When and where did the Battle of Yashima take place?

It took place in 1185 at Yashima, Sanuki Province (19th day of the 2nd month, Genryaku 2).

Who fought in the Battle of Yashima?

Minamoto no Yoshitsune of the Minamoto (Genji), Taira no Munemori of the Taira (Heike) were among the commanders.

Can I watch the Battle of Yashima 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 Yashima in 3D

About the Battle of Yashima

The Battle of Yashima was fought in 1185 (19th day of the 2nd month, Genryaku 2) at Yashima, Sanuki Province. Crossing to Yashima through a storm, Yoshitsune drives the Taira out to sea with fire. The famous scene of Nasu no Yoichi shooting the fan from the masthead.

Year: 1185 (19th day of the 2nd month, Genryaku 2)
Place: Yashima, Sanuki Province
Era: Late Heian period

How the battle unfolded

Storm Through the Storm
The 2nd month of Genryaku 2. Yoshitsune lands at Katsuura in Awa with only five boats and 150 riders. While everyone hesitated to put to sea in the storm, he turned it to his advantage. A crossing of two days by sea is made in a single night.
Fire Burning the Houses
The Taira guarding the palace at Yashima believe the Minamoto will come from the sea. But Yoshitsune appears from the land behind them and sets fire to the houses. Taking the rising smoke for a great army, the Taira abandon the palace in haste and flee to the ships with the child emperor Antoku.
Raid Storming the Palace
Before his tiny numbers can be discovered, Yoshitsune bursts into the palace without hesitation. Realising how few the Minamoto are, the Taira turn back from the ships and a fierce fight begins at the water's edge. Satō Tsugunobu is killed shielding Yoshitsune.
Bow Noritsune's Pursuit: The Dropped Bow
The great archer Noritsune aims at Yoshitsune alone. At the water's edge Yoshitsune drops his bow into the sea, and rather than let the enemy pick it up and mock "the Minamoto commander's weak arm," he risks his life to retrieve it: the famous episode of the dropped bow.
Fan Nasu no Yoichi Shoots the Fan
At dusk the fighting pauses. A small Taira boat raises a crimson fan on a pole and challenges: "Shoot this." A rocking boat, a swaying target. The young warrior chosen by the Minamoto, Nasu no Yoichi, rides his horse into the waves and lets fly: the arrow pierces the pivot of the fan.
Hikoshima To the Last Sea
Friend and foe alike cheer the marvellous shot. But Yashima can no longer be held. The Taira abandon their base and withdraw to Hikoshima in Nagato. The final stage that will settle the Genpei War, Dan-no-ura, is now close at hand.

Generals and units

Minamoto (Genji) Minamoto no Yoshitsune Commander-in-chief
Minamoto (Genji) Satō Tsugunobu
Minamoto (Genji) Nasu no Yoichi
Minamoto (Genji) Ise Saburō
Taira (Heike) Taira no Munemori Commander-in-chief
Taira (Heike) Taira no Noritsune
Taira (Heike) The Fan Boat
Taira (Heike) Taira Fleet

FAQ

What was the Battle of Yashima?: Crossing to Yashima through a storm, Yoshitsune drives the Taira out to sea with fire. The famous scene of Nasu no Yoichi shooting the fan from the masthead.
When and where did the Battle of Yashima take place?: It took place in 1185 at Yashima, Sanuki Province (19th day of the 2nd month, Genryaku 2).
Who fought in the Battle of Yashima?: Minamoto no Yoshitsune of the Minamoto (Genji), Taira no Munemori of the Taira (Heike) were among the commanders.
Can I watch the Battle of Yashima 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.