Fourth Kawanakajima 1561 - Phase 2 Yamamoto Kansuke Charge

As the battle developed, the Uesugi troops were deployed in a “Winding Wheel” formation as their forces advanced. This tactical formation allowed their front line units to be replaced by fresh troops as the forces moved forward. While the Takeda …

1561-09-13

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As the battle developed, the Uesugi troops were deployed in a “Winding Wheel” formation as their forces advanced. This tactical formation allowed their front line units to be replaced by fresh troops as the forces moved forward. While the Takeda units, deployed in a “Crane Wing” formation could not bring units forward as quickly. Yamamoto Kansuke, seeing his army being pushed back, realized that his plans for “Operation Woodpecker” had failed. Accepting responsibility, he charged forward into the Uesugi lines in true Samurai fashion. He fought bravely until overcome by wounds and finally withdrew to commit seppuku.

Kawanakajima, Shinano Province, Japan

The battles were part of the 16th-century Sengoku period, also known as the "Warring States Period", and were little different from other conflicts. After the Ōnin War (1467–77), the shōgun's system and taxation had increasingly less control outside the province of the capital in Kyoto, and powerful lords (daimyōs) began to assert themselves. Such lords gained power by usurpation, warfare or marriage—any means that would safeguard their position. It was manifested in yamajiro ("mountain castles"), which overlooked the provinces. In 1541, Shingen began his conquest of Shinano Province. In 1550, Shingen advanced once again into Shinano and quickly conquered Hayashi Castle, Kiribara and Fukashi Castle by siege. These had been controlled by Ogasawara Nagatoki, who fled to Murakami Yoshikiyo. In October 1550, Shingen began the Sieges of Toishi Castle, from which position he intended to carry out the final attack on the main Murakami castle of Katsurao. However, in November the siege was abandoned and Shingen's army was counterattacked by Murakami, and almost routed. The following year, though, Murakami was forced to leave the castle and the successful Siege of Katsurao (1553) ensued.

Wikipedia: Battles of Kawanakajima

Uesugi

Takeda