Posted by Once regional lords got word about the deceitful killing of Shigenami many began to doubt the integrity of Takanobu. The Kyushu Jiranki of 1582 mentions – Kuroki Munehide (Sanehisa) lord of Nekoo castle rebelled against the Ryuzoji. Nekoo castle sits on an important boundary region between the Ryuzoji and Shimazu. For the most, holding these boundary regions was important, both politically and militarily. Takanobu ordered Nabeshima to attack the castle. Nabeshima’s army surrounded the castle but he refused to attack and waited for food supplies to run out while negotiating a surrender. Kuroki finally surrendered but Takanobu demanded hostages in return.
Another castle also in the boundary region, Takao castle rebelled. Lord Tajiri who was the closest neighbour to Lord Shigenami in Yanagawa in distance and as a close ally. Takanobu called an emergency meeting with all his senior retainers in August, who, for the time being were against any further military action as the Ryuzoji forces were already stretched to the limit. However, in October Tajiri announced an end to his alliance with Takanobu who, once again was ready to punish anyone willing to cross him and ordered an attack on the castle. The closest available retainer army were from the neighbouring Buzen region under Lord Ogawa. 30,000 troops were assembled and attacked Takao castle, but the castle’s defences were very strong and Tajiri had no intention of surrender, so it became a stalemate. Annoyed by the slow progress Takanobu decided to go to Takao himself, with a few thousand of his own army and once again relied on Nabeshima to take control of the attacking army. Nabeshima and the Ryuzoji force travelled overland while Takanobu caught a boat from Shiroishi port to Okawa and met near the castle.
Ryuzoji retainers, now reinforced with Takanobu’s own samurai and lead by Nabeshima made more attacks on the castle but were still unable to break through. Takanobu had had enough and left Lord Ogawa in charge of the siege while he and Nabeshima returned to Yanagawa castle to plan a new strategy. In the meantime, Tajiri was able to send out a number of messages to the Shimazu, one of which was received by Yoshihisa in Higo, who was camped just to the south of Takao castle. The message requested help from the Shimazu who accepted, and they prepared to send a few hundred foot samurai north to meet the Ryuzoji. While this was happening, Ryuzoji retainers, the Akizuki and Harada a little further to the north, of Takao, who were of the same family line as the Tajiri had been busy behind the scenes. They petitioned Takanobu to put an end to the siege as they and did not want to see any more bloodshed and an end to the family clan. In July, nearly nine months after the start of the siege a peace deal was reached, and the siege was lifted. The Akizuki were fine politicians and Takanobu was facing a mass exodus of many retainers on the eastern border regions and used this leverage to convince Takanobu to lift the siege. The Akizuki also brokered a peace deal with Yoshihisa who had moved 37,000 samurai into northern Higo. A battle between the Shimazu and Ryuzoji for now had been averted. In the correspondence from the Akizuki they pleaded for peace from both parties, stating that samurai had been continuously fighting for years and that local people were physically, mentally, and financially exhausted. Finally, several regional lords from the border regions of Higo along with the Akizuki and Harada clans made a peace deal in September 1583. The Takase river in northern Higo, near Tamana became the official border marker between the Ryuzoji and Shimazu.
Takanobu had many hostages in his possession, especially from those on the border regions whom he distrusted. Now, one of the regional lords who helped negotiate the peace treaty was Akahoshi Tokie. Akahoshi clan was from northern Higo and was one of the retainers whose lands and local population had suffered the most from the ongoing conflicts. Although the peace deal was celebrated by those on the border regions, Takanobu was displeased that peace was made without his knowledge and without a sword being swung at the Shimazu whom he believed was the weaker opponent. As a result, to punish the retainer he killed the Akahoshi children who were his hostages, a son aged 16 and a daughter aged 8. For many senior retainers the killing of these children was seen as the beginning of the end for the Ryuzoji.
As things began to quieten in the east, things to the west began to implode as well. Let’s move to the Shimabara peninsula which was an important border region between the Ryuzoji and Shimazu on the western side of the Ariake Sea. Shimabara is to the south of Saga castle and home to the Arima and Omura clans. From 1581 the Arima had been allied with the Ryuzoji by marriage. Arima Harunobu’s elder sister was the wife of Ryuzoji Masaie, Lord of Saga castle, Takanobu’s eldest son. News of Takanobu murdering the Akahoshi children had spread far and wide. The Arima were also aware of fighting in northern Higo with other Ryuzoji retainers who had rebelled. Despite the marriage, Harunobu decided to rebel against Takanobu as well. Harunobu was quite the gifted politician and a cunning warrior. The neighbouring castle to the Arima in Minami Shimabara, Fukae castle belonged to Yasutomi Junji and his son Junyasu. Lord Yasutomi had always been a staunch Ryuzoji retainer. He and his son had led their army fighting in northern Higo, leaving their home castle unprotected. Harunobu chose this time to attack Fukae castle, but Harunobu wasn’t stupid, he had already allied with the Shimazu. With only a light defence, the castle was taken without any terrible losses. Junji and Junyasu returned home to find that Harunobu had taken it. After hearing the news about the Akahoshi children and Harunobu told them about his alliance with the Shimazu the Yasutomi also entered into the Arima/Shimazu alliance. By October 1583 the Shimazu had 3000 elite foot samurai and archers stationed in and around the Shimabara region.
In history, Harunobu is famous as one of the first Christian lords, although he was initially hostile to any Christian activities, he later realised that with Christian support, he could increase his power in the region. He converted to Christianity in 1580 and with the support from the Society of Jesus, the Arima clan continued to build up their military strength with guns, cannons and ships.
Takanobu’s spies found out about the three way alliance and army build up in Shimabara. It was reported to him that about 6000 samurai were stationed on the peninsula. Takanobu ordered his retainers to prepare an army to hit the Arima alliance, but planning was slow as senior retainers such as Nabeshima were in Higo trying to keep the peace, and it was also a sticky situation as Harunobu’s sister was Masaie’s wife and no one wanted to see another family tragedy. So, once more, an irritated Takanobu gathered his own army at Suko castle and prepared to march to Shimabara. Once Nabeshima heard what Takanobu was doing he quickly rushed back to Suko castle. Nabeshima told Takanobu not to go to Shimabara and cancel any plans to fight against the Arima, but Takanobu was as stubborn as ever, dismissed him and his advice.
There are various reports about the size of each army. Ryuzoji army estimated at 40,000 but Satsuma (Shimazu) report 60,000 Ryuzoji samurai. Luis Frois, famous Jesuit, estimated the Ryuzoji army at about 12,000 and the Satsuma at 6,000. This is interesting because unlike many other battles in Kyushu, the battle of Okitanawate was witnessed by Jesuit Luis Frois and some details of the event were noted in his diary. It is a little special for me as well, to write about a foreigner who had firsthand evidence of Kyushu history. It is quite rare. Anyway, he also gave quite a detailed report about the Ryuzoji army. Goes like this – The Ryuzoji samurai are lavishly dressed, clean and elegant. They look well trained and very disciplined. They carry long guns (teppo), long swords (yari), bows and arrows, and a small number of cannons. He also mentioned that the army contained more than a dozen warrior monks and priests. They carried plenty of food and ammunition. Frois mentions that the generals carry European made maps of the region.
While Frois acknowledges the strength of the Ryuzoji force he also voices some criticisms. He writes – Takanobu is the enemy of the Christians, a tyrant, and persecutor of Christians. He was a monk in his early life but abandoned his position and took up the sword for his family. He is an outstanding strategist, courageous in his decision making and wisdom. Takanobu can be compared to that of Julius Caesar, who both died at the age of 56. Quite the interesting comparison.
On another interesting point, this is only the second time that I have found any mention of religion in this series which is a little surprising as Christianity was definitely making progress throughout the Kyushu regions at the time. One other mention in this series was when Otomo Sorin, a converted Christian, destroyed shrines and temples before the Battle of Mimigawa and the backlash he faced from Buddhist allies. Might be interesting to look into the politics of Christianity vs Buddhism in Kyushu at this time period at another time. Anyway, lets continue.
On the 24th March 1584 Takanobu and his army marched into the Shimabara Peninsula to face the Shimazu but it was Iehisa who decided the battlefield to be Okitanawate. Nawate is a narrow road in a swamp with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. There is only one way in and out. Defences were built stretching from Maruo castle at the foot of Mt. Heisei all the way across to a smaller castle called Moritake on the coastline of the Ariake sea. Takanobu had superior numbers and battle experience compared to Iehisa and he was overly optimistic. Nabeshima Naoshige, forever wise, commented that Shimazu Iehisa and the Satsuma samurai were a tricky opponent, probably aware of the defeated Otomo a few years earlier, but the arrogant Takanobu refused to listen to his words and was ready to dive straight in. Takanobu had a total of sixteen army groups, six armed with guns the others mixed bow and foot samurai. Takanobu arranged three divisions. Himself in the center with two teppo groups, five mixed bow and foot samurai. On the right flank was his son, Masaie with two teppo groups and one foot samurai, and on the left Nabeshima with two teppo groups and two foot samurai and two foot samurai groups in reserve. The Shimazu were lined across in single formation behind the barricades with a total of seven army groups, four bow, two foot and one teppo samurai. Takanobu and some of his retainers climbed a small hill which overlooked the battlefield and Shimazu defences. It is said that Takanobu laughed at the small number of Shimazu and said it would be a quick victory, a sign of arrogance which was probably justified at the time.
The battle began at 8am (some report 10am) and the Ryuzoji move into their attacking formation and head towards the Shimazu defences. Masaie was to attack the castle on the right flank and Nabeshima to aim for the coastal castle while Takanobu headed straight down the middle. In a surprising act to lure the Ryuzoji vanguard in quickly, one group of Shimazu foot samurai armed with the yari moved from behind the defences to the front. The leading Ryuzoji armies armed with teppo and foot samurai charged the Shimazu. Two teppo groups fanned out left and right while the foot Ryuzoji samurai engaged the defenders. The Shimazu stood within the range of their archers but just outside the range of the Ryuzoji teppo. Once both foot samurai engaged in battle the Shimazu slowly pulled back luring more of the Ryuzoji main force closer, within range of the archers. However, the path was narrow with swamps on either side so the main Ryuzoji force was having problems advancing forward creating a bottleneck. Once majority of the Ryuzoji attackers came within range, the Shimazu archers appeared from behind the barricades and rained arrows on the Ryuzoji who were stuck in the muddy bottleneck. At the same time the Shimazu foot samurai feigned a retreat and withdrew back behind the barricades luring the Ryuzoji even closer within Shimazu teppo range as well.
In the first couple of hours of the battle Takanobu slowly moved closer to the front line and set up a temporary camp to the left flank of the battlefield near Moritake castle. Takanobu was able to get a better view of the fight and was getting impatient that it was taking so long to break the Shimazu defences. Reports arrived back to Takanobu about the Shimazu retreat back behind the defensive line and yelled at his hatamoto retainers to make an all-out charge and break through the Shimazu defence.
This is exactly what Iehisa was waiting for. The whole Ryuzoji army was pushing forwards but unable to break through while being under constant arrow and teppo fire. The swamps on either side of the path made use of the Ryuzoji cavalry and cannons inoperable. By midday most of the center Ryuzoji army were within range of Shimazu archers. Thus far, I have not mentioned two sailing ships that had been hovering just off the coast in the Ariake Sea. Arima Harunobu had been donated two ships loaded with cannons by the Society of Jesus. Once the Ryuzoji army had amassed along the defence line the time had come to use the cannons. The Ryuzoji army were unable to attack nor retreat, were stuck in the mud, bombarded with cannon fire, teppo and arrow fire. Ryuzoji samurai were dropping like flies.
Frios writes – Takanobu ‘The Bear of Hizen’ was riding in a palanquin carried by six of his assistants. Takanobu had become so obese that he couldn’t ride a horse anymore. Another report describes Takanobu as a very obese lord who had once ridden a horse now rode in a large palanquin. He was moved to a small hill in the marshes to get a better view of the battle. At around 2pm, the Bear’s camp was spotted by some Shimazu samurai from around the castle. A small group of samurai set out and headed for the camp. One samurai named Tadachika along with a couple of others found their way into Takanobu’s camp. Surprisingly, messengers came and went but ‘The Bear’ was, for the most, alone.
Takanobu heard the men and thought they were his subordinates. What are you doing? He yelled at them. Tadachika headed towards the voice and found Takanobu sitting alone, took his yari and held it at Takanobu’s neck. Who are you? Takanobu said. I’m Tadachika, head of the Kawakami from Satsuma. According to the Hiyo Gunki, although obese Takanobu knew his fate had come but he was still a strong man. He grabbed the yari and said, ‘Do you know how to behead a general?’ Another one of the Satsuma samurai, Sakyosuke took out his katana and said, ‘This is the blade I will use; how do you feel?’ The third Satsuma man said, ‘How do you want to die?’ At that point Takanobu stood up, then got on his knees and began to recite Buddhist haiku he memorised as a monk all those years ago. ‘A single snowflake falls on the furnace, a single snowflake falls on the furnace’. Sakyosuke bowed to the small shrine just behind where Takanobu was sitting and beheaded Takanobu.
Ryuzoji Takanobu had fought many battles and built the Ryuzoji clan’s influence to become the most powerful clan in Kyushu after the death of his great grandfather, father and brothers. Takanobu died on 24th March 1584, around 2pm in the afternoon. He was 56 years old.
At the battle of Okitanawate against Shimazu Iehisa and Arima Harunobu, Takanobu clearly had the more powerful force by numbers but was completely defeated by Iehisa’s tactics. It was such a terrible defeat for the Ryuzoji, many of Takanobu’s vassals were also killed including senior retainers. Takanobu’s remains were left in the camp, but his head has never been located. He was later buried, and a monument can be found today on the coast in Shimabara honouring Ryuzoji ‘The Bear of Hizen’ Takanobu. The history of Saga Prefecture often refers to Takanobu as one of the founding fathers along with Nabeshima Naoshige who inherited the Hizen domain upon Takanobu’s death.
End.
Written and researched by Stuart Iles.
Frois Luis. History of Japan.
Kawasoe Yoshiatsu. 2018. 戦国の肥前と龍造寺, Hizen Sengoku and Ryuzoji Takanobu. Miyaobi Publishers.
新名一仁, 戦国武将列伝11九州編, 戎光祥出版 (2023)
Japanese History and Culture 
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