1560: Battle of Okehazama and Regional Turmoil - Sengoku Shogun Map
The death of Imagawa Yoshimoto at the Battle of Okehazama shocked the nation. Taking this opportunity, Oda Nobunaga consolidated control over Owari, while Matsudaira Motoyasu (later Tokugawa Ieyasu) strengthened his independence in Mikawa. That same year, Uesugi Kenshin (Nagao Kagetora) prepared for a Kanto expedition in Echigo, and tensions rose between the Otomo and Shimazu clans in Kyushu, with upheavals and battles continuing across the country.
Major events
- 1560-01: Death of Saitō Yoshitatsu — Saitō Yoshitatsu of Mino suddenly dies, and his heir Saitō Tatsuoki inherits the family leadership. The province becomes unstable.
- 1560-02: Consolidation of Iwami Silver Mine Control — Mōri Motonari secures control of the Iwami Silver Mine, further strengthening his financial base.
- 1560-03: Echigo and Kantō Situation — Nagao Kagetora (later Uesugi Kenshin) prepares for an advance into the Kantō region, continuing his rivalry with Hōjō Ujiyasu.
- 1560-04: Unrest within Mino — Some kokujin resist the young Saitō Tatsuoki’s succession, with defections and secret communications with the Oda side.
- 1560-05: Imagawa Yoshimoto’s March to Kyoto — Imagawa Yoshimoto leads troops from Suruga, Tōtōmi, and Mikawa to invade Owari, capturing strongholds such as Odaka Castle and increasing pressure.
- 1560-05: Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Grain Supply — Kinoshita Tōkichirō (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi) successfully delivers provisions to Odaka Castle, earning Nobunaga’s trust.
- 1560-06: Movements of Shinano Kokujin — Takeda Shingen strengthens forces near Kawanakajima, restraining Uesugi-aligned kokujin mobilization.
- 1560-06-12: Battle of Okehazama — Oda Nobunaga launches a surprise attack and slays Imagawa Yoshimoto, seizing dominance in Owari.
- 1560-07: Hōjō Ujiyasu’s Advance in Kantō — Hōjō Ujiyasu brings several Kantō lords under his control, countering Uesugi influence.
- 1560-07: Situation in Kii and Kinai — Miyoshi Nagayoshi reorganizes Kinai control while negotiating with temple powers in Kii and Izumi.
- 1560-08: Return of Motoyasu to Okazaki — Matsudaira Motoyasu (later Tokugawa Ieyasu) returns to Mikawa’s Okazaki, advancing independence from Imagawa.
- 1560-08: Progress in Unifying Tosa — Chōsokabe Kunichika destroys the Aki clan, establishing control over most of Tosa.