Mikata Ga Hara 1572

After cleaning up and packing away the Shiloh battle, onto the gaming table pops up a Feudal Japanese battle.  This time, we look at the 1572 Battle of Mikata Ga Hara.  The scenario is based partially upon the scenario from Commands & Colors' Samurai Battles. 

Background

The Battle of Mikata Ga Hara, which took place in December 1572, was a significant conflict during Japan's Sengoku period. Takeda Shingen, seeking to expand his influence, invaded the territory of Tokugawa Ieyasu.  This invasion was partly motivated by Shingen's resentment towards Ieyasu for forming an alliance with Uesugi Kenshin and severing ties with the Takeda clan.

As Takeda Shingen moved his army south into Totomi Province, Tokugawa Ieyasu dismissed the advice of his generals and prepared to intercept the Takeda Army.  Defeating Tokugawa was not the Takeda Army’s primary objective.  Shingen was content with simply passing through the province on his way to bigger spoils.  Still, outnumbered by Takeda Shingen’s army, Tokugawa Ieyasu would not permit Takeda to pass through the province unchallenged.  To prevent Takeda’s passage, Ieyasu drew his army up on the high plain at Mikata Ga Hara.  Although outnumbered in both foot and horse to Shingen, Ieyasu figured an early strike against the Takeda vanguard might catch the enemy by surprise and put the Takeda army off balance.

Historical Battle
Takeda's Advance: Shingen led a large army of 27,000 troops into Totomi province, capturing several castles along the way.

Tokugawa's Response: Despite being outnumbered, with only 10,000 troops including reinforcements from Oda Nobunaga, Ieyasu decided to confront Shingen's forces.  Shingen feigned a retreat, luring the Tokugawa forces onto the Mikata Ga Hara Plain Ieyasu attempted to use a crane wing formation, but Shingen countered with a superior young formation. The Takeda cavalry overwhelmed the Tokugawa forces, resulting in a decisive victory for Shingen.

The Tokugawa army suffered heavy casualties, losing over 1,000 soldiers including several key vassals Ieyasu narrowly escaped back to Hamamatsu Castle, thanks to the sacrifice of some loyal retainers.  This battle is considered one of Takeda Shingen's greatest victories and one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's most significant defeats.  Despite this major setback, Ieyasu managed to regroup and eventually became a key player in the unification of Japan.  The battle demonstrated Shingen's tactical prowess and the effectiveness of the Takeda cavalry, while also highlighting the resilience of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the face of adversity.

In a change of pace, the first game will see Mark (Mud Blood and Steel) join me via Zoom for a remote two-player game.  Rather than umpiring, I actually get a chance to command.

The stage is set.  Next time, we find out how I did!