Sengoku Jidai: Battle of Kawanakajima 1561

[@ParallelPain]

Hi everyone. It's me again. Once again we are using only contemporary sources and the most reliable narrative sources, and modern examinations of them, for the battle. For people who were looking for things like "Operation Woodpecker", rotating-wheel formation, or Yamamoto Kansuke charging to his death, I'm sorry to disappoint. Again I will answer any short questions here that I can. Please take long, complicated questions to reddit's Askhistorians.

[@danboud8135]

Your work and effort is always appreciated. Thank you for your contribution!

[@JinandJuice90]

Oh damn it's ParallelPain! We played Europa Barbarorum 1 together haha! Are you a professional historian?

[@ParallelPain]

Wow how many years ago was that? Small world! No I just have a bachelors degree in history and know Japanese and know where to find primary sources and modern research. For this one we were lucky enough that I was in Japan in late spring of this year and got to buy some books and also walk the entire battlefield myself. I really want to go to Japan to continue my studies, but that's a few years in the future.

[@krishnakatragadda7234]

i was wondering why there were no soldiers posted at Yokoda as it may have proven detrimental to Kenshin

[@JinandJuice90]

That was 9 years ago! I'm just glad to see a former battle buddy, as a historical advisor no less! Hey, a question for you: Why did Japanese soldiers of the Sengoku era not have shields? Most pre-gunpowder era heavy infantry used some form of held shields, and the ones who didn't generally were compensated with very heavy armor. By contrast, the heaviest Samurai of the time still had many significant gaps in their armor, yet nobody thought to trade their yari for a shorter spear with a shield? I don't buy the Bushido bravado = no shield idea, since history shows that bravado was always secondary to practicality. I'm not talking about deployed shields for archers either; I specifically mean hand held equippable shields. And I'm not referring to pre-15th centry Japanese infantry, as I know they've had shields before. I'm wondering why the entire military society during Sengoku Jidai found the shield to be useless.

[@Knowledgia]

I don't care about anything now. BazzBattles posted!

[@kyrgyzjeff4550]

Knowledgia You rule!!!!

[@forrestl5597]

i care about something now

[@NoJokes11B]

Uesugi Kenshin was by far the most skilled Sengoku daimyo. His battle record is 48 victories, 24 draws, and 2 defeats. He was defeated by Hojo Ujiyasu at the Battle of Namanoyama in 1561, and by Hara Tanesada at the Battle of Usui Castle in 1566. This dude did not know how to lose. He was also a very religious man and strongly believed in Gi (義) or "righteousness". He only cared about taking care of his fief Echigo and its people. He would rarely occupy the land he invaded. Very interesting person.

[@attysthoughts3253]

He lost twice. So he obviously knew how to lose.

[@anthonymouser7677]

But why he lost tho

[@josetomascamposrobledano4618]

Atty's Thoughts 2 out of 48 victories... it’s the same as saying failing at something once makes you a failure forever

[@attysthoughts3253]

@@josetomascamposrobledano4618 comment was changed. original said Uesugi didn't know how to lose.

[@ConstantineJoseph]

Well he is considered the "God of War" in Japan. Although with the 2 defeats definitely puts him in the range of human still

[@alecsis882]

Man, i missed you! Edit: Didnt expected this, thank you guys for the support! I hope Baz seen it thanks to your help!

[@joaomiguelkojin]

WE ALL MISSED

[@donalddeluxe6407]

800th like.

[@ShiftJay08]

Man these warlords conquering entire provinces before 20 and here i am watching naruto and shit

[@nomooon]

ShiftJay08 their fathers were warlords too. You'd be conquering sht too as a kid if your father were a warlord.

[@BadPhreak]

born into power

[@ShiftJay08]

@@nomooon thanks man 😄👊 i can still conquer shit in shogun 2 so thats good

[@nald420]

@@ShiftJay08 some say kessen is the shit

It's mostly just retainers doing most of the work there though.

[@goodbanter4427]

This is one of the few channels I don't mind waiting for vids for

[@fox_2312]

Good Banter with the amount of editing I imagine this takes you have to wait

[@Yui_187]

And the research. He has to understand all these completely

[@thetomhome]

Amen

[@geofrey670]

Opening scene: 'Its been a year' Me: Since you last uploaded yeh. ;D

[@gnevescoelho]

my thoughts exactly

[@letsplayleo]

y that was the case here too...

[@undrgrnd734]

production quality is high compared to other channels. Bazbattles is just on another level

[@ninja393]

We pay for quality with time.

[@TheFlypaste]

I went down to post this XD

[@elhorno6934]

Papa Baz, we need more videos! We know the animation and credible sources are quite lengthy. We appreciate your uploads!

[@balbovandall6343]

Calling another adult man your papa, damn you're gay

[@Eshayzbra96]

Balbo Vandall, I'd turn gay to hear a voice like that every morning

[@elhorno6934]

C'mon guys, this guy can't take a joke. Seems to me that he's extremely far up his own asshole to differentiate between what is a joke and what isn't. Enjoy life man! :D

[@muhammadzidanezainalbaihaq3376]

@@elhorno6934 exactly they just dont get it

[@oneotuvalev9297]

7:31 *”Good luck, LOL.”* (Hojo Ujiyasu, Hojo Clan Daimyo, 1561)

[@tenchimuyo69]

I wonder if Kagetora's "retirement" was deliberately designed to re-stabilize Echigo and make it loyal again after its people started to fall apart without him. Ivan the Terrible had used a similar strategy. It is kind of an amusing thought that some leaders can potentially guilt trip their people into submission.

[@tyrannicfool2503]

I prefer to think he just said "screw this being a monk is less stressful" but yeah it is a certain possibility, Octavian also was about to renounce his powers one time but instead the Senate was like "no,no,no please stay" cementing his position

[@blugaledoh2669]

@@tyrannicfool2503 Could be both?

[@pypy1986820]

If you paid attention to Kenshin's military career, you would find that he had little ambition of become Shogun or whatever. pretty much everything he does can be understood as pre-emptive or purely defensive measures to hold on to Echigo and traditional Uesugi lands. Takeda Shingen, on the other hand, was always a bloody conqueror aiming at no less than ruling all of Japan like Oda Nobunaga. So yeah. I believe a less ambitious man like Uesugi Kenshin could actually be considering religious pilgrimage retirement seriously.

[@SealordofBraavos6257]

alexander did it as well to make his troops carry on following him

[@impatientsamurai6202]

It would be something to consider... he might have done it to solidify his claim to be bishimontens heir.

[@TheChazz1225]

Shingen must have been slinging some smack at Kenshin as his horse ran off with him. "Didn't even need my sword!"

[@tristanfaulkner6003]

it seemed more like Shingen was terrified and had to reevaluate how he thought of Kenshin. Kenshin was a rival of his, but until this point Shingen was considered to be the more powerful, respected, and well established lord and Kenshin was still considered a young upstart. Despite the Takeda army being nearly twice as large as Kenshin's, Kenshin was still able to completely outmaneuver Shingen and nearly kill him. The only reason Shingen survived this was because his army was so large and he was lucky enough to just barely hold on long until the other half of his army to come to his rescue. Even then his losses here were terrible while Kenshin's losses were not as bad in comparison. For the first time Shingen realized that Kenshin was more than a match for him and his dreams of northern conquest were no longer worth it since Kenshin was so dangerous. It must have been humiliating to be caught completely off guard and require rescue like that. Samurai were supposed to face enemies sword in hand, not frantically scrambling for cover while hiding behind a fan and needing the help of servants to survive. It made Takeda look weak and unprepared.

[@deadby15]

Kenshin didn't get off his horse and finish Shingen because Shingen was known to use many doubles ( one of his brothers who got killed in this battle served as his double, too.) Kenshin later said if he had been confident the guy was indeed Shingen himself, he wouldn't have left.

[@colinharvey2857]

He decided to give it all up! And become a monk!

[@htoodoh5770]

Green Bill lol

[@thetomhome]

"Fuck it I'm going to do some monk shit"

[@martind5653]

Story of my life, 25 and getting too old for all this shit. Fuck it, gonna be a monk :D

[@fausto6354]

And return as the God of War

[@FishBoneD14]

He gave up very little. He was still a lord, still a warrior, was likely still having sex at least with men. It was likely a political move. He knew they’d want him back.

[@ostar1on76]

Well,its time for Total War Shogun 2

[@swedsteve93]

Everytime I see one of these I end up playing it again

[@marct9182]

Same here 😂

[@Kurtownia]

I'm feeling more like Warband's 'Gekokujo' mod.

[@MrDUneven]

FIFTEEN FORTY FIVE

[@Incuggarch]

Time for Sengoku Rance ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@Hatsimmale]

Finally, I closed everything for this. Keep these videos coming.

[@elvisliu]

At 12:47, this video failed to mention the deployment of Amakasu Kagemochi's unit. Uesugi Kenshin predicted that Takeda's 12,000 men surprise-attack contingent would eventually cross the Chikuma river to join Shingen's main forces at Kawanakajima if they found Mt. Saijo empty. Therefore, he deployed Amakasu Kagemochi with 1,000 men to guard the river, in order to delay the advance of this strong contingent. Outnumbered by 10 to 1, Amakasu's unit was easily crushed by Takeda's men, but this act of valor has earned Amakasu high praise from Kenshin.

[@DerGrosTitan]

He did mention it though. He just didn't introduce this details, probably so he could condense the information as much as he could.

[@justarandomnobody7451]

2am here in australia. Just about to sleep but can't resist a new upload. Cheers!

[@williammcalpin8339]

Fantastic video, as a Westerner these Japanese names are tough to remember but the graphic design makes it very easy. The narration is well done too. Great job!

[@connorgolden4]

Both Kings and Generals and Baz battles update in an hour or so, now all I need is Historia civilis to update as well and I’ll be complete.

[@brettd2308]

That's the golden trifecta

[@connorgolden4]

Brett DuVale Or the first triumvirate

[@thetomhome]

Accurate.

[@totalwarplayer]

Don't forget Invicta and his Siege of Jerusalem!

[@connorgolden4]

totalwarplayer Uploading all 4 parts of the siege is taking longer than the actual siege.

[@WatcherMovie008]

Samurai Warriors flashback. *As battle starts* Shigen Takeda: Now then, let get started shall we? The secondary force will ambush the enemy at Mount Saijyo.The main force will keep the enemy occupied so we will not arouse suspicion. Uesugi Kenshin: Great Bishamonten, God of War. Grant me the strength to defeat my foes. *Halfway into battle* Takeda Messenger: The Uesugi Army is moving. Takeda Soldiers: *cheering* Shigen Takeda: *waves his war fan* No, it is too early for the pincer to have worked...... Uesugi Kenshin: *charging into the Takeda main camp* Your trickery will not work against me, Nemesis! Your head is mine. Shigen Takeda: *scoffs, watching from afar* Heh, not making this easy, are you? Impressive, Kenshin...... *scratches his chin*

[@impatientsamurai6202]

I think that was the second third or fourth battle... the first battle, this one, they had no respect for each other. The other battles were like that though.

[@CycloneSakura]

I think this Kawanakajima is actually the 4th

[@SHARKVADERS]

Baz battles back...

[@Scott-wd1cq]

A brilliantly told story that had me on the edge of my seat at no expensive of the facts, a difficult task for any historian/storyteller. Well done BazBattles!

[@ImrikGames]

Everything this guy put on the table is just a masterpiece. Great work...

[@hyakkaryoran175]

Nice vids! Hoping the Sengoku era series carries on :) would love to see other battles of the era like the 1569 Mimase Pass, 1573 Mikatagahara, 1575 Nagashino, 1582 Siege of Takamatsu, and 1584 Okitanawate

[@apsinthos5439]

Don't forget about the Odawara castle

[@John-vv7ok]

And also don’t forget the Honoji incident

[@ruialmeida818]

Man this was so cool. Although I lack in knowledge, I hold the Takeda clan very close, as they were the ones responsible for developing that which, eventually, became known as Aikido (well, Daytoryu Aikijujutsu, which was the origin of Aikido). Thanks for the post. That was brilliant.

[@T33K3SS3LCH3N]

After watching too many videos on Caesar, my first instinct on every situation is "just build a wall". Doesn't matter if it's a whole mountain, Caesar would probably have built a wall around it.

[@amp8295]

LMAO

[@impatientsamurai6202]

The Japanese would have just blown the wall to pieces... or bribe the garrison to their side

[@ahmadniam3568]

@@impatientsamurai6202 japanese didn't blow the wall, they surrounded it, deprived it, or burn wooden structure around it

[@impatientsamurai6202]

Ahmad Niam no but this is free standing wall, not the fortified Japanese walls that were only the edge of the dirt grounds, making it succeptable to cannons

[@FC-yg4wi]

@@impatientsamurai6202 ...and there goes the surprise. you cant leave silently when you blow up something, can you?

[@themoneyman8011]

Another masterfully crafted representation of a slice of the Sengoku Jidai! The way your content is presented is incredible!

[@redacted3557]

I closed Hoi4 for this

[@Sunygamer05]

lol me too :D

[@MortyrSC2]

With how bad the AI is in that game, you could probably leave it running in the background and still recover with no problems...

[@Justin-wl5pr]

@@MortyrSC2 lol

[@redacted3557]

Mateusz Kotowicz true lol

[@GAMEFREAK330]

I stopped playing Stellaris when I saw this was up!

[@SealordofBraavos6257]

its back thank god

[@Monochromicornicopia]

Don't thank god. Thank the editor

[@philiptbs]

This channel is actually getting better

[@archiedelapena7299]

*Kagetora didn't choose the monk life: the monk life chose Kagetora*

[@kimeonyoung914]

This is a vast improvement. Awesome job! I especially love that you are using a relief map to show pre-battle reasons for movements and positioning, which is very often overlooked but is the most crucial piece of generalship. All of the other channels like yours should be doing this!

[@wrenchguy2937]

I appreciate these man. Love this period. You should also do three kingdoms!

[@saj2392]

I have no idea why this came up in my recommended... but I will be watching more of your videos in the future. This was fascinating and the delivery was great!

[@BazBattles]

Glad you liked it.

[@terjesolum324]

After the battle in 1561 Shingen gained control of about 95% of Shinano, one area in the northeast remained under Uesugi control. Also, Kouzuke province was not under Uesugi control, the main portion of this province was under Takeda rule.

[@ackershus6276]

It's great to have you back!

[@RotundRager]

I remember this battle for a completely fictional addition in the Samurai Warriors games, where Kenshin rode out of the mist drinking and just before the charge said that he "pities his enemies for the horrors they are about to experience" in fighting him.

[@antonhilado8021]

You have graced us with an upload once again

[@beertjeswiss1023]

I've seen all your vids, the only channel with notifications on....

[@raulgonzalez-lp2fi]

Thank you for bringing two of my favorite warlords on one of the most Iconic battles of the last part of sengoku period. Keep up with the good work.

[@totalwar1793]

Love how you used the Total War: Shogun 2 music!

[@myflagonuranusstinner6529]

The Uesugi clan was my favorite clan in Shogun 2 !! Watching your Sengoku Jidai serie makes me wanna play again , I can't wait to finish my studies and go back home so I can play this amazing game

[@peterama2879]

My son and I watched this and we were like, "This is as entertaining as anime!"

[@seskal8595]

The quality of these videos is so great that I don't even mind having to wait as long as it means the standard is met :)

[@probuskill]

Masatora Uesugi is my favorite warlord during the period. Great video mate ☺️.

[@yocyoku]

The reason why Kenshin ’s soldiers were strong was because he was a soldier who obeyed Kenshin ’s orders well. By the way, Kenshin sent salt to Shingen when he was in trouble with the lack of salt in Takeda territory. They are called Echigo dragons and Kai tigers.

[@bluehelmi1672]

Missed you dude. Fine work as always.

[@Jan-ne2zl]

Hello.... I have 2 questions. 1st what program do you use to make these animations? 2nd Can you make battle of Vienna ?(when Sobieski helped austria) P.s. I Love these animations, they are great. After first video I watched (about siege of Tyre by Alexander the Great) i gave you Subscription :) P.s. 2 Your Voice is really matching those stories.

[@thebactrian7]

These videos are amazing I find it jaw dropping how you guys don’t have at least 5 million subscribers

[@osamazafar6264]

Need to find food to eat with this.

[@olafoman9768]

Takoyaki

[@VRichardsn]

I recommend facturas. That was my choosing, anyway.

[@jchea1764]

Don't forget some sake

[@WellWisdom.]

Great content, the narration is superb.

[@jichaelmackson4797]

0:00 It has been a year since the last Baz battles Video!

[@Yui_187]

Damn the amount of editing and research you put through your work is really great.

[@hauslamp9138]

This anime has good character development

[@TheStaniG]

AWESOME episode of baz battles and what a time in history. Production quality is better than ever.

[@gustavocampos1768]

You have to wait a entire month to see this channel but it's whorty it

[@stepanpytlik4021]

FINALLY! I am so glad to see you return :)

[@ankushvashishat898]

Thank god, where were you for such a long time

[@aksmex2576]

Making content?

[@massaweed420]

Damn, this just made my day 100x better. Especially since it's almost 20 minutes long!

[@BigYabai]

Fun fact: Kawanakajima means “island inside river”

[@arcaneleaf4074]

Thank you for the storied style of your videos! This channel is gold

[@Napoleonic_S]

Just an hour after kings and Generals. BTW will this channel also branch to other kind of historical military videos? Also some of your character name cards are hard to read in this video due to the dark red background blending the black words.

[@domzavaw]

napoleonic sp007rz i agree

[@rolland890]

It has branched to different military videos, Baz has some on Alexander and other battles too - this is his sengoku jidai series

[@KhanMann66]

This *is* him branching onto other military battles. His main focus is European battlefields.

[@Napoleonic_S]

@@KhanMann66 well I mean branching into things not directly related to any battles.

[@quinnellful]

Stoked! It’s been too long BaZ!

[@formica1892]

Okay, now this is epic.

[@connorbrennan501]

So awesome to have you back again. Such a quality vid

[@jaywilliams9294]

Why have so many of your videos been deleted?

[@BazBattles]

Just a couple of the oldest ones. They'll be refreshed.

[@brettd2308]

BazBattles It's good news that they're coming back and not just gone for good. I just noticed that it seems like all the oldest videos with the original narrator are gone - I'm assuming by "refreshed" you mean they're being re-recorded?

[@BazBattles]

Yeah. Plus script revision & graphic overhaul.

[@KhanMann66]

Yes. No offense to the creator, but it's hard to follow the narrator with such a thick accent. Makes it hard to follow.

[@tagitabtimanwa8898]

KhaanMan66 KhaanMan66 whatever but his accent is fine to me.... T_T so mean

[@FiikusMaximus]

The production value is through the roof!

[@dubiousdevil9572]

please do the battle of vienna

[@RealAmnz]

YES! Kawanakajima finally!! Great to see you post again!

[@christianvennemann9008]

Ayy, you're back! Can you please do Aegon's Conquest of Westeros next?

[@3numa3llis]

There is a Histories and Lores season 7 video on it. It's fucking fantastic and I hope you see it soon. It illustrates the main points of Aegon's Conquest. It is meant to be a narrative full of twists and turns, not a historical hot fight

[@christianvennemann9008]

@@3numa3llis I've seen it, and I agree that it's fantastic. I just wouldn't mind seeing it in this form, like with his videos on Robert's Rebellion and the Greyjoy Rebellion.

[@x3dfritz0]

Been waiting so long for a new episode! So happy!!

[@username7735]

So how is it that a guy who turned on his brother in law and then the ally who helped him against the said brother is still a symbol of honor and chivalry ?

[@denniseggert211]

Because even they treated their enemys not with absolute cruelty like most would. Uesugi Kenshin once send Shingen salt when the Takeda had nearly none left while being at war with them for example and many of their generals were former enemys who they took into their ranks.

[@ParallelPain]

@@denniseggert211 Unfortunately the story is almost certainly a later creation. While there might have been some element of truth, in that Kenshin for whatever reason did not seem to have participated in the embargo, there's no record of him sending Shingen salt. Also they definitely treated their enemies with cruelty. Pillaging and burning is rampant in the primary sources, so we can only assume rape was as well. The Takeda is also on record to have sold captives into slavery.

[@maximus6629]

Cool photo

[@SushiParty]

I love your sengoku jidai series. Your video quality is superb as well and not ceases to amaze me.

[@alexanderchenf1]

6:24 thats so cute

[@Capodraste]

These videos are always incredible and pleasant, thanks.

[@GerackSerack]

Awer men ar running from de battlefield! Shamefur dispray!

[@totalwar1793]

GerackSerack I see you have played Shogun 2 too

[@cardboardspoon3887]

You're amazing pal, I probably have no idea how much effort goes into these videos :) I really appreciate it

[@nhuthien198]

Battle of Bach Dang 1288 AD?

[@michieldemare6532]

Thanks Balthazar! Glad you posted a video!

[@hulakan]

Kagetora was not the lord of Strawberry Province. LOL The first syllable of "Echigo" is pronounced like the English word "etch" not the English word "itch". You are saying "itchygo" (which in Japanese means "strawberry".)

[@k-matsu]

That is only the most annoying of hundreds of bad pronunciations. How hard is it to look up the names and learn to pronounce them. It isnt as if Japanese pronunciation is difficult for an English speaker. Its just a matter of looking it up! Please! Please! Dont torture my eardrums any more. These are great videos, but if you butcher the pronunciation this badly, it makes it almost impossible to watch!

[@jordiroiggarcia9491]

Yeeeees! Was waiting for your vids and more exactly for one vid of Sengoku Jidai period! :)

[@annatarlordofgifts2442]

Anyone else immediately click on these vids asap?

[@HAUEhuaheau91]

Top notch quality is always worth the wait!

[@yobeljun]

Well screw sleep anyway

[@nathanho7718]

waited a long time for this, thank you

[@عبدالله-ه5ه9ك]

Clans and tribes are really cool here in somalia we have those long live my (isaac) clan

[@عبدالله-ه5ه9ك]

Classic bullshit somalis cant get along and will never ever get along that unity and shit youre talking about we already tried that in the 60s so will arent falling for that again we are somaliland here and we will achive our Independence wether they like it or not

[@arionerron4273]

@@عبدالله-ه5ه9ك the japanese obviously said that exact thing.

[@عبدالله-ه5ه9ك]

Arion Erron hey yeah and maybe we would unite like them but not now maybe after 500 years in meantime we will continue fooling around

[@WildBillCox13]

Easy to follow. Thanks for the good work.

[@vegapunk100]

Thx for this series one of the best ever made

[@kat-rau.]

I just watched the last few Sengoku videos, and was craving a new one. Perfect timing!

[@rolland890]

MORE!!! This was awesome! I missed these SO much!!!

[@carnifex2005]

A new BazBattles and Kings & Generals within minutes of each other. It's going to be a good day.

[@danielhutchinsonjr9325]

Thank you for your great work !!! This channel is awesome

[@christopherthrawn1333]

Excellent work here Sir and your Team

[@ChaosXeronix]

You are doing so awesome videos. Please go on. One of the best Channels on KZbin

[@nikolak4225]

Was studying for my exam,BazBattles uploads,i suppose i should take a break.

[@زنكي]

Another great video from the history of Japan.

[@illuminatie2526]

these sengoku jidai videos are amazing! great quality! the only bad thing about these videos is that I have to wait for them for so long :)

[@prrrt1324]

Finally! Thank you so much!

[@filiphnielsen3657]

Please more of sengoku Jidai! Preferably only Sengoku Jidai videos for a while. Amazingly good!

[@philbyd]

Another awesome presentation:thanks

[@oolooo]

This video makes me shit myself at every second .Both protagonists very smart and capable warriors and with tremendous twists and turns that leave you at the edge of your seat .And to think this is all real .