Yonekura Shigetsugu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Nagashino
Part of the Sengoku period
General launching his troops to attack the castle of Nagashino in 1575, by Yoshitoshi
Date June 28, 1575 Location Nagashino, Mikawa Province, Japan Result Siege fails; Oda-Tokugawa victory
Belligerents
Takeda forces	combined Oda-Tokugawa forces
Commanders and leaders
Takeda Katsuyori, Anayama Nobukimi, Takeda Nobukado	Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Okudaira Sadamasa

Yonekura Shigetsugu was a brave Japanese samurai who lived in the 1500s. He was a member of the powerful Takeda clan. Shigetsugu is remembered for fighting in two very important battles in Japanese history: the Battle of Kawanakajima and the Battle of Nagashino.

A Samurai's Life and Battles

Yonekura Shigetsugu served a famous leader named Takeda Shingen. He also worked for another samurai, Amari Haruyoshi. Shigetsugu was a skilled warrior who fought in many battles.

The Battle of Nagashino (1575)

Shigetsugu died during the Battle of Nagashino in 1575. This battle was a big moment in Japanese history. The Takeda clan was fighting against the combined armies of Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The Takeda clan, led by Takeda Katsuyori, was trying to take a castle called Nagashino. But Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu sent their soldiers to help.

Nobunaga's army used new tactics and many firearms. The Takeda clan was famous for its strong cavalry (soldiers on horseback). However, the firearms helped Nobunaga's forces win. Many people say this battle was the first "modern" Japanese battle. It changed how wars were fought in Japan.

During the battle, Yonekura Shigetsugu bravely charged alone towards the enemy. He was killed by gunfire. After this victory, Oda Nobunaga continued to gain power. He eventually took control of most of Japan.

The Cavalry Charge

Yonekura Shigetsugu was part of a key cavalry charge at Nagashino. In war, cavalry charges work best when the enemy soldiers break apart. If the enemy stays in a strong line, horses often refuse to run into them. The Takeda forces hoped their charge would make the enemy scatter. But Nobunaga's soldiers held their ground, and the charge failed.

Death Poem of Shigetsugu

Samurai sometimes wrote a "death poem" before they died. These poems were usually short and meaningful. Yonekura Shigetsugu's death poem is still performed in traditional Japanese plays called Noh plays today. It is a good example of a Haiku-like death poem.

His Master, Amari Haruyoshi

Yonekura Shigetsugu's master was Amari Haruyoshi. He was also known as Amari Masatada. Masatada was a well-known samurai who served Takeda Shingen. He fought in several battles, including the 4th Battle of Kawanakajima in 1561.

Family Legacy

Yonekura Shigetsugu's family line continued through history. Some of his descendants became famous in their own ways. For example, Muramatsu Shigetsugu helped invent a semiconductor. Another descendant, Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu, became a renowned sword maker.

Attributed Quote (Noh play)

like a dew I was born

like a dew I die

all life is but an illusion

Images for kids

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  Map of Japanese provinces with Shigetsugu's home province highlighted

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  Battle of Kawanakajima in 1561