The 1548 battle of Shiojiritoge was one of many battles fought by

Takeda Shingen , of Kai Province, was a pre-eminent ''daimyō'' in feudal Japan. Known as the "Tiger of Kai", he was one of the most powerful daimyō with exceptional military prestige in the late stage of the Sengoku period. Shingen was a warlord of great ...

in his bid to conquer Japan's

Shinano Province or is an old province of Japan that is now Nagano Prefecture. Shinano bordered on Echigo, Etchū, Hida, Kai, Kōzuke, Mikawa, Mino, Musashi, Suruga, and Tōtōmi Provinces. The ancient capital was located near modern-day Matsumoto, whi ...

History

It took place soon after Shingen suffered a devastating loss in the battle of Uedahara; he sought revenge, and to return to a string of victories. Shingen launched a surprise attack upon

Ogasawara Nagatoki (November 9, 1519 – April 17, 1583) was a Japanese samurai ''daimyō'' of Shinano Province in the Sengoku period. Turnbull, Stephen. (2013)''Kawanakajima 1553–64: Samurai Power Struggle'', P. 54 In 1542, Shinano Province was invaded by Taked ...

's camp, using only a small rapid strike mounted force. Approaching in the night and attacking at dawn, Shingen caught his enemy unprepared, taking the camp as Ogasawara's men "grabbed their armor and swords." This battle was one of many which serve as examples of Takeda Shingen's expertise and specialty in using cavalry to maximum effect.

References

{{Reflist *Turnbull, Stephen (1998). ''The Samurai Sourcebook''. London: Cassell & Co. Shiojiritoge 1548 in Japan Shiojiritoge Shiojiritoge