horses legs and open gaps into enemy spearmen lines. Mihaba of these Tachi were wide, so the Kasane were thin to lighten the weight. A thin Kasane  is the characteristic in this period. Therefore, when looking at Nanbokucho Tachi to understand it is of actual period, you need check Kasane. If Kasane of the blade is thick, doubts about authenticity arise.

As Mihaba is wide, the Kissaki become to be greater as a logical consequence.  This is called O-Kissaki. This type of sword was too long to wear it , so usually the Samurai on horse give his Odachi to a follower for carrying and he grasp and draw it when needed. Therefore, if the follower is killed or driven away, the Tachi becomes to be useless.  This is the reason because of a smaller Tachi (‘’’Kodachi’’’) was carried hanging from the obi of the armor. This need was another reason for the rise of the ‘’’Uchigatana’’’ that became to be made in this period. The length is about 70cm and it was used  together with the longer Tachi.  All blades followed the fashion to be gigantic as Tachi were. Tanto in this period have peculiar characteristic. The length is about 35cm and they were made by Hira-zukuri. Mihaba is wide and Kasane is thin. They curved at middle of the blade. They are called ‘’’Sunnobi Tanto’’’ and they remains Tanto even if legally, for their length  they should be called Wakizashi. Naginata and Yari begun longer as well to fight against this longer Tachi. Fighting on a horse became to be disadvantageous. These too big blades all disappeared in a short period, soon after the end of the period. In effect the matter was formally resolved in a compromise, but Ashikaga and the north court were the factual winners.  Someone suggests that some schools related to the Southern Court went extinct because of the defeat (the Hosho school founded by Sadamune son of Masamune). No strong evidences are given, anyway.   

As Mihaba is wide, the Kissaki become to be greater as a logical consequence.  This is called O-Kissaki. This type of sword was too long to wear it , so usually the Samurai on horse give his Odachi to a follower for carrying and he grasp and draw it when needed. Therefore, if the follower is killed or driven away, the Tachi becomes to be useless.  This is the reason because of a smaller Tachi ('''Kodachi''') was carried hanging from the obi of the armor. This need was another reason for the rise of the '''Uchigatana''' that became to be made in this period. The length is about 70 cm and it was used  together with the longer Tachi.  All blades followed the fashion to be gigantic as Tachi were. Tanto in this period have peculiar characteristic. The length is about 35cm and they were made by '''Hira-zukuri'''. Mihaba is wide and Kasane is thin. They curved at middle of the blade. They are called '''Sunnobi Tanto''' and they remains Tanto even if legally, for their length  they should be called Wakizashi. Naginata and Yari begun longer as well to fight against this longer Tachi. Fighting on a horse became to be disadvantageous. These too big blades all disappeared in a short period, soon after the end of the period. In effect the matter was formally resolved in a compromise, but Ashikaga and the north court were the factual winners.  Someone suggests that some schools related to the Southern Court went extinct because of the defeat (the '''Hosho''' school founded by '''Sadamune''' son of '''Masamune'''). No strong evidences are given, anyway.   

Hamon in this period is Notare or Hitatsura etc. Due to their geometry the  

Hamon in this period is '''Notare''' or '''Hitatsura''' etc. Due to their geometry the  

swords in this period were generally belived to have the most sharp blades  

swords in this period were generally belived to have the most sharp blades  

ever. This is one reason because of  in Edo period a lot of these long Tachi

ever. This is one reason because of  in Edo period a lot of these long Tachi

were shortened to fit size when put them on the waist (and to fulfil the Shogun edicts about swords length). The same happend to Nagamaki, Naginata and sometimes even to Omiyari, the long-bladed Yari.

were shortened to fit size when put them on the waist (and to fulfil the Shogun edicts about swords length). The same happend to '''Nagamaki''', '''Naginata''' and sometimes even to Omiyari, the long-bladed '''Yari'''.

   

   

*'''Muromachi''' Era (1394-1595)  

*'''Muromachi''' Era (1394-1595)  

After the dynastic war a short period of peace followed. But the Ashikaga Shogun was  “de facto” powerless, and the true power was held by the Daimyo.  

After the dynastic war a short period of peace followed. But the Ashikaga Shogun was  “de facto” powerless, and the true power was held by the Daimyo.  

This very dangerous situation unavoidably left room for troubles. The battle for the true power began in 1467 with the so-called Onin-war  That started the Sengoku-jidai - 'the age the country at war'. The whole country was in a constant state of war for almost a hundred years, until ‘’’Oda Nobunaga’’’, ‘’’Toyotomi Hideyoshi’’’, and finally ‘’’Tokugawa Ieyasu’’’ managed to gain the power, and pacify the country.  

This very dangerous situation unavoidably left room for troubles. The battle for the true power began in 1467 with the so-called Onin-war  That started the Sengoku-jidai -  

In Muromachi Era samurai gradually began to use Uchigatana instead of Tachi. They still used Tachi in this stage and the shapes looks like the first stage of Kamakura Era, that is, Mihaba is narrow and Kissaki is small. But Sori (curvature) is different. In Kamakura Era, the center of Sori is near Nakago or little upper, but the center of Sori in Muromachi Era moved ahead. Curved around ‘’’Monouchi’’’, the last part of the blade toward the point,  is a characteristic often found of sword in Muromachi Era. This curvature is called ‘’’Sakizori’’’.

'the age the country at war'. The whole country was in a constant state of war for almost a hundred years, until '''Oda Nobunaga''', '''Toyotomi Hideyoshi''', and  

This is a transitional period from Tachi to Katana, so starting from now it is hard to distinguish between the two types. Sword smith made both, and often the shape is not enough to make the difference. The only way to distinguish in between is to watch at the ‘’’Mei’’’, the swordsmith’s  signature. The Mei must face out from the body when worn. Tachi were worn edge down and Uchigatana edge up. So the position of the Mei on the tang says us which type of blade it is. If no signature is present, the difference is often merely in the mounting type.     

finally '''Tokugawa Ieyasu''' managed to gain the power, and pacify the country.  

In Muromachi Era samurai gradually began to use Uchigatana instead of Tachi. They still used Tachi in this stage and the shapes looks like the first stage of Kamakura Era, that is, Mihaba is narrow and Kissaki is small. But Sori (curvature) is different. In Kamakura Era, the center of Sori is near Nakago or little upper, but the center of Sori in Muromachi Era moved ahead. Curved around '''Monouchi''', the last part of the blade toward the point,  is a characteristic often found of sword in Muromachi Era. This curvature is called '''Sakizori'''.

This is a transitional period from Tachi to Katana, so starting from now it is hard to distinguish between the two types. Sword smith made both, and often the shape is not enough to make the difference. The only way to distinguish in between is to watch at the '''Mei''', the swordsmith’s  signature. The Mei must face out from the body when worn. Tachi were worn edge down and Uchigatana edge up. So the position of the Mei on the tang says us which type of blade it is. If no signature is present, the difference is often merely in the mounting type.     

The swords of this era can be divided to three groups:  

The swords of this era can be divided to three groups:  

* Middle Muromachi  (1467-1554)  

* Middle Muromachi  (1467-1554)  

As the mobility of troops became strategically more important, the swords got even shorter. Most swords manufactured in this period were 60-65 cm long and had the same width all the length of the blade. Such blades were suitable for chopping with one hand and for quick-draw. These Katana are referred to as ‘’’Katate-uchi’’’. Katate means one hand. There is no difference of width between Monouchi and and ‘’’Habakimoto’’’ and the shape has a strong appearance. Nakago became to be short to be suitable for one-hand grip.

As the mobility of troops became strategically more important, the swords got even shorter. Most swords manufactured in this period were 60-65 cm long and had the same width all the length of the blade. Such blades were suitable for chopping with one hand and for quick-draw. These Katana are referred to as '''Katate-uchi'''. Katate means one hand. There is no difference of width between '''Monouchi''' and '''Habakimoto''' and the shape has a strong appearance. Nakago became to be short to be suitable for one-hand grip.

The Katana is replacing the Tachi. The ever-increasing need for swords also meant that not all swords were manufactured to the same high standards as before. The term ‘’’Kazuuchimono’’’ or ‘’’Taba-gatana’’’ was used to denote the mass-produced swords from the quality swords. Kazu-uchi means mass-produced and Taba-gatana means they were sold in a bundle as such swords were sold this way inside Japan and exported to Ming-dynasty China in their ten of thousand… These swords are disliked by collectors due to their low quality, but this doesn’t mean at all they weren’t very effective.

The Katana is replacing the Tachi. The ever-increasing need for swords also meant that not all swords were manufactured to the same high standards as before. The term  

Wakizashi also became to be made and the length are about 40cm. They were made by ‘’’Hira-zukuri’’’ and have no Sori. Shinto deities and Buddhas or Sanskrit characters engraved on the blade. These engravings are called ‘’’Horimono’’’. This type of Wakizashi is characteristic of in this period.

'''Kazuuchimono''' or '''Taba-gatana''' was used to denote the mass-produced swords from the quality swords. Kazu-uchi means mass-produced and Taba-gatana means they were sold in a bundle as such swords were sold this way inside Japan and exported to Ming-dynasty China in their ten of thousand… These swords are disliked by collectors due to their low quality, but this doesn’t mean at all they weren’t very effective.

A particular type of Tanto, called ‘’’Yoroi-doshi’’’ (armor-piercing began to be made. Yoroi-doshi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armor and the cross-section triangular. Very thick but not broad, with a very strong Kissaki, not very long.   

Wakizashi also became to be made and the length are about 40cm. They were  

made in '''Hira-zukuri''' and have no Sori. Shinto deities and Buddhas or Sanskrit characters engraved on the blade. These engravings are called '''Horimono'''. This type of Wakizashi is characteristic of in this period.

A particular type of Tanto, called '''Yoroi-doshi''' (armor-piercing began to be made. Yoroi-doshi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armor and the cross-section triangular. Very thick but not broad, with a very strong Kissaki, not very long.   

* Late Muromachi  (1555-1595)  

* Late Muromachi  (1555-1595)  

In the 12th year of Tenmon, a.D. 1543, the face of warfare in Japan was changed forever. This year the Portuguese first introduced firearms to Japan ,named Tanegashima Teppo  from the isle in the southern Kyushu where the first portugueses casually landed.  Japanese Daimyo immediately realized the potential of such a weapon, and soon Japan begun the country with the higher number of arquebuses all around the world. A Teppo is very effective and needs much less training in front of a ‘’’Yumi’’’ the Japanese bow.  

In the 12th year of Tenmon, a.D. 1543, the face of warfare in Japan was changed forever. This year the Portuguese first introduced firearms to Japan ,named Tanegashima '''Teppo''' from the isle in the southern Kyushu where the first portugueses casually landed.  Japanese Daimyo immediately realized the potential of such a weapon, and soon Japan begun the country with the higher number of arquebuses all around the world. A Teppo is very effective and needs much less training in front of a '''Yumi''' the Japanese bow.  

Even if the early guns were not accurate and it took a long time to reload, ‘’’Oda Nobunaga’’’ used them very  effectively in the battle of ‘’’Nagashino’’’ in 1573. The mounted troops of the ‘’’Takeda’’’ clan - considered to be the finest in the country and invincible - were heavly beated by men that were simples ‘’’Ashigaru’’’, but trained to use gunlocks.     

Even if the early guns were not accurate and it took a long time to reload,  

'''Oda Nobunaga''' used them very  effectively in the battle of '''Nagashino''' in 1573. The mounted troops of the '''Takeda''' clan - considered to be the finest in the country and invincible - were heavly beated by men that were simples '''Ashigaru''', but trained to use gunlocks.     

The mounted troops were powerless. The battlefield belonged to tight formations of footsoldiers, armed with guns. Some armour became heavy and thick to protect from bullets. In the meantime the swords became longer, heavier and more robust, lacking in elegance.  

The mounted troops were powerless. The battlefield belonged to tight formations of footsoldiers, armed with guns. Some armour became heavy and thick to protect from bullets. In the meantime the swords became longer, heavier and more robust, lacking in elegance.  

After the death of Oda Nobunaga, the country was unified under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Sengokujidai started his last run.  

After the death of Oda Nobunaga, the country was unified under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Sengokujidai started his last run.