When and where did the Battle of Okehazama take place?

It took place in 1560 at Okehazama, Owari Province (19th day of the 5th month, Eiroku 3).

Who fought in the Battle of Okehazama?

Imagawa Yoshimoto of the Imagawa forces, Oda Nobunaga of the Oda forces were among the commanders.

Can I watch the Battle of Okehazama in 3D?

Yes. This page plays a free three-minute 3D animated overview showing the deployments, the movements of each army and how the battle was decided.

The Battle of Okehazama in 3D

About the Battle of Okehazama

The Battle of Okehazama was fought in 1560 (19th day of the 5th month, Eiroku 3) at Okehazama, Owari Province. A mere 2,000 Oda troops, hidden by a torrential downpour, storm the headquarters of Imagawa Yoshimoto: one of the greatest upsets in Japanese history.

Year: 1560 (19th day of the 5th month, Eiroku 3)
Place: Okehazama, Owari Province
Era: Sengoku period

How the battle unfolded

Forts The Forts Burn
Early morning, the 19th day of the 5th month, Eiroku 3. The vanguard of Imagawa Yoshimoto's 25,000-strong invasion of Owari falls on the Oda forts of Marune and Washizu. Marune is taken by a young Imagawa commander, Matsudaira Motoyasu, the future Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Sortie Nobunaga Rides Out
At the news of the forts' fall, Nobunaga at Kiyosu Castle dances the "Atsumori" and rushes out of the castle with a handful of attendants. He gathers his men at Atsuta Shrine and moves to Zenshō-ji fort. They number a mere 2,000.
Feast Yoshimoto Rests at Okehazama
Pleased with his opening victories, Yoshimoto halts his palanquin on Okehazama Hill and holds a midday feast. "Not even demons and gods are to be feared." Nobunaga, meanwhile, advances to Nakajima fort and fixes the position of the enemy headquarters.
Storm Heaven's Gift: The Downpour
In the hour of the sheep the sky suddenly darkens and a downpour like flung stones hammers Okehazama. Hidden by the blinding rain, the 2,000 Oda troops work their way round the foot of the hills toward the throat of Yoshimoto's headquarters.
Charge Surprise Attack on the Headquarters
The instant the rain stops: "Now, at them!" The Oda army races down the hill and bursts into the headquarters in the middle of the feast. Caught completely off guard, the Imagawa army falls into chaos.
Fall Yoshimoto Falls
In the melee Hattori Koheita drives a spear into Yoshimoto and Mōri Shinsuke takes his head. Imagawa Yoshimoto, "the finest archer on the Tōkaidō," dies aged 42. Ii Naomori of the vanguard also falls on this hill.
Rout The Imagawa Rout
Having lost their commander-in-chief, the Imagawa flee east. Motoyasu at Ōdaka Castle quietly withdraws and returns to Okazaki. The upset in which 2,000 beat 25,000 was the opening shot of Nobunaga's march to power.

Generals and units

Imagawa forces Imagawa Yoshimoto Commander-in-chief
Imagawa forces Imagawa Bodyguard
Imagawa forces Ii Naomori
Imagawa forces Matsudaira Motoyasu
Imagawa forces Asahina Yasutomo
Imagawa forces Okabe Motonobu
Oda forces Oda Nobunaga Commander-in-chief
Oda forces Oda Horse Guards
Oda forces Sassa Hayato & Senshū Shirō

FAQ

What was the Battle of Okehazama?: A mere 2,000 Oda troops, hidden by a torrential downpour, storm the headquarters of Imagawa Yoshimoto: one of the greatest upsets in Japanese history.
When and where did the Battle of Okehazama take place?: It took place in 1560 at Okehazama, Owari Province (19th day of the 5th month, Eiroku 3).
Who fought in the Battle of Okehazama?: Imagawa Yoshimoto of the Imagawa forces, Oda Nobunaga of the Oda forces were among the commanders.
Can I watch the Battle of Okehazama in 3D?: Yes. This page plays a free three-minute 3D animated overview showing the deployments, the movements of each army and how the battle was decided.