Fourth Kawanakajima 1561 - Phase 4 Fords of Amenomiya

Through the night the flanking force of “Operation Woodpecker" under the command of Kosaka had ascended Mt. Saijo only to find that the Uesugi troops had abandoned the position. Hearing the sound of battle, Kosaka quickly moved to the fords …

1561-09-17

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Through the night the flanking force of “Operation Woodpecker" under the command of Kosaka had ascended Mt. Saijo only to find that the Uesugi troops had abandoned the position. Hearing the sound of battle, Kosaka quickly moved to the fords of Amenomiya, which were guarded by Amakasu Omi-no-kami Kagemochi, one of Kenshin's most reliable generals and a small detachment of men. The fighting was fierce as the Uesugi rearguard was almost wiped out trying in vain to stop the crossing. When Kosaka and his men did cross the Chikumagawa, the stage was set for a dramatic turn of fortunes, for Kansuke's “Operation Woodpecker" plan would surprise Kenshin and his army.

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