Battle of Hitotoribashi

The Battle of Hitotoribashi (人取橋の戦い) was a battle during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th century) of Japan.

Due to the death of Date Masamune's father, Date Terumune by the hands of Hatakeyama Yoshitsugu, Masamune swore vengeance. After succeeding to the throne of the Date clan, Masamune would effectively have his revenge by launching an attack against the Hatakeyama at Hitotoribashi in October 1585. Despite a large imbalance between the forces (Date: 7,000; Hatakeyama: 30,000), the alliance assembled in support of the Hatakeyama forces disintegrated and withdrew after beating Masamune back into the Motomiya Castle.

Background

After Masamune's father was abducted and killed near Abukuma river, a general war proceeded between the Date clan and their traditional rivals the Hatakeyama clan. The Hatakeyama allied with the Soma, Satake, and Ashina. The allies marched with their 30,000 troops toward Motomiya Castle. Masamune with only 7,000 troops prepared a defensive strategy, including forts that were on the way to Motomiya Castle.

Battle

Things did not look good for the Date clan. Three of his valuable forts were taken, and one of his chief retainers, Moniwa Yoshinao was killed in battle. The allies pressed on towards the Seto River. Date tried to force them back but failed. Date gathered his remaining forces for a last stand. But the next morning no doubt to the Date's amazement the main army picked up and marched away. These were Satake Yoshishige's men. In his absence the Satomi clan had attacked his lands in Hitachi Province. The allies thought they could not take down Motomiya with the remainder of men they had left, so they too retreated.

References

• Turnbull, Stephen. The Samurai Sourcebook

Coordinates: 37°31′N 140°24′E / 37.517°N 140.400°E / 37.517; 140.400