Nagashima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nagashima長島 |
|
|---|---|
| near Nagoya, Japan | |
| Type | Series of fortifications, incl. a fortified Buddhist monastery and pre-Azuchi-Momoyama period Japanese castle |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Ito Shigeharu (c. 1555), Ikkō-ikki (late 1550s – 1574) |
| Condition | Ganshō-ji temple is rebuilt; remnants of fortifications are not extant and exact location is unknown |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1550s–1560s |
| Built by | Ito Shigeharu (castle), Ikkō-ikki (fortification network) |
| In use | 1555–1574 |
| Materials | Wood, stone, earthworks |
| Demolished | 1574 by Oda Nobunaga |
| Battles/wars | Sieges of Nagashima (1571–1574) |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | 20,000 (incl. civilians) |
Nagashima (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) was a group of strongholds and forts in Japan. These were controlled by the Ikkō-ikki, a group of warrior monks. They were active during Japan's Sengoku period, a time of many wars. The Ikkō-ikki did not like the rule of the samurai lords.
A powerful samurai leader named Oda Nobunaga attacked and destroyed Nagashima in the 1570s. This event, along with the later surrender of another major Ikkō-ikki fortress, helped Nobunaga become even more powerful. It also ended the threat the Ikkō-ikki posed to him and other samurai.
What Was Nagashima?
Nagashima was located in a swampy area. It was a delta where three rivers met, near the modern city of Nagoya. It sat on the border of Owari and Ise Provinces.
Nagashima was not just one big fort. Instead, it was many smaller forts surrounding two main strongholds.
- Nagashima Castle was built around 1555 by Ito Shigeharu. The Ikkō-ikki took it over soon after. They did this in a similar way to how they took other lords' lands.
- The Ganshō-ji fortified monastery was the second main defense center of Nagashima.
At one time, this area might have been called "Nanashima," meaning "seven islands." Today, it is one island between the Kiso and Nagara Rivers. Ise Bay is at its southern tip.
The Conflict with Oda Nobunaga
The Oda clan, led by Oda Nobunaga, controlled nearby lands. They were worried about the Ikkō-ikki's growing power. In 1569, the Oda clan fought the Ikkō-ikki at Ogie Castle. The Ikkō-ikki won this battle. Nobunaga's brother, Nobuoki, was killed.
Nobunaga returned to attack the Ikkō-ikki's fortress three times. He finally defeated them in 1574. He had help from the Kumano Suigun (Navy), led by the Kuki family. Nobunaga then set the wooden structures of Nagashima ablaze. It was a terrible fire, and many people inside did not survive.
What Remains Today?
According to the Nagashima Historical Society, the main Nagashima Castle no longer exists. Its exact location is unknown. What is believed to be the most likely spot for the castle is now a junior high school. This location was chosen based on old descriptions from the 1500s and what seems to be an old moat. There is a map at the school site.
A reconstructed castle gate was built, but it was washed away during the Isewan Typhoon in 1959. The Ganshō-ji monastery was rebuilt some distance away from its original spot. A stone stupa (a monument) was put up to remember those who died when the fortress was burned.
See also
- Sieges of Nagashima
