Baba Nobuharu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Baba Nobuharu
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A painting of the Japanese samurai, Baba Nobuharu, possibly drawn in the 1500’s
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| Native name |
馬場 信春
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| Nickname(s) | Baba Nobufusa (馬場 信房) |
| Born | 1514/15 |
| Died | June 29, 1575 |
| Allegiance |  Takeda clan |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Katsurayama (1557) Siege of Iwamura Castle (1572) Battle of Mikatagahara (1573) Battle of Nagashino (1575) |
Baba Nobuharu (馬場 信春, 1514/15 – June 29, 1575), also known as Baba Nobufusa (馬場 信房), was a famous Japanese samurai warrior. He lived during the Sengoku period, a time of many wars in Japan. Baba Nobuharu was one of the "Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda Shingen". These were the most trusted and skilled commanders of the powerful leader Takeda Shingen.
In 1550, Takeda Shingen captured Fukashi Castle (which is now Matsumoto Castle). He trusted Baba Nobuharu to take care of this important castle. Around 1553, Baba Nobuharu was put in charge of the Suwa area in Shinano. This area was on the border and helped protect against attacks from the north.
Contents
A Skilled Military Leader
Baba Nobuharu was a very active and successful military leader. He fought in many battles for the Takeda clan.
Early Victories
In 1557, Baba Nobuharu fought in the Kawanakajima campaigns. He led the Takeda army that attacked and destroyed Katsurayama Castle. This castle was a major stronghold for the Uesugi clan, who were rivals of the Takeda.
In 1562, Baba Nobuharu was given a special honor. He was allowed to use the name "Mino no Kami". This was a title that meant "guardian of Mino". He changed his name to Baba Mino no Kami Nobuharu. A famous book called the Kōyō Gunkan says that Takeda Shingen often asked Nobuharu for advice on important matters. This shows how much Shingen trusted him.
Important Battles
Baba Nobuharu continued to fight in major battles. In 1572, he helped capture Iwamura Castle from the Oda clan.
In 1573, he took part in the Battle of Mikatagahara. During this battle, his troops chased the army of Tokugawa Ieyasu all the way back to Hamamatsu fortress. Baba Nobuharu saw the fortress gates open and fires lit inside. He thought it might be a trap, so he did not push his attack further.
After Takeda Shingen passed away, Baba Nobuharu continued to serve Shingen's son, Takeda Katsuyori.
The Battle of Nagashino
In 1575, a very important battle took place: the Battle of Nagashino. Baba Nobuharu knew that Oda Nobunaga was involved in this battle. He advised Katsuyori to pull back and avoid the fight, but Katsuyori did not listen.
Baba Nobuharu led the right side of the Takeda army. He was killed during this battle. It is said that he bravely fought to cover the retreat of Katsuyori, allowing his leader to escape the battlefield.
"Mino the Immortal"
The Battle of Nagashino was a huge loss for the Takeda clan. Many brave warriors, including Baba Nobuharu, Sanada Nobutsuna, Naito Masayo, and Yamagata Masakage, died there. Their deaths greatly weakened the Takeda family, which eventually led to its downfall in 1582.
Before the Battle of Nagashino, Baba Nobuharu was known for an amazing fact: he had fought in about 70 battles without ever getting a single wound! Because of this, he was given nicknames like "Baba Mino the Immortal" or "Oni Mino the Immortal". "Oni" means "demon" or "ogre" in Japanese, showing how fierce and tough he was thought to be.
See also
In Spanish: Baba Nobufusa para niños
