[For Elementary School Students] Deepen Your Knowledge of Sengoku Warlords with a Country-Conquest Quiz

Ōnin War

The Ōnin War was a Japanese civil conflict that lasted from 1467 to 1477. It began with a succession dispute over Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and escalated into a major war as the rivalry between the Hosokawa and Yamana clans drew in feudal lords (shugo daimyo) across the country. The fighting devastated Kyoto and set the stage for the Sengoku period, during which samurai throughout Japan battled to defend and expand their own domains.

love

Naoe Kanetsugu was a samurai commander of the Sengoku period, renowned for serving Uesugi Kenshin and Uesugi Kagekatsu. His helmet prominently featured the character “愛” (love). This “love” symbolized compassion for both friend and foe and a wish for peace, expressing Naoe Kanetsugu’s philosophy of valuing people’s hearts and peace, rather than merely engaging in battle.

The Siege(s) of Osaka

Sanada Yukimura is particularly famous for the Siege of Osaka (the Winter and Summer Campaigns). He held out in Osaka Castle and fought the Tokugawa forces, constructing a defensive fortification called the Sanada-maru that gave the Tokugawa army great trouble. For his brave fighting, he was praised as “the finest warrior in Japan.” He also took part in the Battle of Sekigahara, but his most notable achievements were during the Siege of Osaka, where he is known for pressing Tokugawa Ieyasu to the brink.

Torachiyo

Uesugi Kenshin was a military commander from Echigo during the Sengoku period. In his childhood, he was called “Torachiyo.” The element “Chiyo” was commonly used in names in the past, and the character for “tiger” (tora) signifies bravery and strength. The origin of Kenshin’s childhood name, “Torachiyo,” reflects his family’s wish that he would grow into a bold and valiant warrior.

eye

Date Masamune contracted smallpox when he was a child and lost sight in his right eye. For this reason, he is known by the nickname “The One-Eyed Dragon.” Despite being unable to see with his right eye, Masamune fought bravely. At that time, it was rare for a person with a disability to succeed as a military commander, so his effort and courage are respected by many. The name “One-Eyed Dragon” also reflects his distinctive trait and his strength.

cavalry

The answer is “the cavalry.” Takeda Shingen was a feudal lord of Kai Province during the Sengoku period, famous for the battle motto “Fūrinkazan.” Among Shingen’s forces, the most renowned unit was the cavalry. This was a group of mounted warriors who excelled at tactics that leveraged speed and power. The Takeda cavalry was said to be the strongest of its time and distinguished itself in many battles. Furthermore, by making the most of the horse’s capabilities, the Takeda army had a significant impact on the history of warfare.

Yamanashi Prefecture

Kai Province refers to the area of present-day Yamanashi Prefecture. During the Sengoku period, the land was ruled by Takeda Shingen, and it’s said that the place name Kōfu also derives from Kai Province. Yamanashi is an inland prefecture with many mountains and rivers in its center, known for the Kōfu Basin and for fruits such as grapes and peaches. Part of Mount Fuji is also located within the prefecture.