A Family Affair (my first tl) [Archive] - Alternate History Discussion Board

tonsofun

September 14th, 2011, 10:43 PM

#3 Nagamasa's Test

At this point in time it is obvious knowledge now to say that Nobunaga's ambition included ruling all of Japan. That isn't to say he was the only one with that ambition. He was a genius and shared many equals in Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin and Hojo Ujiyasu. Those three were just as smart as Nobunaga and some hisotrians will argue they were even smarter but they never held Kyoto. Only one man held Kyoto and he was had the biggest advantage of them all. It doesn't matter how smart one is, if your lesser opponent has a big advantage over you then hard times will be had.

At this time he was in the centre of the land, he held the capital and endless opportunities. Things it seemed could not become better. That is until 1569 when he met a Jesuit by the name of Luis Frois. It is worth noting at this time that Nobunaga hated the power that was held by the Buddhist temples over the people. If they wanted to revolt against him then a fair amount of the people would join them. In Luis Frois Nobunaga saw a way to slowly take away some of the power of the Buddhists and an easy way to secure western made firearms and gunpowder which would give him a hefty advantage over any who would oppose him.

Luis Frois also saw opportunity in Nobunaga. Although, not a Christian himself Nobunaga was tolerant of Christianity and was happy for the Jesuits to start evangelizing some of the local population. In the eyes of Luis Frois Nobunaga was the key to saving the soul of the Japanese people. And so a great friendship began.

Eager to learn more about Christians and to help slowly take away the power of Buddhists Nobunaga offered Luis Frois the young Manpukumaru to be his disciple. A young boy in his care who could be raised a Christian would be great to relations with the Jesuits and a Japanese raised Christian from birth would in most cases be able to evangelize more than a Nanban Jesuit. This ofcourse, was all under the condition that the young boy be educated in Nobunaga's own household under close supervision.

Unaware of these events Azai Nagamasa bided his time and prayed daily for the safety of his son. It is said that he told a Buddhist priest that he would do anything to ensure the safety of his son and the continuation of his clan. The priest told him that a heavy price would have to be paid for a such a promise.

In 1570 Oda Nobunaga invited Asakura Yoshikage to Kyoto. The Asakura clan were allies (for many generations) of the Azai clan. The Asakura were also allies of the Ikko Ikki. In the right circumstances this could cause a huge number of problems. However, the invitation was refused and war was declared. It is said Yoshikage resented Nobunaga for his presumptions. It is worth noting that both the Asakura and Oda had both served the Shiba in previous times.

With war declared Nobunaga preapred for war and got his army ready. He also sent a request to Asai Nagamasa demanding he join him and defeat the Asakura. Azai Nagamasa was furious at this request. It is said that part of the reason he allied with the Oda was the promise that the Asakura would not be attacked. Now he was in a difficult position. Did he help the clan who had been allies with his descendants or did he help his new allies. He knew neutrality would simply lead to him being attacked by the victor. His generals and advisers all advised him to stick by the Asakura clan. He was ready to attack the Oda when his wife Oichi begged him not to attack her brother who would most likely kill her only son if he was attacked. It was at this moment he remembered the promise he had made to Buddha to do whatever to protect his son. If breaking a generations long alliance was the price for his sons safety then that is what he must do. He had a duty to stand by his allies but he had an even greater duty to protect the son who would succeed him one day.

That same year the Azai/Oda forces moved to besiege Kanegasaki. Surprised to hear that Azai Nagamasa was taking part took the Asakura by surprise and caused low morale, thus resulting in a very quick battle. By then the Azai/Oda forces. Without morale the troops of the Asakura scattered in all directions and defeat was imminant. Ichijodani was burnt to the ground and the heads of the Asakura all committed seppuku. Azai Nagamasa was deeply troubled by his betrayal of a close ally but he had guaranteed the life of his son, the trust of his brother in law and he had made many friends among the Oda generals. The two most notable being Akechi Mitsuhide and Maeda Toshiie.

*This is it for me tonight. But I am proud that tonights update has been considerably longer than usual. I'm pretty sure you can see the butterflies emerging from such events. If you have any questions or feedback. Please feel free to let me know. :D

Fredrick II Barbarossa

September 14th, 2011, 10:57 PM

Hmm. Very interesting. SO this is a POD where Nobunaga doesnt get betrayed and killed. By the way even if Nobunaga holds kyoto by this poinnt I doubt he can face Uesugi or Takeda. Nobunaga was brilliant but he was not as of a genius as takeda or Uesugi. In reality he got very lucky becuase before he came Takeda and Kenshin basically destroyed each other. So I guess you can lead this to an Oda victory but that is only possible if Oda can utilize takeda and Uesugi against each other.

By the way without the Shogunate I wonder how different Japan will be.
What I suggest youdo is also kill of a certain Korean admiral. With him dead we can have Japan xonquer korea way earlier.
Otherwise an interesting thread.

scholar

September 15th, 2011, 12:51 AM

Even without Yi Sun Shin, China taking the side of Korea, which is a near guarantee, guarantees the failure of any Japanese endeavor into the mainland. It may me slightly more successful militarily, but it will be far more draining to the treasury and in manpower.

tonsofun

September 15th, 2011, 01:01 AM

In OTL the Asakura were never defeated until 1973. The main reason being that as soon the Oda attacked, Azai Nagamasa decided to betray the Oda and got a nice surprise attack and managed to make the Oda withdraw back to Kyoto. They met again at Anegawa but due to poor planning the Azai/Asakura alliance won. Just after that an anti-Oda force was formed with Azai Nagamasa as the leader. It wasn't an official alliance but more a group of clans who didn't like Nobunaga. The Ikko Ikki were the main cause and many small clans joined in. In 1572 Takeda Shingen joined the alliance and moved towards Kyoto. But he was held back by the Tokugawa and died before he could make an impact. That allowed the Oda to fully concentrate on one front and destroy the Azai/Asakura forces who were the main obstacle. After that it was plain sailing until the incident at Honnoji.

In this tl, Nagamasa doesn't betray Nobunaga which butterflies away the anti-Nobunaga alliance and speeds up the demise of the Asakura. I won't reveal anymore spoilers. But I will say that there is one more than one way to skin a cat where Korea is concerned.

modelcitizen

September 15th, 2011, 05:32 AM

I just wrote a book on penguins. Looking back, paper would've been better.

your sig is funny

I'm too tired to read what you wrote, but I wanted to note what I thought otherwise.

tonsofun

September 15th, 2011, 07:54 PM

I like using jokes for my sig. It always lightens things up I think.

tonsofun

September 16th, 2011, 03:05 PM

#4 The Start Of The Fall Of The Ikko Ikki

"If your gods have truly sent you to take my head, then are simply mocking you for they sided with me long ago" - Oda Nobunaga during the siege of Enryakuji temple.

By 1571 the Nobunaga had grown to his most powerful. The Shogun was his puppet. He had secrued the submission of the Matsunaga. Azai Nagamasa had proven to be more loyal than he thought possible, not only had he joined the battle but he had thrown himself to the frontline surpassing the performance of his own generals.

But not all was good. The Ikko Ikki were still after Nobunaga's head. The two were always destined to come to battle. Nobunaga had always hated the power the Buddhist monks and priests possessed over the people. The II (I shall refer to the Ikko-Ikki as 'II' from now on) had resented Nobunaga's sudden rise to power and the way he had encouraged Nanban missionaries to spread their heaten religion to this land [1]. The coming battles would become very bloody and would decide the outcome of the land.

In this time Nobunaga had become friends with Luis Frois. They enjoyed many interesting conversations and teh young Manpukumaru had already been baptized and given the baptismal name Afonso. Luis Frois was very happy as the young boy seemed eager to embrace Christianity and would prove to be an excellent missionary when he grew up. Evangelizing the Japanese had proven very hard as most were as devoted to their Buddhist beliefs as he was to his.

The fight against the II had already started before the Asakura campaign. The II of Ise had already claimed the life of his brother Nobuoki in 1569. Now the Asakura were gone he could fully concentrate on these warrior monks. But this would be no easy campaign as the II had warrior monks in Enryakuji, Honganji, Ise, Nagashima and Negoroji. They had a lot of support and were even backed by the Miyoshi clan who had previously withdrew to Settsu.

After several battles Nobunaga had shown his cruelty. No soldier would be spared and nor would any woman or child who crossed him. However, the next act at the Enryakuji temple at Mt. Hiei would shock even his own generals and truly earn him the nickname "The Demon King".

In 1571 Oda forces had surrounded the Enryakuji temple at Mt.Hiei. Azai Nagamasa was at the forefront of this siege. Having carried out the orders of his brother-in-law previously he was not as ease with himself. But thoughts of his son put those thoughts to ease. He could see other generals were not at ease either. They were all shocked by the cruelty they were ordered to do but all were determined to do their duty and not waver. Nagamasa most of all, he had a son to worry about.

The monks put up a very brave battle but were out armed and out matched. Their fanaticism made them more determined than ever to win. It was their belief that the head of Nobunaga was the wish of Buddha himself.

Nobunaga, however believed that they were simply being mocked by their god. He had sided with him long ago and would not abandon him now. Looking at this opponent he was reminded of a story Luis Frois had told him about how brave Christian soldiers had sacrificed their lives against their heathen Muslim opponents at the supposed wishes of their god. He laughed while watching the carnage for he realised the truth. It was the same the world over. Gods do not start wars. Wars are started by men and use their gods as tools of persuasion. A few Christians here and there would make this land easier to control. Sure they would become just as fanatical one day, but in much smaller numbers and both fanatical sides would cancel each other out.

When the temple was totally shut off Nobunaga ordered the temple be burnt to the ground. Any who tried to escape whether they be priest, monk, man, woman or child should be cut down. Taira Kiyomori had made the mistake of showing mercy to the children of Minamoto No Yoshitomo [2]. Nobunaga would not make the same mistake.

The generals stuck true to their orders as they watched the temple burnt down. Anyone who tried to escape was cut down. It is estimated that over 5000 men, women and children died in that siege alone. It is also estimated that over 100000 (not including battles) were killed by Nobunaga and his armies.

If ever there was a dark age for the PDKJ [3] then this was it. The II were far from defeated but many who once supported them had since submitted. Tales of the Demon king had travelled fast and many were not willing to meet a similar end.

One other who was shocked by this cruelty was the Shogun himself Ashikaga Yoshiaki. He had secretly sent out letters to various warlords asking them to help destroy the Oda. It is unknown how many letters were sent but to this letters have been found written to Chosokabe Motochika, Hojo Ujiyasi, Mori Terumoto, Shimazu Yashihiro, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin.[4] To this historians debate just how many letters were sent. Some say more were sent, others say this was it. But they are all agreed upon the impact of the letters. Not all letters would be replied to. But some did reply.

[1] I can't find much record of the II being totally opposed to Christianity but being rather fanatical I can imagine their attitude would be similar to OTL crusaders to a European king allowing Islamic missionaries to preach.

[2] In OTL Kiyomori Taira was killed by the children of his fallen foe Minamoto No Yoshitomo. Many historians believe it is because of this one event that entire families would be wiped out in Japanese warfare.

[3] A spoiler for a much later part. I won't reveal what it stands for just yet.

[4] In OTL the shogun only sent three letters. Respectively, to Mori Motonari, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. The first two joined the anti-Oda alliance while Azai Nagamasa was still fighting. But these events only delayed the inevitable. Soon after joining Takeda Shingen passed away and the rest is history to say. In this tl the shogun sends out more letters as he is very distressed by the very fast rise and success of the Oda.

I would like to give this tl a map so I can show the territory controlled but I haven't the first clue where to start. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Also if anyone has questions or feedback please feel free to share. It is all appreciated.
For the next update I'm planning on something a little but more ambitious. I got an entire day to myself tomorrow so maybe I can bang it out then (or at least get a rough draft done).

Cuāuhtemōc

September 16th, 2011, 03:06 PM

Indeed I am enjoying how this is going.

tonsofun

September 17th, 2011, 11:04 PM

Nothing like a day completely to myself with no worries to do another update.:D

#5 Your Problem Has Been Acknowledged

“If that man had ambition, he would be an even greater threat to the land that Oda Nobunaga” – Takeda Shingen commenting on the life of Hojo Ujiyasu.

Motochika Chosokabe assembled his most favoured generals and advisors. None knew what was happening but the serious look on the face of their lord told them something was happening. The day before he had received a letter from the Shogun asking him to assist in the killing of Nobunaga Oda. Motochika started to speak.

“Yesterday men I received a letter from the Shogun. I have been asked to go to Kyoto and establish my rule over the land. He says the Oda wil bring ruin to the land and that only I can bring the much needed peace that the land needs”

He finished speaking and his men all looked at each other. They were in shock at what they heard. At this point the Chosokabe didn’t even rule all of Shikoku. How would they be able to defeat the might Oda? The Oda were not just powerful and brutal. Their leader Nobunaga was known as a very smart man. He may have been lucky at Okehazama, but no ordinary intelligent daimyo could have pulled off a victory. Not only that, but he was protected by many famous heroes including Azai Nagamasa and Akechi Mitsuhide. The Oda were indeed not to be messed with.

Motochika looked to his men. Kaneko Motoie decided to speak.

“We do not even control all of Shikoku. We cannot defeat the likes of the Oda. We could only do so by alliance and even then we would need to defeat our allies once Oda was finished as they would not help us just so we can control Kyoto.”

“You are master Motoie. To fight the Oda would be madness. Rather than heeding the call of the shogun I suggest we ally ourselves with the Oda. It seems they could be the ones who unite the land. I don’t want to be known as yet another daimyo who resisted the inevitable. The Shogun went to the Oda because he did not want his younger brother to rule. Now the Oda have not turned out to be the saviours he envisioned. His fate is not our concern.” Replied Motochika.

“So you intend to the ally with this demon king, my lord?” Enquired Yoshida Masashiga.

“That is exactly my intention. I also intend on showing Nobunaga this letter from the shogun as a sign of goodwill. I think the contents will interest him very much.” Answered Motochika.

__________________________________________________ ___________

Yoshihisa Shimazu read the letter from the Shogun. He imagined himself in the capital, being welcomed by the people as a hero. Then reality kicked in and he knew he was still a long way from the unification of Kyushu. He knew that was the first step towards real power. He hid the letter behind his breast and decided to pay his son Yoshihiro a visit. After all, the problems of the capital were of no concern to him. He was safe for now.

__________________________________________________ ___________

Mori Terumoto gathered his retainers. He had already shared the contents of the shoguns letter to them and they were well aware of the conversation which was about to occur.

“You all know why we are here. Now how do you propose we react to this.” Asked Terumoto.

“The Oda forces are numerous and their brutality is unmatched. There will be plenty of support in our territory but the people in Oda lands will not be willing to help us for fear of reprisals. Kyoto is a long way and we will need to gather many provisions before we set off” Commented Kobayakawa Takakage.

“It is also worth noting that the Shimazu of Kyushu are mobilizing themselves for war. We need to defend that land because they will attack. Added Kikkawa Motoharu.

“It seems fate will not make my life easy, if only father was here. His strategies would be most valuable now.” Terumoto thought to himself.

Mori Terumoto continued to think to himself while his retainers awaited his response. It seemed an eternity passed before he spoke.

“It would be nice to march n the capital. But today it is not possible to do such a thing. We ourselves must be ever vigilant because war will come to us very soon. The Oda may be powerful but they are in danger of expanding too fast and their policy of killing all who oppose them who cause rebellions. The Ikko Ikki are far from defeated yet and it is up to us to make sure that cannot happen. If we attack the Oda, then the Shimazu will take our Kyushu territory while our backs are turned. Therefore it is my suggestion that we open trade with all Ikko Ikki ports and use our grand navy to ship weapons and food to them. If the Shimazu attack us we will still be able to face them with everything we have. Maybe even get more territory in Kyushu. We are living in opportune times and only the wisest men will survive.”

The retainers were all in agreement. Not only would they be ready to defend from any Shimazu attacks but they would also be slowing down the Oda advance westwards.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Hojo Ujiyasu looked over the letter repeatedly. He was no longer the fool of Sagami. In order to ensure the survival of the Hojo he had to use his full potential. But that was dangerous in itself. People liked to try outsmart the intelligent. Outsmarting an idiot was no special achievement but to outsmart a famous strategist, now that was an achievement which bought fame. He had proven himself as one of the lands most intelligent men on many occasions. The fool of Sagami had become the Lion of Sagami as the Tiger of Kai once pointed out. He had neither the power nor the will to help out the Shogun. Keeping his land safe was his only priority.

__________________________________________________ _____________

The Tiger of Kai read the letter with delight. He had always dreamed of marching on the capital. Now he had a good reason to do so. Marching to Kyoto would not be easy. Even if he could defeat Nobunaga he had his allies to deal with. The Tokugawa to the south would prove to be a problem if left. Little was known of Ieyasu except that he used to a vassal of the Imagawa and then became a vassal of the Oda when they defeated the other. Then there was also the Azai. He had become a hero amongst the Oda in such a short time. Not only was he now related to Nobunaga but he was young, brave and handsome. If Nobunaga was to die then he could easily take over and put up a steadfast resistance. Going to capital would not be easy but it was possible and there two others who could do it. They lied to the north and south.

__________________________________________________ ___________

Uesugi Kenshin was known amongst his men as the god of war due to his appearance being similar to that of the god Bishamonten. [1] Not only was he strong but he had proven himself a worthy strategist by drawing with Takeda Shingen not once, not twice but four times at Kawanakajima. To march on the capital would be nice, but the Oda were not to handled lightly. He imagined what his nemesis [2] Shingen would do were he to march on the capital. Maybe it was time to put old rivalries aside for the greater good. He summoned an emissary and briefed him on what to do.

[1] Bishamonten is the god of war. In Japan he is the chief of the four heavenly kings. In Tibet he is called Jambhala. Vaisravana in Sanskrit and Vessavana in Sanskrit.

[2] Due to their rivalry Uesugi Kenshin often referred to Takeda Shingen as his nemesis. But despite the many battles they fought they had great respect for each other and on occasion even sent each other presents. It is said that when Takeda Shingen died Uesugi Kenshin cried that he would never again meet such a worthy opponent.

tonsofun

September 21st, 2011, 03:41 PM

#6 Massacre At Nagashima

"Life and death are all the same. Everything will remain the same" Oda Nobunaga

Soon after the burning of Enryakuji temple at Mt.Hiei a temporary peace was expected. A few towns had totally surrendered to the Oda but nothing much had changed. The II were still resisting to the very end and the common people stuck in the middle simply backed those were in their presence. The II had also begun their own campaign of brutality. Those who didn't support them were made to suffer. To not support the II in their brave resistance against the demon king were demons themselves. Such people could not be allowed to live.
In 1572 only the II resisted the Oda. But in recent months they had become more confident. Nobunaga simply put it down to their stupid faith. But he was unaware that the II were secretly being given supplies by the Mori. Eager not to fight but to slow down the Oda, Mori Terumoto decided the II would be given supplies. He had no desire to risk war. Not only did he have Nobunaga building up power but the Shimazu on Kyoto were becoming a threat his territory on Kyoto. War with one would mean the other declaring war for opportunity and ultimate destruction. Terumoto had not desire to lose everything his father worked hard for.
In 1572 Nobunaga marched his armies south to wipe out the II of Nagashima.[1] For this he had the naval strength of Kuki Yoshitaka.[2] That naval strength would prove pivotal in this battle and in future battles too. The navy of Kuki Yoshitaka blocked Nagashima and captured all the nearby forts. This run of bad luck forced the II to seek shelter within the main fortifications. To date many historians put this down as one of the more stupid decisions that the II made in this campaign. Because of their action they became prisoners with their own walls and put themselves exactly where Nobunaga wanted them.
With the fortifications surrounded Nobunaga ordered one of his usual fire attack with the usual order of total massacre. Any man, woman or child who tried to escape was to the be put to the sword. It is estimated that over 30000 [3] died at that siege. This was an even bigger blood bath than what had happened at Mt.Hiei and would become even known as well. Such actions sent shockwaves throughout the land. But overall nothing happened.
Now Nobunaga's territory and military clout had grown considerably. He had conducted a campaign of brutality but it was working for him. It seemed there was none to oppose him. With no one else bothering him he moved to siege Honganji who were being supplied by the Mori. They would be a tougher nut to crack.
Meaning to the west Chosokabe Motochika had sent his proposal of alliance to Nobunaga and started a campaign to unite Shikoku. In the east the Takeda and Uesugi had just started negotiations. The dark age of the PDKJ was about to get much more bloody.

[1] In OTL this never happened until 1574. But without the anti-Oda alliance the II are all on their own.

[2] Kuki Yoshitaka gave his allegiance to the Oda in 1569 and his navy helped out immensely during the II campaign and proved vital to the Oda during navy confrontations with the Mori.

[3] In OTL it is estimated 20000 died here but in this tl the II are on their own and are less well organized leading to more bloodshed.

All comments are welcome.
I'm thinking of doing another chapter done in story mode (ala #5). If you liked that let me know or if you would prefer all the chapters to be like a history book then let me know too.
All feedback is appreciated :D

tonsofun

September 27th, 2011, 01:11 AM

#7 The Young Lovers

"I fight for honour, love and the son I only saw once in my life" Azai Nagamasa on why he betrayed the Asakura.

In 1568 Oichi No Kata gave birth to her first child. At the mere age of 21 she had created a boy. He was given the name Manpukumaru. But in a cruel twist of fate her brother Nobunaga demanded him as a hostage soon after his birth thus denying Oichi the fruit of her hard born labour. She was angry that her brother had taken her child and even more angry that her husband allowed it with no argument or cross word. He simply told her that the boy was the property of the Azai clan and as such she had no say in what he do.
As time went on she learnt to understand the true circumstances and accepted her husbands decision as the right one. It was sad but the safety of her son is a mothers priority and no selfish desires should overcome that.
In the following years she bore three daughters. Yodogimi (1569), Ohatsu No Kata (1570) and Oeyo (1571). After that she was bore no more children. At the time people (including her husband) believed she was cursed. But nowadays we simply know that she developed a severe case of mothers fatigue [1]. In the days of the Sengoku it was thought any woman could simply grow one child immediately after giving birth. Luckily we know different now. However, it is worth that these were different times.
Despite this it is believed that Nagamasa loved Oichi dearly. It is said that he often wrote her from the many battles he fought. What few letters survive show Nagamasa was a man of powerful emotions. The surviving letters show that despite the turmoil he faced daily he was no different to a lovesick teenager. Below is one of his love letters written just before the massacre at Mt. Hiei, kindly made public by his family.

My dearest Oichi,
I am currently helping your brother besiege a fortress. We are waiting for a time to attack. But right now we are just waiting. The time here passes slowly and that makes me think of my son. I hope he will always be okay. If I ever find out he has come to harm then I am not sure what I would do. I am sorry, I mean our son. This time away from you has made me realize that he is your son as much as mine. I cannot begin to imagine the hurt you are feeling because of his absence and for that I am so sorry.
I am confident of our victory in this battle. Your brother is a brilliant tactician and many soldiers are talking about the unification of our land. But truth be told I do not care about such things. I only live to serve so my son can experience the peace that we may never know.
Despite everything I have done in our time together, please know that I love you dearly. I miss seeing your beautiful face and hearing your angel-like voice.
I only hope you do not bear hatred for me. But if you do I will understand.
Oichi often wrote her husband too. Although not as romantic, it is clear she cared for her husband and was more aware of her surroundings than most historians at the time made her out to be. Below is a letter she wrote to her husband in 1575.

My dear lord Nagamasa,
I am sad you must fight once more. But I know you do what you have to do. When I sleep I often dream of you on the battlefield. A man with more honour than those around him fighting for justice and peace.
However, I know in reality my brother makes you and everyone else in his army kill any he feels is a threat. I know he even orders the death of woman and children. Sometimes I cry when I think of you doing those things. But that is fate and we cannot fight it.
News of all your battles reaches here. Not even a hermit can escape news of my brothers brutality towards his enemies. It makes me sad for my brother as this can only give him bad karma.
It is not just news of news of battles that get about. Most affairs of the army are known amongst the common folk. Only three days ago I heard news that brother is ridiculing Lord Shibata Katsuie for his failiure at Nagashino. It seems very humiliating for him as this is not the first time this has happened. I think you should watch him as I fear he cannot forbear such treatment for long. When I knew him he was easy to make angry. I even remember him beating a servant for spilling water once. He is a dangerous man and I fear brother may be bringing about his own fate.
I must confess to know nothing of war. But I know if anything were to happen to brother then the choas which plagues this land will claim more lives than the current wars.
Although their three daughters led pretty uneventful lives. Their only son would lead a very eventful life as you all know. By understanding these two young lovers we are able to better understand their son.
Despite the tragedy in their lives they would both die of old age in 1605 very happy together.

[1] This is a condition I thought of while writing this. Not sure what modern medicine calls this.

I thought it would be nice to lay a few foundations and write about two charcters who will play a big part in this tl. There are references in here to some events not yet covered. I wander if anyone can see them.

Any comments and feedback are highly appreciated.

Cuāuhtemōc

September 27th, 2011, 02:03 AM

Nice set of updates! :D

tonsofun

September 29th, 2011, 11:03 PM

Nice set of updates! :D
Cheers mate. It gives me the confidence to keep going when I get comments like that from the guy who Anahuatlacanco. :D

tonsofun

September 30th, 2011, 01:51 AM

#8 God’s Child

“A heathen man lets us evangelise his people while he kills other heathens. The irony is not lost on me” Louis Frois on Oda Nobunaga.

In 1571 Azai Manpukumaru was baptized by Luis Frois and given the baptismal name of Aphonso Azai. His father Nagamasa did not know this and Nobunaga decided it was best he and Oichi had no clue this was happening.

The following year young Aphonso turned five. It was at this point Luis Frois decided to give him his first bible.

“What is this book?. Asked the young boy.

“This is the word of god. They will guide you on the path to salvation and away from the devil. Look after this book for it will be your best friend and will never betray you”. Answered Luis.

“Yes father. I will cherish this and never let it come to harm.

He opens the book and looks puzzled at what he sees.

“What are these drawings?”

“DRAWINGS! This is Latin. The language of god. Normally such blasphemy would not go unpunished but you are young and ignorant. I shall let it pass this one time. Now prey to God for forgiveness.”

Aphonso [1] closes his hands and puts his hands together.

Luis Frois does the same and speaks aloud the following prayer in Latin.
“Dear Lord. Please forgive this young boy for his words. He does not know what he says. He is still a child and has much to learn. Please guide him on the path to righteousness and help steer him away from evil. He will find it hard to do your work in the devils own pit. Amen.”

Young Aphonso looked up. He didn’t understand a word.

“Do not worry my son. I shall teach you the language of god in time. But you are still young and have a long way to go. The path of righteousness is a hard one but you must never stray from it. For if you do, the devil will pull you in and you shall burn in hell for all eternity along with all the other heathens in this land. Now shall we begin our lesson? ”

The boy looked up. He was not totally sure of what was just said but he began to question everything he did understand. Why would god want him to rescue heathens? Why would he let an entire land be filled with heathens? So many questions but no answers. For now all he could do was listen to what he was told. Only then could he escape hell.

---------------------------

After two hours the lesson is interrupted by Oda Nobunaga.

“Signor Frois. I hope you are well today and I hope you aren’t confusing my nephew.”

“Do not worry my lord. The boy is a fast learner. He is very gifted. He has made more progress than I ever imagined. The lord has blessed him with great ability.”

He hated calling Nobunaga “lord” as he was after all a heathen. He was an arrogant fool indeed. Not only did he demand to be called “lord” at all times. He also insisted on referring to him as “signor” instead of his proper title of “father”. God did work in strange ways as it seemed he wanted this heathen to bring light to this land. In return for letting him and his fellow Jesuits evangelise the people they had to convince the arms traders to sell to him and no other lord. That was a hard task as they were only after money. But he had written many letters to the mission in Macau and asked them to pass it all on to the pope himself. He was gods representative in this world and if he wished Nobunaga to rule then it would be.

“I am pleased my nephew makes such progress. He is a great destiny before him. Do you not think so?” Asked Nobunaga.

“Ofcourse. A boy this smart could do everything except the miracles performed by Jesus himself. God has great plans for this boy. Tell me how goes the campaign against those warrior monks?. Luis asked wanting to change the subject.

“The Ikko-Ikki are fools. They would prefer to die than live in the new land. But I am happy to give them death if they so desire it.” Nobunaga replied completely without emotion. Luis Frois was taken aback at how a man could kill his own so easily. He was a heathen afterall. God did work in strange ways.

“You know my lord it is never too late to join our lord on the path of righteousness. You are already filling out his wishes. It doesn’t matter how much good you do in this world, if you refuse to acknowledge him and the son he sent to sacrifice for your sins then you will burn in hell for all eternity.”

“Is that so?” Asked Nobunaga in a neutral tone. He always seemed to creep out luis Frois and others with that short statement. It was his answer to any words he perceived as a threat. He did not care for the kingdom of God. To him it was just another religion. But if more people adopted it then the Buddhist priests would have less power and there would no more Ikko-Ikki’s. He had no problem wiping them out. But it was a lot of hassle and it did leave entire areas unpopulated. That could create problems if ever there is peace. He then turned to little Aphonso and walked towards him. His face was right on top of his.

“Tell me Manpukumaru. What do you think of all that you have been taught by this man?”

The boy looked up. His uncle frightened him. He felt as if he was living with a demon. The title of Demon King had been made known to him. Yet despite the fear he did not move back and keep looking his uncle in the eyes. He could see right into his soul.
Nobunaga could see into his eyes too. He saw the fear and the curiosity. Yet he did not move back nor did he show the fear. That was a most admirable trait. His eyes betrayed his brave face. If the people of this land could do what this boy was doing now then he would be dead. He wanted to control the land with fear. As long as the people feared they did not resist him. Only this boy seemed to be able to resist that fear.

“Uncle. My name is Aphonso. Manpukumaru was my heathen name. If I wish to be accepted into the kingdom of heaven then I must adopt a Christian name. But to answer your question I am forever greatful to my father for teaching me this. If not for him then I would surely burn in hell uncle.”

That was another thing he hated yet admired. The way the boy always called him ‘uncle’ instead of ‘lord’. It was brave and disrespectful. If the boy gets the right education then he would make a fine ruler. Even finer than any in his family. Marrying his sister off to Azai Nagamasa was the one the best decisions he had made.

“I am glad to hear that nephew. Now if you don’t mind I have some important business to handle with the Shogun.”

Nobunaga walked out of the room and Aphonso breathed a sigh of relief.

------------

I believe this one is my longest entry to date. Thoughts anyone?

Faralis

September 30th, 2011, 04:05 PM

Interesting ... I´ve just read all your story and it is quite well done. I suspect that Nobunaga - Nagamasa alliance could fall quite fast if he knows what have been done with his son ...

tonsofun

October 2nd, 2011, 05:39 PM

Interesting ... I´ve just read all your story and it is quite well done. I suspect that Nobunaga - Nagamasa alliance could fall quite fast if he knows what have been done with his son ...
If Nagamasa knew how his son was being raised there would be an early Honnoji incident I suspect. But this is the main reason Nagamasa has been on the front line of every battle so far and will be in the near future too. However, for now Nagamasa will always do his duty for fear of his sons death. He will find solice in the relationship he shares with his wife.
But a very rapid expansion and higher civilain casualties than OTL has caused a lot of anger and has created many enemies.

tonsofun

October 3rd, 2011, 01:38 PM

#9 A New Dawn

“I will sacrifice my life for you. If that is what you desire” - Mori Ranmaru [1]

Nobunaga was on his way to see the Shogun. His ever-loyal bodyguard Mori Ranmaru was close behind him. He did not know what would happen, but he was always prepared to defend his life and sacrifice it if need be. They walked into the room the Shogun was sat. He was surrounded by courtesans and drinking wine. Nobunaga walked up to him and shoved a letter under his face. It was the same letter he had sent out to Chosokabe Motochika asking for help in killing him. He stood up and stared Nobunaga in the eyes. Nobunaga stared back without emotion and noticed the Shogun was starting to shake. As he was shaking he took steps backwards and started to sweat heavily. Nobunaga walked towards him and as he drew closer the Shogun drew his sword.

“You are the biggest threat to this land. You must die,” Declared the Shogun.

“Is that so?” Replied Nobunaga.

“If you continue this madness the land will never be the same. You wipe out entire towns, you massacre the brave warrior monks and worse of all you let the Nanban [2] preach their heathen religion into my land. For that you must die”

Nobunaga looked at him. Here was a man acting out of fear and selfishness. He would do whatever he felt necessary to keep his comfortable lifestyle. He was a terrible ruler and made many people unhappy. With him gone the land would be better off. He looked down at the courtesans who would cowering away with fear. He then looked back the Shogun as he lunged towards him with his sword. But before anything could happen Mori Ranmaru cut him down. He fell instantly and covered the young mans face with his blood. Nobunaga looked on without emotion.

“He lived a fool and died a fool.”

Ranmaru looked to his Lord for instruction. He was told not to kill the Shogun but felt such action was necessary to protect his lord.

The courtesans ran out of the room screaming and Nobunaga began to laugh. The Shogun was dead. Treason had just been committed. Now he was free to run the land as he wished. He knew just what to do to bring prosperity.

[1] Mori Ranmaru was a loyal bodyguard of Oda Nobunaga. In OTL he perished protecting him at Honnoji.

[2] Nanban was the Japanese word for westerners back then. Literally means southern barbarian as they came from the south.

Thoughts anyone?

Faralis

October 3rd, 2011, 04:04 PM

The Shogun was dead. Treason had just been committed. Now he was free to run the land as he wished. He knew just what to do to bring prosperity.

I´m not a very informed in the Sengoku Japan, but I always though that Oda was "a bit" crazy and more than a bit "original" in his way of thinking ( ala doing things an "honorable" Daimyou would never do ) but I always thought that it was the second thing that pissed most of his enemies (and the most), that being quite random, they could not predict his future actions very well ... but well I think that you put the first bit ( his "craziness" ) quite well ...

Silver

October 4th, 2011, 06:45 AM

Well now that the Ashikaga Shogun is dead I think that Daimyo Oda Nobunaga ought to press that advantage/good fortune immediately in such as way that anyone thinking of getting rid off him would be a very, very bad idea.

tonsofun

October 4th, 2011, 11:18 AM

I´m not a very informed in the Sengoku Japan, but I always though that Oda was "a bit" crazy and more than a bit "original" in his way of thinking ( ala doing things an "honorable" Daimyou would never do ) but I always thought that it was the second thing that pissed most of his enemies (and the most), that being quite random, they could not predict his future actions very well ... but well I think that you put the first bit ( his "craziness" ) quite well ...In OTL Nobunaga only exiled the Shogun. That only happened when the Shogun made arrogant demands on him. The Shogun also felt that Nobunaga made unnecessary demand of him in the name of reforms.
Truth be told, the Shogun was a terrible ruler and when he was exiled Nobunaga had him replaced with someone a bit less whiny. After that he made many reforms and gained the support of many people.
In this tl Nobunaga didn't intend to kill the Shogun but merely put him in his place. However, he didn't plan on having Mori Ranmaru kill him. Like most daimyo back then he had a bodyguard who was more than willing to go above and beyond the call of duty and do whatever they felt necessary to protect their lord.
Due to the easy/rapid expansion of the Oda. Nobunaga has become more arrogant in this tl and decides to become Shogun himself and do things his own way. In OTL he was more than just crazy and that made him hated by most other daimyos. But in my opinion that craziness also made him a genius.

Well now that the Ashikaga Shogun is dead I think that Daimyo Oda Nobunaga ought to press that advantage/good fortune immediately in such as way that anyone thinking of getting rid off him would be a very, very bad idea.Now that the Shogun is dead Nobunaga is free to rule as he likes. As in OTL reforms will ring more order, stability and prosperity. He gained a lot of support for those.
But such an action only serves to anger his enemies even more who will use this action to justify their own ambitions. Expect a lot more bloodshed in the future.

tonsofun

October 5th, 2011, 10:11 PM

#10 Well Laid Plans

“Even bumpkins have their uses.” Nobunaga on his alliances with the Chosokabe and Shimazu. [1]

In 1572 Aphonso Azai had been sent on the road of Christianity. He planned for the boy to as one with the Nanban. To think like them, act like them and want to be them. So far his plan was succeeding. The overall plan was to create a man who was both Japanese and Nanban at the same time. Such a man would prove useful in future negotiations and may even become his heir if his own sons were too much of a disappointment.

This however had to be kept secret until the time was right. If his father found out it would cause numerous problems. Young Nagamasa was very brave and skilled in battle. He was also very charismatic and had a knack of rallying troops in all circumstances. Such a man was as big a threat to his power base as Takeda Shingen. With him on his side, he had made better progress than he imagined. Holding his son hostage was a genius move and secured his loyalty. Nevertheless, if anything were to happen to his son then everything would be destroyed.

To keep his Christianisation a secret. He made sure only a select few knew what was happening to him. He also kept his father busy by ordering to the frontline of all his battles. His latest order was to lead a siege on the II at Ishiyama Honganji. [2] Such a siege would take a lot of resources and a lot of time. Perfect to keep the man busy. The orders were to surround the fortress and stop any supplies coming in. He also ordered Kuki Yoshitaka to blockade from the sea. His plan was to slowly starve them out while his other retainers went about defeating those who were sympathetic to the II. Luckily there weren’t many of them. Most daimyo in the region had already submitted and those who didn’t who soon feel the wrath of the Demon King. That is if they hadn’t already. After that he would only face three threats. The Mori to the west, the Takeda of Kai and the Uesugi of Echigo.

To help cement his safety he had signed alliances with the Chosokabe of Shikoku and the Shimazu of Kyushu. Both would prove to be vital allies in the future. In the meantime he sent Hashiba Hideyoshi and Kuroda Kanbei to assist the Chosokabe in unifying Shikoku and he sent letters to the Shimazu suggesting they attack the Mori territory held on Kyushu.

However, unbeknownst to Nobunaga. The Takeda and Uesugi had formed an Anti-Oda alliance and begun to mobilize. The death of the Shogun would be avenged. They would start by attacking his ally Tokugawa Ieyasu. [1] – In OTL Chosokabe Motochika was desperate for an alliance with the Oda and tried to see himself as an equal. In reality Nobunaga saw him as nothing but a country bumpkin. In this tl it is just as likely a similar view would be held for the Shimazu whom were also island dwellers.

[2] – In OTL the siege of Ishiyama Honganji took place in 1576 and took ten years. In this tl it will be different to OTL but I won’t reveal details yet.

Silver

October 7th, 2011, 08:58 AM

If daimyo, or should I say, shogun Oda Nobunaga has made an alliance with the Shimazu of Kyushu should he not at least also make an alliance with the Christian daimyo of Kyushu, namely daimyo Otomo Sorin of Bungo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Ctomo_S%C5%8Drin); daimyo Omura Sumitada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmura_Sumitada), who Luis Frois must have met and who I am sure he would have recommended to daimyo Oda Nobunaga as an ally; daimyo Konishi Yukinaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konishi_Yukinaga); and daimyo Arima Harunobu of Hizen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arima_Harunobu) if for no other reason than to keep the Shimazu of Kyushu in check?

Speaking of Christian daimyo, will Oda Nobunaga also make an alliance with daimyo Takayama Ukon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takayama_Ukon) and his father daimyo Takayama Tomoteru (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takayama_Tomoteru) of Yamato Province (in Honshu) like in the OTL? .

Also, will daimyo Oda Nobunaga later make an alliance with daimyo [B]Date Masamune of the Sendai Domain and of the Tohoku region (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Date_Masamune), a daimyo with pro-Christian sympathies but who never converted to Christianity? Will the latter later become Shogun Oda Nobunaga's right-hand man/top advisor after the country has be reunified, and, later as the right-hand man/top advisor to Mapukumaru aka Alfonse Azai? [You should really read his Wiki bio to find how much of a ruthless badass this guy is, especially on how he got the moniker "the One-Eyed Dragon" and his actions in dealing with his father's kidnappers].

Please kindly let me know your answers to each of these questions.

Lastly, I hope you would read maverick's two Japan-centric alternate history timelines, which are:

- "The Dragon Rises High" ATL
(http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=64262) - a completed ATL and maverick's first/earlier Japan-centric ATL about a Japan under the Date shoguns beginning with Date Masamune aka "the one-eyed dragon" himself;

- "The Realm Of The Mountain" ATL (http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=81863) & (http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=174321) - maverick's second but more-refined Japan-centric ATL about a Japan under the Takeda shoguns, but which was never completed due to maverick getting banned for some reason or another.

I hope these two ATLs will be of help to you when writing more of your wonderful "A Family Affair" ATL. PLease let me know. Thank you. :)

tonsofun

October 7th, 2011, 12:57 PM

I have thought about alliances with other Christian daimyo. But isn't always the most practical thing to do. According to my research the Shimazu were the most powerful clan on Kyushu. Such a powerful ally would be needed to keep the Mori busy. Otomo Sorin doesn't seem to have that power but he will come into play later on.

Luis Frois did recomend an alliance with any Christian daimyo. But Nobunaga is a maverick to say the least. He will always do thigns his own way. It is also worth nothing that Nobunaga himself was an atheist. Although he was born into the Hokke sect of Buddhism he did not share their beliefs. He did not hold any beliefs in Christianity either, although he was very curious. Funnily enough he did consider himself a god in his later life and demanded everyone in Japan come pay tribute to him. Many who could, did.

I'm currently reading a book about the Jesuits in Japan. It is just diary entries and letters they have written. There is a whole section about Luis Frois and Nobunaga. I will be putting some of those into this tl to explain their relationship better. (with changes made to suit this tl)

In OTL Takayama Tomoteru joined Nobunaga after the fall of the Miyoshi. This tl is no different. He and his son Takayama Ukon will both a play a part later in this tl.

Date Masamune will play a big part in this tl later on. There will eventually be an alliance. But will he not be happy to play second fiddle without proving himself. He was a major badass himself. It is safe to say he will be playing a bigger part than most.

I have read "The Dragon Rises High" but have yet to read "The Realm Of The Mountain". I will be reading that soon. Expect no updates until I have finished reading that.

Hope this answers all your questions. If you got anymore questions or comments, please feel free to let me know.:)

tonsofun

October 10th, 2011, 11:55 AM

#11 Disciple Of The West

“If God desires it, then it will be.” – Francisc Otomo

Francisco Otomo [1] was a powerful lord of Kyushu. His powerful was similar to that of the Shimazu. He saw himself as the first daimyo to convert to Christianity and unlike others who welcomed the Portuguese and the Jesuit missionaries, he truly believed in god and he believed that Jesus Christ died for his sins. Naturally this made him feel he was superior to the other heathen daimyo and had dreams of uniting all of Japan as one kingdom under the pope.
He had noticed the progress of a daimyo known as Oda Nobunaga who was backed by the Portuguese and even had a Jesuit [2] at his side advising him. His handling of the Ikko-Ikki was to be admired. He had shown the true justice of God to them. Nonetheless, all attempts at an alliance with such a godly man had failed. Did Nobunaga have his own agenda in all of this or did he simply believe that Francisco was not a worthy ally. Surely he would have to prove his worth.
He had built many contacts among the Portuguese and had managed to import a fair amount of western arms to equip his army with. His dream would be realized one day. For now though, he was advised to wait and let the Shimazu weaken themselves in their war with the Mori. When the time was right he would strike and prove himself.

[1] – Francisco Otomo was better known as Otomo Sorin. Francisco was the name given to him by the Jesuits and he will be referred to as such in this tl.

[2] – As you probably know this is Luis Frois. He will be playing a more important part in this tl too.

Silver

October 10th, 2011, 01:51 PM

Glad that you're back to writing this ATL. Please do keep up the good work. By th way, what do you think of when you read maverick's "The Realm of the Mountain" ATL? What do you think of it as well as maverick's earlier "The Dragon Rises High" ATL? Have both of these ATLs prove to be of any help/usefulness when writing your "A Family Affair" ATL? If so, how and in what way? Please let me know; contact me via pm. I look forward to hearing your answers. :)

tonsofun

October 11th, 2011, 09:29 PM

#12 Battle Of Mikatagahara

“His men are willing to die for him while he runs. I admire such dedication” – Takeda Shingen at Mikatagahara

In 1572 a joint force of Takeda and Uesugi ventured into Tokugawa territory. They made a pact to kill Oda Nobunaga and avenge the Shogun. They decided it would be best if they worked together to take out his ally Tokugawa Ieyasu first. Ieyasu was a leech. Before allying with the Oda he was allied with the Imagawa and changed sides as soon as he realized what fate had in store at Okehazama. If deafeated here, it was guaranteed he would change sides but can such a man be trusted. Probably not. They made a vow to take Ieyasus head. The first confrontation was the siege of Futamoto Casle which took Ieyasu by surprise and didn’t leave him time to plan a proper escape and ended up on the run. The main force of his army would meet this alliance at Mikatagahara. It is said that the Takeda forces alone numbered over 30000 and that the Uesugi forces numbered over 20000. At this time the Tokugawa only had 8000 and a mere 5000 hastily sent by the Oda.

It is said that Oda Nobunaga was taken by surprise when he heard that Takeda and Uesugi had joined forces against him. He expected one would attack him but to join forces was madness. He knew something was wrong but he had no idea what. To help Tokugawa he sent Takenaka Hanbei and Maeda Toshiie with 5000 men to fight the invading force. At the same time he sent reinforcements to Ishiyama Honganji led by Akechi Mitsuhide to support his brother-in-law.

It Despite being outnumbered Tokugawa Ieyasu had many talented generals backing him. Together with the Oda reinforcements they awaited battle. Takeda Shingen used a fish-scale formation to try and entice an attack. On the advice of the Oda, Tokugawa formed in men in line to get optimal use of his arquebusiers. They were backed by conscripted peasant stone throwers. Arrogantly the joint Oda-Tokugawa force saw victory due to their superior firearms. However, it wasn’t long before Takeda Shingen let loose his famous cavalry and caused significant damage to the coalition before him. It was here that Ieyasu would run for his life. His only chance was to reach Hamamatsu castle. In the sudden attacks Shingen heard a bullet strike his chest. Only feeling minimal pain he presumed he was protected by his armour and decided to concentrate on the matter at hand.

At this point, both the Takeda and the Uesugi forces gave pursuit. By now the Tokugawa were in full retreat. Ieyasu ordered several of his retainers to plant his golden fan at different points to serve as rallying points and diversions. Unable to ignore any of these the forces went in separate directions and chased down the diversion points where they found doubles of Ieyasu. [1] All of the doubles were put to the sword.

The diversion gave enough time for Ieyasu to reach Hamamatsu castle. Only five men joined him and most of his army had died securing his safety. Luckily, most of the Oda forces had the foresight to retreat too. They were already waiting for Ieyasu at Hammamatsu. At this point Takenaka Hanbei suggested Ieyasu use the empty fort strategy. A large war drum was beat to give courage to those surviving men and the rest who had managed to find their way to Hamamatsu. It also gave the impression that the fort was full of battle ready men. Uesugi Kenshin told Takeda Shingen of the many casualties inflicted. That was enough to tell both men that was no trap waiting for them, only a fort full of tired men. On the order, both men led their armies into Hamamatsu fort inflicting heavy damage. Tokugawa Ieyasu lost his life that day and many of his loyal retainers escaped in all directions. Takenaka Hanbei and Maeda Toshiie both escaped with their lives determined to warn Oda Nobunaga of what he would soon be facing in battle.

Nevertheless, not all was well. Takeda Shingen had not fully realised the extent of his injuries. Upon full inspection, he realized he had been shot in his upper chest. It seemed fate had another plan for him. However, for now he kept it a secret and decided to rest his men before marching to Kyoto.

-----------------

Before I read "The Realm Of The Mountain" I thought killing off Ieyasu here was very original and quite daring. But still I'm very pleased with the progress made.
All feedback is welcome.:D

Silver

October 12th, 2011, 05:45 AM

Liked reading this new chapter of yours. Please keep up the good work. :) By the way tonsofun, have you read the rest of the "The Realm Of The Mountain" ATL, especially those Japanese-related ATL historical events that came after the war in Korea - particularly those changes in Japanese society under the Takeda Shogunate? If so, which elements of those changes in the "The Realm Of The MOuntain" ATL, and even those changes from the "Dragon Rises High" ATL do you think will be suitable into incorporating in your "A Family Affair" ATL? As always, please do let me know your answers to my questions via PM. Thank you. :)

tonsofun

October 12th, 2011, 02:56 PM

#13 Battle Of Nagashino Part One

“They say the gun will kill off the samurai. But I’m not so sure it will happen in my lifetime or my grandchildren’s lifetime” – Aphonso Azai

At the Oda main camp. Nobunaga looked around. He was nervous. He had never been so close to his own personal death since Okehazama. His men were prepared for any assault. All he needed was for the Takeda cavalry to charge directly at his arquebusiers. Shingen was not that stupid though. His only option was to harass him from behind. He summoned a messenger to fetch Shibata Katsuie. The messenger soon returned with Katsuie in tow.

“Katsuie, I wish for you to attack the Enemy from behind. Nothing major, just harass them so they will attack here. It is a simple task that I think even you could handle. Don’t mess this up”

“Yes my lord.”

With that Shibata Katsuie left to fulfil his orders.

-------------------------

Both Kenshin and Shingen were highly pleased with themselves. Now the real challenge was lying before them. The Demon King himself, Nobunaga Oda.

Takeda Shingen looked at his men. They were in high spirits and confident of victory. He looked to the sky. The clouds were almost black and he could feel the moistness in the air. He let off a little smile. That is until his son Katsuyori [1] came to him.

“Father! Give me the order to charge and I will claim the head of Nobunaga himself. We saw at Mikatagahara that their Nanban arquebusiers are useless against the might of our cavalry. Let us end this now.”

“Not yet my son. The time is not right. Just because we won at Mikatagahara it does not mean that we will win here by the same means. We can only attack when the time is right. Nobunaga is a very smart man. We must think carefully before we make the slightest move.”

“But father!”

“NO! You will wait until I say so. There is still so much for you to learn”

Katsuyori went off in a huff and Shingen watched him. Yelling like that had hurt his wound. He clutched his chest for a moment to ease the pain. History was riding on the outcome of this battle. This was not just a battle to defeat the Oda. It was peasant vs samurai. The ranks of Nobunagas arquebusiers was made of lightly trained peasants while his cavalry consisted of the most elite samurai in his entire domain. He could not afford to lose. Just then, a messenger approached him.

“My lord. We are being harassed at the rear. What should we do?”

“We must be as immovable as the mountain. This is a petty tactic from Nobunaga he wishes to send my cavalry straight in the firing line of his ashigaru. We cannot give him that pleasure.

Kenshin came to join in the discussion.

“I shall deal with this myself. You must keep an eye on your son. He is short tempered and that could cost us the battle.”

With that Kenshin mounted his horse and rode off to deal with the threat.

-------------------

Nobunaga was getting anxious. Why had the Takeda not attacked yet? Harassing them from behind was a simple enough task. Even that fool Shibata could not mess that up.

“CAN’T THAT FOOL DO ANYTHING RIGHT?” he shouted.

Everyone turned to look at him. Such an outburst proved there was something wrong. Morale had just gone down dramatically. Nobunaga looked at his men. Defeat here would mean an end to it all. All his dreams and ambitions were going up in smoke.

------------------------------

Shibata Katsuie stood with his men. They were taunting the enemy into making a bad decision. But nothing was happening.

“ATTACK! The Takeda and Uesugi men are afraid of us.”

Just then Uesugi Kenshin popped out. Clearly he intended to duel with Katsuie. Both men dismounted from their horses and drew swords. The God of War was about to have some fun. They walked toward each other. Kenshin had his archers ready in case any tricks would occur. It seemed likely but a duel was too much to resist.

Katsuie raised sword and ran to attack. Kenshin met the attack with his sword and they exchanged many blows without result. Their men watched with fascination at these two men duelling. After 100 blows both men stopped and stared at each other. Just then it started to rain very heavily and a big smile suddenly appeared on Kenshins face. Katsuie did not understand and moved to attack again. They exchanged 20 more blows before Kenshin struck his opponents shoulder forcing him to drop his sword. An honourable man, Kenshin did nothing more than watch Katsuie retreat with his men. The Uesugi men cheered.

---------------------

Nobunaga saw the rain coming and let out a big sigh.

-----------------------

Takeda Shingen walked to his men with his war fan. He stopped and thrust it forward.

“GO! ATTACK! Switch as the wind. Fierce as fire.”

With that, the cavalry charged toward the Oda.

---------------------

The Oda arquebusiers tried to fire their guns but most could not because of the rain. They started to panic. Nobunaga approached the frontline.

“The rain cannot stop us.” He observed.

“Simply use the handles of your guns to batter the Takeda cavalry to death. Have no fear.” Nobunaga shouted.

With that he mounted his horse and began to ride off to the main camp and ordered a full retreat.

The Takeda cavalry charged and cut down most of the Oda men. The rain had made the Oda guns useless but it also proved hard work for the cavalry as it created a slippery ground and the horses used more energy than usual. By the time they reached the main camp everyone of importance had already gone. Both Kenshin and Shingen decided to chase the retreating Oda and cut down as many as they could. As Shingen mounted his horse the pain in his chest tightened and he found it hard to move. Within a few seconds he fell of his horse and was unable to get back up. The Tiger Of Kai would die that night while his men were chasing the Oda.

[1] – Katsuyori was the heir to the Takeda throne. But he was very stupid. Many historians put this down to his inbreeding. His father was also his grandfather and his mother was also his cousin.

tonsofun

October 14th, 2011, 12:02 PM

#14 Battle of Nagashino Part Two

“Looking back at what happened. It seemed both God and Buddha conspired to keep my uncle in power” – Aphonso Azai

The death of Takeda Shingen sent shockwaves through the Takeda and Uesugi forces. It was reported that heavy crying was heard from the tent of Uesugi Kenshin himself. [1].

When the Tiger of Kai died his young cub Katsuyori was giving chase to the fleeing Oda forces. Despite the result Maeda Toshiie proved himself by taking control of the retreat. Nobunaga was already long gone so his safety was guaranteed, but the Takeda forces could not be allowed to know that. He rallied what men he could and faced the Takeda forces head on. Many lives were lost, but it was long enough to ensure the bulk of the Oda army (well what was left of it) could retreat.

The bravery of those few who stayed behind derailed the plans of the Takeda. It wasn’t long before Katsuyori ordered a retreat back to Nagashino. There he would regroup with his father and march onto the capital. Back at Nagashino he learnt of his fathers death. He refused to believe that he died of a bullet wound he received back at Hammamatsu. Instead, he planted the blame on Uesugi Kenshin. It was always believed by Katsuyori that the Uesugi would betray his father but he didn’t think they would do so this early. He ordered his men to sleep and at dawn, he initiated a surprise attack on the Uesugi forces.

This attack took the Uesusgi totally by surprise as even Kenshin believed Katsuyori was smart enough not to attack his own ally at this very special time. In the ensuing chaos many men died. Despite being surprised the Uesugi fought off very well. But sadly it took the lives of both Katsuyori and Kenshin. It seemed the anti-Oda alliance would come to nothing.

The Oda forces regrouped just outside Shiga. The news of Shingens death took Nobunaga by surprise but made him ecstatic. Knowing of the divisons between Katsuyori and Kenshin he decided to re-arm and wait for their next attack. He waited for two weeks without knowing what had happened. Hearing that Katsuyori had attacked Kenshin took him by so much surprise that he believed it to be a ruse and continued to wait for the attack. After another two weeks and no attack he came to the conclusion that the events must be true. With that he decided to head back to the capital.

[1] – As I said before. Despite the numerous battles between Kenshin and Shingen they had the utmost respect for each other and even sent each other presents on occasion. It is speculated that Kenshin cried when he heard that Shingen died.

Thought anyone?
Is this believable or is it pretty much ASB?

tonsofun

October 15th, 2011, 07:20 PM

#15 Portrait Of Nobunaga

This king of Owari would be able 37 years old, [1] tall, thin, sparslybearded, extremely war-like and much given to military exercises, inclined to works of justice and mercy, sensitive about his honour, reticent about his plans, an expert in military strategy, unwilling to receive advice from subordinates, highly esteemed and venerated by everyone, does not drink wine and rarely offers it to others, brusque in his manner, despises all the other Japanese kings and princes and speaks to them over his shoulder in a loud voice as if they were lowly servants, obeyed by all as the absolute lord, has good understanding and good judgement. He despises the Kami and Hotoke [2] and all other pagan superstitions. Nominally belonging to the Hokke sect, he openly denies the existence of a creator of the universe, the immortality of the soul and life after death. He is upright and prudent in all his dealings and intensely dislikes any delays or long speeches. Not even a prince may appear before him with a sword. He is always accompanied by at least two thousand men on horseback, yet converses quite familiarly with the lowest and most miserable servant. His father was merely the lord of Owari, but by his immense energy over the past four years he has seized control of over 18 provinces, [3] including the eight provinces of Gokinai and its neighbour fiefs, overcoming them in a very short time.

[1] - At the time of this letter Nobunaga was only 35.

[2] – Both these sects he pretty much wiped out in his war against the priests.

[3] – In the original letter Luis Frois wrote that he controlled 18 provinces but this OTL Nobunaga has a faster rise so he now controls over 18.

tonsofun

October 17th, 2011, 02:40 PM

#16 The Aftermath

“Like a dog. A ronin needs a master” – Takenaka Hanbei on why the former Tokugawa lands are much more valuable than they appear.

The deaths of Takeda Shingen, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Uesugi Kenshin sent shockwaves through much of Eastern Japan. In a such amount of time the land had lost three of its smartest daimyos.

The land of Kai was quickly taken over by Sanada Masayuki. He was a master strategist and it is believed he may have even been taught by the Tiger of Kai himself. The sudden fall of the Takeda left a power struggle. Many lords rose up in the hope of replacing them. Masayuki managed to control all of the land previously controlled by the Takeda and even attempted to expand into the lands previously controlled by the Tokugawa. Sadly for him, he wasn’t the only one with such intentions. Hojo Ujimasa having taken over by the death of his father the previous year was ambitious, he decided to use the new chaos to further himself, and marched troops into Tokugawa lands. This would cause war with the new Sanada clan.

Oda Nobunaga also decided to take the lands of the now defunct Tokugawa clan. He planned to march in and gain the support of the remaining Tokugawa generals. Honda Tadakatsu, Hattori Hanzo and Li Naomasa were all still alive. They were unable to protect their lord at Mikatagahara and in the chaos; all three were separated at Hammamatsu. Instead all three rallied what remaining soldiers they could in an attempt to protect their land.

The Uesugi were more fortunate. Kenshins nephew Kagakatsu and son Kagetora made a pact to work together for the survival of the clan. They too would decide to build up their strength to protect themselves from the new chaos and other ambitious daimyo.

tonsofun

October 19th, 2011, 12:19 PM

#17 The Fate Of Mikawa

“Numbers cannot guarantee victory. But they do help.” – Antonio Azai*

As 1572 came close to an end, Mikawa province would become a big battlefield as the Hojo, Oda and Sanada would fight for control.

It was here that Takenaka Hanbei would distinguish himself as a master strategist. He first suggested sending messengers to the remaining Tokugawa forces. Seeing as the Oda and Tokugawa were allies he hoped that those still loyal to the now departed Ieyasu would remember how the Oda helped them in their hour of need and that they were still here. Together they could get revenge on the remainder of the Takeda.

The Sanada forces were newly formed and lacking numbers due to the recent fall of the Takeda. However, Sanada Masayuki was also a master strategist and he had the vast gold reserves of the Takeda to back him up. Those who backed him up would be heavily rewarded.

The Hojo had numbers on their side. The late Hojo Ujiyasu wasn’t ambitious in the slightest and had spent most of his years building up the defences of his own land. Both Takeda Shing and Uesugi Kenshin had both tried to invade these lands and failed. A long peace in Hojo lands had also allowed them to build up their strength. But as Ujimasa soon found out he was not his father and such numbers would prove meaningless in the end.

The Hojo were the first to march troops into Mikawa province. They fortified many positions along the way and intended to make the campaign as quick as possible. Being the first in they met little resistance.

Soon after the remaining Tokugawa forces received news of Oda support and decided it would be best to wait until they arrived before engaging the Hojo. It was at this point they also heard of Sanada forces coming in from the north. They hoped the Oda would arrive soon otherwise; their land would be split into many parts.

Lacking numbers, Sanada Masayuki knew he had to be quick if he was to make any gains. The lands of Mikawa were pivotal to their survival. Kai may have plenty of gold mines but as long as they were isolated from the sea they would have no way to get gunpowder except through third parties.

Masayuki decided the best way to deal with the vast numbers of the Hojo was to have many smaller groups harass those at the back. The more the Hojo stretched themselves, the worse things would be for them.

Oda Nobunaga decided to lead his troops to Mikawa province and engage whoever would be there to stop him. However, Takenaka Hanbei suggested it would be best to take it slow as others would also want to take Mikawa province. Reports had already come in of Hojo and Sanada troops marching into Mikawa. The best strategy would be to let them fight each other and then attack when they are both at their weakest.

In Eastern Mikawa the Hojo constantly found the areas they had fortified being constantly harassed. Ujimasa found himself in a dilemma. Did he continue his march west and take Mikawa before the Oda could get in or did he send more numbers back and deal with those darn Sanada.

Whatever tactic he would adopt would play help the enemy. If he sent more numbers to deal with the harassing Sanada he would lose more from his front and be weak against a possible Oda attack. If he ignored the Sanada then he could defeat the Oda but would be isolated from his homeland. Being a leader was indeed hard work. Eventually he decided it was best to deal with the Sanada. After they were dealt with he could simply conscript more people from his newly captured land. After all, the Oda were recently dealt a heavy blow at Nagashino. Numbers would simply trounce them. After that he could march onto the capital.

Seeing the Hojo reinforce their back lines, Masayuki realised he didn’t have the numbers to continually deal with them all. He continued to harass the Hojo by destroying supplies and ambushing whenever he could. The gold reserves he had access to, allowed him to buy support from the people he came across. Hojo morale was waning but they had the numbers and that was a good strategy in itself.

As the weeks went on, both the Sanada and the Hojo got weaker. Both were oblivious to the intrusions of the Oda. They slowly stepped further and further in, gaining support from those who used to serve the Tokugawa. Eventually they would engage the Hojo who would be too busy dealing with the Sanada.

The joint Oda/Tokugawa forces decimated the Hojo frontlines. Seeing the incoming disaster Sanada Masayuki ordered a withdrawal of his troops. He would have to wait before he could have that port.

Hojo Ujimasa refused to accept defeat. Seeing the Sanada withdrawing he decided to unleash his full force upon the Oda. By now, he had lost his advantage of numbers and supplies were minimal. He faced the Oda with everything he had but was forced to retreat with his tail between his legs.

Nobunaga was back. He had scared the Sanada, humiliated the Hojo, and gained the lands of Mikawa as his own and acquired the use of many fine generals. The future beginning to look bright again.

* - Incase you are wandering. I had change the name of Aphonso. Turns out St.Aphonso wasn't born until 1696. For those who don't understand, when someone is baptised a Catholic they have to take on a saints name. Hence why, all Japanese saints have Portuguese and Spanish names

Thoughts anyone?.

tonsofun

October 23rd, 2011, 10:28 PM

#18 Apostle Of The West

“I have the backing of God. I cannot lose” – Francisco Otomo

It was now 1573 and Francisco had modernized his army considerably. The Jesuits had given him many contacts among the Portuguese and Spanish. Not only had he received weapons but he had received experts from the Philippines to help his army modernize. [1]

The Shimazu had started to make progress against the Mori. Soon the Shimazu would surround him and it would take direct intervention from God to help him. He had been given the opportunity to do the work of the Lord and he must take it.

He told his generals to prepare for war. Kyushu would be his. The Spanish advisors suggested he attack the north. The bulk of the Shimazu was north and to take them out now while they were unprepared would be best. When they defeated the Shimazu, they could defeat the remainder of the Mori and then march south. With all of Kyushu under his rule, he was much closer to fulfilling his divine destiny.

[1] – This never happened in OTL. However, the war between the Mori & Shimazu and the progress of the Oda under Luis Frois made him take such measures.

tonsofun

October 26th, 2011, 12:59 PM

#19 Death Of The Ikko-Ikki

“I don’t like it. But, we must forbear. One day our time will come.” – Azai Nagamasa

With Hojo Ujiyasu, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin all dead. There were only two threats to the power of Nobunaga. That was the Ikko-Ikki and the Mori. The II had been severly weakened by several year of war and the fact that Nobunaga cut down any who stood with them. The Mori occasionally backed them, but afraid of antagonising the Oda they did it all in secret and because of that they only slowed down the death of the II.

The last stronghold of the II was at Ishiyama-Honganji. Azai Nagamasa, along with Akechi Mitsuhide had been besieging it from land for over one year now. Kuki Yoshitaka had been blockading it from the sea but the involvement of the Mori navy made things difficult and occasionally supplies got through.

Mitsuhide and Nagamasa had met during the campaign against the Asakura and had quickly become firm friends. Neither liked the brutal methods that Nobunaga ordered them to do. But together they supported each other and got through any trouble. Recently Nagamasa had received a letter from his wife. He knew about the failiure at Nagashino and the taking of the lands of Mikawa but now it seemed that Nobunaga was openly criticising Shibata Katsuie. He felt sorry for the man, his wife had been taken away from him and given to another. To make things worse, that very man had become more trusted than him in such a short time. In addition, to make matters worse Nobunaga was openly mocking him for mistakes, which weren’t really his fault.

He put those thoughts to the back of his mind. He had to concentrate on the battle ahead. Due to the temporary peace, Nobunaga was personally bringing cannons to attack the stronghold. He knew another massacre was about to take place. He didn’t like cutting down those who weren’t warriors. There was something about it that made him feel sick. He turned to the image of his son. The one who made him do all this. How was he doing? How would he grow up to be? Would he be a warrior like his father, or would his talents lie elsewhere?

When Nobunaga bought the cannons, he ordered that they be used immediately. He wanted to wipe out the II right now. They had been a nuisance for far too long. The cannons were pointed to fire at all sides of the castle. As the fires started to spread people began to run out. Just like before, everyone was cut down. No one knows the full extent of the casualties but it is estimated that over 20000 died that day.

The II were now wiped out. Any who did sympathise with them was in no position to resist. Now the Oda could start to fully recover from many years of war. Many more years lay ahead.

tonsofun

October 26th, 2011, 10:38 PM

Just done my first map. Was hard work. But worth it I think.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/Japan1573.png

Thoughts?

tonsofun

October 28th, 2011, 02:26 PM

#20 Unification Of Kyushu

“My divine right has been proved” – Francisco Otomo

Towards the end of 1573 Francisco Otomo declared war on both the Mori and Shimazu. His army had been modernized and trained by Spanish veterans from Filipino wars. His army was the best trained and equipped in all of Kyushu.

As he had predicted both the Mori and Shimazu were humiliated by his grand army. There had been clashes at Nagasaki, Saga, Fukuoka, Oita and Miyazaki. All however, had been decisive victories for the Otomo.

With all of Kyushu under his domain. Francisco Otomo had become assured of his destiny. The Mori had abandoned their territory on Kyushu and the Shimazu were forced to surrender and join the ranks of the Otomo. Now was the time to build up more strength and get that alliance with the Oda he had so long hoped for.

Any thoughts or comments (positive or negative) are welcome.:)

Silver

October 28th, 2011, 04:17 PM

Liked reading the new chapter of this ATL of yours (including the map). :) Please do keep up the good work. I see that daimyo Otomo Sorin is now the undisputed master of all of Kyushu, but what has happened to the other equally important Christian daimyo of Kyushu such as daimyo Omura Sumitada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmura_Sumitada) and daimyo Arima Harunobu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arima_Harunobu) as well as minor Christian daimyo of Kyushu such as Konishi Yukinaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konishi_Yukinaga)? What has happened to each of them since then, especially in relation to the success of daimyo Otomo Sorin in controlling all of Kyushu? Will the next few updates feature events in the north of Honshu, specifically in the domain of daimyo Date Masamune, or, those events featuring other Christian daimyo such as damiyo Takayama Tomoteru and his son Takayama Ukon? Also, have you finished reading the rest of maverick's The Realm of the Dragon ATL, especially the foreign events sections, particularly those that resulted from after the ATL Imjin War including the last few entries, which is mainly on Koxinga aka Coseng the Conqueror? What do you think of them? Also, is there any way in the future that your future chapters be much, much longer, especially if your future chapters go on to describe various aspects of Japanese feudal society/culture under the Oda/Azai Shogunate as well as foreign events due to the presence of a stronger Japan under the Oda/Azai and also due to a stronger Japanese presence in the Asia-Pactific region? Please kindly let me know your answers to each of my questions. Lastly, I would like to invite you to read tormsen's Spanish Intervention in Imjin War ATL (http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=152787&highlight=tormsen), which is more of a Korea-wank TL. The reason I'm inviting you to read this particular ATL is so that you could get a very good idea of what happens when a Far Easten country (i.e. Korea) with a powerful presence in the Asia-Pacific region can cause a butterfly of events to occur in other countries, which I hope your ATL Japan will most likely cause. Please let me know if said ATL is of use to you when writing your ATL. Thank you. :)

tonsofun

October 29th, 2011, 02:28 PM

Liked reading the new chapter of this ATL of yours (including the map). :) Please do keep up the good work.
Thank you. :D

I see that daimyo Otomo Sorin is now the undisputed master of all of Kyushu, but what has happened to the other equally important Christian daimyo of Kyushu such as daimyo Omura Sumitada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmura_Sumitada) and daimyo Arima Harunobu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arima_Harunobu) as well as minor Christian daimyo of Kyushu such as Konishi Yukinaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konishi_Yukinaga)? What has happened to each of them since then, especially in relation to the success of daimyo Otomo Sorin in controlling all of Kyushu?
As of now. The christian daimyo are in an alliance with the Otomo. The goal of the Otomo is to create a Christian Japan and the other Christian daimyo are now with him. But because he was the one with the biggest and best army, he is in charge and the others are his seconds to say.

Omura Sumitada (otherwise known as Bartolomu Omura) is the second to Francisco and the most theocratic of the bunch.

Arima Harunobu is of no importance right now as he is only six years old.

Konishi Yukinaga is part of the bigbKyushu alliance. But at only 18 I don't believe he was daimyo of his own land at this point in OTL as I can only find little information on him and no date on his succession. He mostly made his name after Hideyoshi's Kyushu campaign.

Will the next few updates feature events in the north of Honshu, specifically in the domain of daimyo Date Masamune,
There will be more information on the Date later. At the moment they have gained power through small battles and alliances. Due to the quick rise of the Oda. Smaller daimyo have sided with their neighbours to keep their power.
At the moment Date Masamune is only six years old. He will however, play a much bigger part in the future.

or, those events featuring other Christian daimyo such as damiyo Takayama Tomoteru and his son Takayama Ukon?
At the moment the Takayama loyally serve the Oda and help with Christian matters.

Also, have you finished reading the rest of maverick's The Realm of the Dragon ATL, especially the foreign events sections, particularly those that resulted from after the ATL Imjin War including the last few entries, which is mainly on Koxinga aka Coseng the Conqueror? What do you think of them?
I presume you mean "The Realm Of The Mountain. I have finished reading and despite being a very long read I did find it extremely interesting.
I always find the butterflies of foreign events to be the most interesting.
In my tl there will be no invasion of Korea, but there will be events happening there and in Manchuria which will affect Japan and events in Japan will affect Korea and Manchuria. So I suggest you keep an eye on that.

Also, is there any way in the future that your future chapters be much, much longer, especially if your future chapters go on to describe various aspects of Japanese feudal society/culture under the Oda/Azai Shogunate as well as foreign events due to the presence of a stronger Japan under the Oda/Azai and also due to a stronger Japanese presence in the Asia-Pactific region? As you are my number one of all my tonsofans, you shall receive.
I have written several more updates already and some are short whereas, others are long. I shall try and add more and merge some of the shorter ones together so it is a bit more of a read.
I shall also dedicate chapters to life under Nobunaga and the relationship between Nobunaga and Nagamasa. They are the two most important characters in this so this tl will mostly revolve around them for now.
There will also be updates about events in Asia as caused by a stronger Oda. These however, will take longer as it will need more research on my part.
Writing a tl is like lying to someone you love. If you want to get away with it then you need to remember every detail.:p

Please kindly let me know your answers to each of my questions. Lastly, I would like to invite you to read tormsen's Spanish Intervention in Imjin War ATL (http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=152787&highlight=tormsen), which is more of a Korea-wank TL. The reason I'm inviting you to read this particular ATL is so that you could get a very good idea of what happens when a Far Easten country (i.e. Korea) with a powerful presence in the Asia-Pacific region can cause a butterfly of events to occur in other countries, which I hope your ATL Japan will most likely cause. Please let me know if said ATL is of use to you when writing your ATL. Thank you. :)
I hope this answers all your questions. If not, do say so.

Thank you for lining me to the tl. It will make interesting reading and should serve to inspire me more too.

tonsofun

October 31st, 2011, 12:03 PM

#21 All Quiet On The Western Front

"Silence is a source of great strength.” – Lao Tzu

For all of 1574 and 1575 all was quiet between the Oda and Mori. Neither side wanted to make the first move, but both were happy to rebuild their strength and grow stronger than the other.

The Mori had suffered heavy losses from the Otomo. Not only did they lose men, but they were also humiliated and morale in their army was at an all time low. Attempts at modernization were hard. The Portuguese would only trade with the Otomo and Oda. There were no third parties they could deal with. Things looked grim.

The Oda had to rebuild their pride and strength after their humiliation at Nagashino. The campaign into Mikawa was very costly. However, it had paid off in the end. Extra land was gained and talented generals were recruited. Rebuilding his strength was a tedious but necessary one. If war was to start with the Mori then it is likely that the Hojo, Sanada and Uesugi might do the same. Another anti-Oda alliance wasn’t a nice prospect but it was inevitable and when the time came Nobunaga wanted his army as strong as it could be.

In this time, Luis Frois had continued to teach young Antonio. By day, the bible was studied and in the evening, he was to study Latin. The young Antonio had proven to be a very quick learner. Nobunaga was pleased to hear this whenever he could. In this time he too had build a good relationship with the young boy. In time, the two would come to respect each other very much.

Meanwhile, in the east peace was the order of the day. The Hojo, Uesugi and Sanada decided to be at peace in late 1575. They knew if they all went to war than the Oda would come knocking at their door.

----------

Back in Kyushu, Francisco Otomo was in very high spirits. All of Kyushu was under his command and he had the backing of all Christian daimyo on the land. Although each Christian daimyo had different ideas on how best to run things. They were all united under a common cause.

Bartolomu Omura [1] was Francisco’s right hand man. He pressured the other Christian daimyo to go further and attack the Mori homeland. Unlike the other Christian daimyo he was intolerant to Buddhism and wished to evangelise all of Japan. Instead he managed to convince Francisco to increase conversion rates on Kyushu and encouraged the Jesuits to convert people by any means. He also encourage the promotion of Christians (talent being irrelevant) and demotion of Buddhists.

Naturally this caused dissension in the ranks of the newly formed unofficial Papal Nation. A bunch of officers led by Tachibana Dosetsu [2] wrote a letter to Francisco Otomo condemning his actions. Tachibana was most angry because he had loyally served the Otomo all his life and found his prestige disappearing due to his dislike of Christianity.

[1] – Bartolomu Omura was one of the first Christian converts. He was the daimyo who opened the port of Nagasaki to Portuguese trade. He was very intolerant of non-Christians. He razed Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. He also defaced the graves of his ancestors and tried to force his retainers to become Christian. It amazes me that he had no rebellions in OTL. In this tl he will greatly support the Otomo and any future work they carry out.

[2] - Tachibana Dosetsu was a powerful man who was often referred to as the "Tadakatsu of the west". He loyally served the Otomo all his life in OTL and was always a vocal opponent of Christianity and wrote letters of protest but never went any further.

Thoughts?
BTW. The next few posts will be mini biographies of the more important characters in this. They should hopefully answer any questions about stuff I have yet to mention. They will also be longer as I have had a request for longer updates.

Silver

October 31st, 2011, 08:30 PM

Another excellent update, tonsofun. :) What will daimyo Otomo Sorin do when he learns that some of his subordinates (led by Tachibana Dosetsu) were protesting their lose of influence to Christians? Will he wisely make an edict to his Christianised people in his territory to tolerate their fellow citizens who are Buddhists and/or followers of Shinto so as to wisely prevent growing resentment and nip in the bud any future Buddhist/Shinto revolts within his territory? Will Otomo Sorin encourage his fellow Christian daimyo in Kyushu (including Omura Sumitada) to pass edicts that tolerate any remaining Buddhist/Shinto followers in their respective lands? Will such an edict not apply to any and all Kysushu clans defeated by the Otomo (such as the Shimazu) and are thus forced not only to convert to Christianity en masse, but also persecute any remaining Buddhists/Shinto followers in their respective lands?

Also, I have a number entries on prominent Japanese Christians of the Segoku Jidai period, which you might have use for in your ATL, and they are:

- daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka aka Kuroda Kanbei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuroda_Yoshitaka) & (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Kuroda_Yoshitaka). Will this particular daimyo (which you mentioned in one of your earlier entries as being sent by Nobunaga along with Hashiba Hideyoshi aka Toyotomi Hideyoshi to assist daimyo Chosokabe Motochika in unifying all of Shikoku under his rule) remain a Catholic Christian in your ATL? [daimyo Takayama Ukon had a hand in daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka's conversion to Christianity]. Will his son daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuroda_Nagamasa) become and remain a Catholic Christian in your ATL?

- daimyo Omura Yoshiaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omura_Yoshiaki) & (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Omura_Yoshiaki). Will this son of daimyo Omura Sumitada (yes that Bartolomu Omura in your ATL) remain a Catholic Christian in your ATL?

- Tanaka Shosuke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanaka_Shosuke). Will this Japanese Christian technician and trader of metals from Kyoto be very prominent in your ATL, especially during your ATL version of the Nanban Trade Period (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanban_trade_period)?

- Hasekura Rokuemon Tsunenaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasekura_Tsunenaga). Will this Japanese Christian samurai and retainer daimyo Date Masemune be very prominent in not the court of the Date, but also in the court of the Oda/Azai Shogunate in your ATL? Will the Keicho Embassy, which he leads be more successul in your ATL?

- Naito Yukiyasu aka Naito Joan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nait%C5%8D_Yukiyasu). Will this Japanese Christian samurai and retainer to Christian daimyo Konishi Yukinaga have some prominent role in your ATL?

- daimyo Arima Naozumi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arima_Naozumi). Will this son of Kysushu Christian daimyo Arima Harunobu remain a Catholic Christian, not divorce his wife Marta (who is daimyo Konishi Yukinaga's niece), and not persecute Japanese Christians in your ATL? Or will he in some way or manner die and that one of his two half-brothers either Francisco or Mathias succeeds him as heir of the Arima Clan and its territory?

- Hosokawa Gracia aka Hosokawa Tama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosokawa_Gracia). Will this Christian wife of daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosokawa_Tadaoki), and the daughter of daimyo Akechi Mitsuhide (yes that daimyo who betrayed daimyo Oda Nobunaga at Honno-ji in the OTL) not end up violently killed and thus would go on to have some prominent role in your ATL, especially in regards to Japanese Christians during the Oda/Azai Shogunate in your ATL?

- and Murayama Toan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murayama_T%C5%8Dan). Will this Japanese Christian merchant and governor of Nagasaki have a very prminent role in the Oda/Azai Shogunate period in your ATL?

Please kindly let me know your answers to each of these persons and I hope they are of use to your ATL. Thank you. :)

tonsofun

November 1st, 2011, 03:08 PM

Another excellent update, tonsofun. :) Thank you.:D

What will daimyo Otomo Sorin do when he learns that some of his subordinates (led by Tachibana Dosetsu) were protesting their lose of influence to Christians? Will he wisely make an edict to his Christianised people in his territory to tolerate their fellow citizens who are Buddhists and/or followers of Shinto so as to wisely prevent growing resentment and nip in the bud any future Buddhist/Shinto revolts within his territory? Will Otomo Sorin encourage his fellow Christian daimyo in Kyushu (including Omura Sumitada) to pass edicts that tolerate any remaining Buddhist/Shinto followers in their respective lands? Will such an edict not apply to any and all Kysushu clans defeated by the Otomo (such as the Shimazu) and are thus forced not only to convert to Christianity en masse, but also persecute any remaining Buddhists/Shinto followers in their respective lands? For now the dissenters will simply be told to stop complaining and get on with it (with consequences revealed in a later post).
However, different areas of Kyushu will have different laws regarding Buddhism. Omura Sumitada (also known as Dom Bartlemu. he is the real nutjob in this) is going to start force conversions and convice the other Christian daimyo to do the same. But for now the others will simply leave conversion to the Jesuits and offer privileges to those who convert. This situation will lead to others converting who didn't in OTL.
The Shimazu will soon be converting when they see the "benefits" that come with it. The same goes for a lot of common people in Kyushu. They might not necessarily believe but there are advantages to saying you do.

Also, I have a number entries on prominent Japanese Christians of the Segoku Jidai period, which you might have use for in your ATL, and they are:

- daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka aka Kuroda Kanbei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuroda_Yoshitaka) & (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Kuroda_Yoshitaka). Will this particular daimyo (which you mentioned in one of your earlier entries as being sent by Nobunaga along with Hashiba Hideyoshi aka Toyotomi Hideyoshi to assist daimyo Chosokabe Motochika in unifying all of Shikoku under his rule) remain a Catholic Christian in your ATL? [daimyo Takayama Ukon had a hand in daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka's conversion to Christianity]. Will his son daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuroda_Nagamasa) become and remain a Catholic Christian in your ATL?

The Kuroda still faithfully serve the Oda. I have plans for them,(and for Hideyoshi too) but it would involve a spoiler. If you want a spoiler than I can PM a few.

- daimyo Omura Yoshiaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omura_Yoshiaki) & (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Omura_Yoshiaki). Will this son of daimyo Omura Sumitada (yes that Bartolomu Omura in your ATL) remain a Catholic Christian in your ATL?
Omura Sumitada as I have already mentioned is part of the Kyushu Papalship (just thought of it. sounds pretty cool) and his son is the same. Whereas his son was forced to serve the Ryuzoji. But in this tl they play a big part.

- Tanaka Shosuke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanaka_Shosuke). Will this Japanese Christian technician and trader of metals from Kyoto be very prominent in your ATL, especially during your ATL version of the Nanban Trade Period (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanban_trade_period)? Tanaka Shosuke will play a big part in this tl after the war is over. If you want know more I can let you know via pm.

- Hasekura Rokuemon Tsunenaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasekura_Tsunenaga). Will this Japanese Christian samurai and retainer daimyo Date Masemune be very prominent in not the court of the Date, but also in the court of the Oda/Azai Shogunate in your ATL? Will the Keicho Embassy, which he leads be more successul in your ATL?Hasekura Rokuemon Tsunenaga will be playing his own important role. He will be part of the great Date voyages and be responsible for seeking much needed relations.

- Naito Yukiyasu aka Naito Joan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nait%C5%8D_Yukiyasu). Will this Japanese Christian samurai and retainer to Christian daimyo Konishi Yukinaga have some prominent role in your ATL? Naito Yukiyasu for noe faithfully serves the Oda. But his importance will increase in the future.

- daimyo Arima Naozumi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arima_Naozumi). Will this son of Kysushu Christian daimyo Arima Harunobu remain a Catholic Christian, not divorce his wife Marta (who is daimyo Konishi Yukinaga's niece), and not persecute Japanese Christians in your ATL? Or will he in some way or manner die and that one of his two half-brothers either Francisco or Mathias succeeds him as heir of the Arima Clan and its territory?Arima Naozumi so far is not even alive. But his father will soon become of age and serve the Otomo.
But back to Arima Naozumi. He will be married to Marta still. But there will be no divorce in this tl.

- Hosokawa Gracia aka Hosokawa Tama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosokawa_Gracia). Will this Christian wife of daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosokawa_Tadaoki), and the daughter of daimyo Akechi Mitsuhide (yes that daimyo who betrayed daimyo Oda Nobunaga at Honno-ji in the OTL) not end up violently killed and thus would go on to have some prominent role in your ATL, especially in regards to Japanese Christians during the Oda/Azai Shogunate in your ATL? I'm undecided on the fate of Gracia/Tama for now. In this tl Mitsuhide remains loyal so she would not be sent into hiding and not get baptised by her maid. Whether she still becomes Christian or not is still something I need to decide. If you have suggestions I am more than willing to read them:D

- and Murayama Toan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murayama_T%C5%8Dan). Will this Japanese Christian merchant and governor of Nagasaki have a very prminent role in the Oda/Azai Shogunate period in your ATL? Murayama Toan will become a very rich merchant in this tl and governor of a big trading port. But not Nagasaki.

Please kindly let me know your answers to each of these persons and I hope they are of use to your ATL. Thank you. :)I hope I have answered all questions. I'm always happy to answere any other questiosn you have in future. If you are interested in those spoilers, then please pm me. :)

Silver

November 1st, 2011, 08:43 PM

Thanks for the replies I really appreciated it. :) Also, I would like to hear from you via PM on your plans for daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka a.k.a. Kuroda Kanbei and his son daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa, and Tanaka Shosuke. As for your suggestions for lady Hosokawa Gracia - well she might still convert to Roman Catholicism but for different reasons; since we only know the year of her death, that she was fifteen when she married daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki, that she had five or six children with him, and that in 1582 her father killed daimyo Oda Nobunaga - she might have one possible fate for her that I could think of - she could end up having an arranged marriage with Antonio/Manpukumaru Azai (according to some sources both were reported to be born in 1563) to strengthen the bonds between daimyo Azai Nagamasa and daimyo Akechi Mitsuhide and from there she converts to Roman Catholicism either before or after the two get married. What do you think of this?

Also, I have some more weblinks to a number of the previously mentioned Japanese Christians and Japanese Christian sympathizers, all of which came from this SamuraiWiki website (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Main_Page), which I would reccommend for you to bookmark so that you could use in your research, and they are:

- Hasekura Rokuemon Tsunenaga (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Hasekura_Tsunenaga).

- daimyo Date Masemune (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Date_Masamune).

- Hosokawa Gracia a.k.a. Hosokawa Tama (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Hosokawa_Gracia).

- daimyo Konishi Yukinaga (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Konishi_Yukinaga).

- daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Kuroda_Nagamasa).

- Naito Joan (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Naito_Joan).

- daimyo Omura Sumitada (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Omura_Sumitada), and his son daimyo Omura Yoshiaki (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Omura_Yoshiaki).

- daimyo Otomo Sorin (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Otomo_Sorin).

- daimyo Takayama Ukon (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Takayama_Ukon), and his father daimyo Takayama Tomoteru (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Takayama_Tomoteru).

- daimyo Arima Harunobu (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Arima_Harunobu). Note: He is the nephew of daimyo Omura Sumitada.

- and of course, the main charater in your ATL - Azai Manpukumaru (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Manpukumaru). By the way, what roles will his half-sisters Chacha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yodo_dono), Ohatsu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohatsu), and Oeyo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oeyo) play in your ATL? Moreover, what will each of them think of their half-brother's conversion to Christianity?

Moreover, I have a list of a few more Japanese Christian persons, which I hope could be of use to your ATL, and they are:

- Akashi Teruzumi a.k.a. Akashi Takenori (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Akashi_Teruzumi) & (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashi_Takenori). Will this Japanese Christian samurai have a more different role in yiur ATL?

- daimyo Araki Murashige (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Araki_Murashige) & (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashi_Morishige)???. Will this daimyo of Settsu and noted tea master have some prominent role in your ATL, especially in the area of Japanese tea ceremony during the Oda/Azai Shogunate in your ATL?

- daimyo Goto Moriharu (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Goto_Moriharu). Will this Japanese Christian daimyo of Kyushu have some prominent role in the Papal government under daimyo Otomo Sorin, and also in the Oda/Azai Shogunate government?

- Goto Mototsugu (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Goto_Mototsugu). Will this Japanese Christian samurai and retainer to daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka a.k.a. Kuroda Kanbei have some prominent role in your ATL?

- daimyo Ichijo Kanesada (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Ichijo_Kanesada), and his son daimyo Ichijo Uchimasa (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Ichijo_Uchimasa). Will daimyo Ichijo Kanesada and his son be the only Japanese Christian daimyo in the island of Shikoku, which is predominantly and overwhelmingly Buddhist? Will he, his son and their followers/retainers be allowed to practice their Christian religion as part of a deal made with daimyo Oda Nobunaga and daimyo Chosokabe Motochika to help the latter unify Shikoku under his banner? Will daimyo Ichijo Kanesada be not killed under the orders of daimyo Chosokabe Motochika? Will daimyo Ichijo Uchimasa become a Christian and be not killed for defying his father-in-law (i.e. daimyo Chosokabe Motochika) like in the OTL? Will both daimyo Ichijo Kanesada and his son be charged with the responsibility of spying on daimyo Choskabe Motochika and the Buddhist of Shikoku to prevent a Buddhist revolt in the island,; that both men both report to daimyo Otomo Sorin (daimyo Ichijo Kanesada's mother, and daimyo Ichijo Uchimasa's grandmother is daimyo Otomo Sorin's daughter) as well as to the Oda/Azai Shogunate government?

- daimyo Kobayakawa Hidekane (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Kobayakawa_Hidekane). Will this Japanese Christian daimyo, who is the 9th and last son of daimyo Mori Motonari, and who married Maxentia (a daughter of daimyo Otomo Sorin) have some prominent role in your ATL?

- Naito Julia (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Naito_Julia). Will this Japanese Catholic nun and sister to the Japanese Christian samurai Naito Joan have some promient role in your ATL, epecially in regards to Christian missionary/Catholic convent work?

- daimyo Oda Hidenobu (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Oda_Hidenobu). Will this sixth son of daimyo Oda Nobunaga have some prominent role in your ATL, especially either as a friend or rival of Antonio Azai?

- daimyo Otomo Yoshimune (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Otomo_Yoshimune), the first-born son of daimyo Otomo Sorin; daimyo Otomo Chikaie (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Otomo_Chikaie), the second son of daimyo Otomo Sorin; and daimyo Otomo Chikamori (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Otomo_Chikamori), the third son of daimyo Otomo Sorin. Will these three sons of daimyo Otomo Sorin each have prominent roles in the Papal government of their father as well as in the Oda/Azai Shogunate government in your ATL?

- daimyo Ryuzoji Ienobu (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Ryuzoji_Ienobu). Will this 3rd son of daimyo Ryuzoji Takanobu still convert to Roman Catholicism like in the OTL, and will he become the head of the Ryuzoji clan and its domain after his father and two other brothers are killed? Moreover, will he have some prominent role in Kyushu and in the Oda/Azi Shogunate in your ATL?

- daimyo Gamo Ujisato (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gam%C5%8D_Ujisato) & (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Gamo_Ujisato), and his son daimyo Gamo Hideyuki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gam%C5%8D_Hideyuki) & (http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Gamo_Hideyuki). [daimyo Gamo Ujisato was influenced by daimyo Takayama Ukon to convert to Christianity]. Will daimyo Gamo Ujisato and his son have some prominent roles in your ATL?

- Paulo Miki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Miki). Will this Roman Catholic Japanese Jesuit seminarian have a better fate in your ATL, perhaps as high-ranking priest in Japan?

- daimyo Oda Nagamasu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oda_Nagamasu). Will this younger brother of daimyo Oda Nobunaga and who is an accomplished practitioner of Japanese tea ceremony have some prominent role in your ATL, including in the area of Japanese tea ceremony during the Oda/Azai Shogunate?

- Father Jacobo Kyushei Gorobioye Tomonaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobo_Kyushei_Tomonaga). Will this Roman Catholic Japanese Dominican priest have a better fate in your ATL, perhaps as a high-ranking priest in Japan?

- daimyo Tsugaru Nobuhira (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsugaru_Nobuhira). What sort of prominent role will this Japanese Christian daimyo have in your ATL?

- Thomas Tsugi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Tsugi). Wull this Roman Catholic Japanese priest have a better fate your ATL, perhaps as a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church in Japan?

- Yokozawa Shogen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokozawa_Sh%C5%8Dgen). Will this Japanese Christian samurai and retainer to daimyo Date Masamune have some prominent role in your ATL?

- and lastly, Amakusa Shiro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amakusa_Shir%C5%8D). Will this charismatic 15 year old leader of the Shimabara Rebellion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimabara_Rebellion), and who is reported in some sources to be the illegitimate son of shogun Toyotomi Hideyori have a more better fate than in the OTL as well as have some prominent role in your ATL.

Finally, I would like to know if tormsen's "Spanish Intervention In Imjin War" ATL was of great use to you when planning to write the effects on other countries on the presence of a powerful Far Eastern country in the Asia-Pacific region.

Please kindly let me know your answers to each of my questions via PM. Thanks again. :)

tonsofun

November 2nd, 2011, 04:45 PM

#22 Hero Of Bizen

“My father, my hero.” – Antonio Azai

Azai Nagamasa (1545) was the head of the Azai family. His father Azai Hisamasa was a less than capable ruler and lost many castles to their overlords the Rokkaku and was on the verge of submitting to them in 1560 when he lost Futo castle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/AzaiCrest.jpgThe Crest of The Azai.

When Nagamasa came was 15 he was given the name Yoshimasa (from Rokkaku Yoshitaku) and was sent to marry a girl of the Rokkaku. However, he was unwilling to do this and soon returned to his home of Odani. At this point, Azai Hisamasa was being urged to step down in favour of his son. Hisamasa agreed and Nagamasa was daimyo of the Azai at only 15.

Even at the tender age of 15. Yoshimasa proved more suitable than father by capturing Futo castle and defeating a Rokkaku army at Norada. It was at this time, his retainers commented that young Yoshimasa was the reincarnation of his grandfather Sukemasa. It was during this time, that he changed his name to Nagamasa. Some say, it was to reinforce that he was the reincarnation of his grandfather. Others say it was simply to remove the remnants of the Rokkaku form himself. Success against the Rokkaku would continue until 1570.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/NagamasaAzai.jpgPortrait of Azai Nagamasa.

At the age of 21 Nagamasa was drawn into a territorial dispute over the land of Mino with another relatively unknown daimyo by the name of Oda Nobunaga. The dispute was solved by an alliance between the two. To cement the relationship a marriage was arranged between Nagamasa and Nobunaga’s sister Oichi.

The marriage between Nagamasa would be strained at best. Nevertheless, in time, they would become much closer and love each other. Whether they were truly in love or simply supporting each other in their times of crisis is still debated by historians today. But the letters between the two show that they had a special bond and cared for each other.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/Oichi-statue.jpg Statue of Lady Oichi in Kyoto.

In 1567, Oichi gave birth to their first and only son Manpukumaru. Soon after the boy was born, he would become a hostage of Nobunaga. It is believed by many Azai experts that if not for his son then Nagamasa would have met a much more tragic end as in 1570, Nobunaga declared war on his other allies the Asakura. The war between his two allies bought much stress to Nagamasa as he was torn between whom he should side with. To this day, Azai experts believe if not for his son being held hostage then he would’ve sided with the Asakura. As heroic as it seems, it most likely would’ve resulted in a bloody and tragic end for Nagamasa.

It was during the campaign against the Asakura that Nagamasa proved his loyalty to Nobunaga. He put himself right onto the front line of every battle he participated in, thus earning the respect of his brother-in-law and the admiration of the Oda generals.

During the Oda campaigns he also had three daughters who would all go on to form their own lives. Yodogimi would marry Date Masamune, Ohatsu No Kata would marry Sanada Yukimura and Oeyo who went on to marry Chosokabe Morichika.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/Yodo-dono.jpgChacha. Aka Yodo dono. Wife of Date Masamune and first Japanese women to sail to America and Europe.

The relationship between Nagamasa and Nobunaga was better than most would guess. Despite the fact his son was a hostage, Nagamasa became the hero of the Oda. Nobunaga commented many times that his success was heavily down to Nagamasa and his retainers often said they would not wish to face Nagamasa in battle but fighting alongside him made them feel invincible.

Things were helped that Nobunaga gave Nagamasa an artistic version of his sons life. The Nanbanisation that Manpukumaru was going under would be kept secret unitl their reunion in later life. However, the scholarly gifts were often mentioned.

Looking back at it all. Nagamasa was a true hero of his times. He served Nobunaga throughout his life and continued fighting until the land finally knew peace and after that he retired to enjoy what was left of his life.

tonsofun

November 5th, 2011, 12:52 AM

#23 Nobunaga The Ruler

“My uncle is just misunderstood. No one knows him like I do.” – Antonio Azai

In 1752, [1] Nobunaga was made junior third rank and became a court advisor. Court appointments continued on a yearly basis. By 1574, he had become the grand master of state (the highest post he could be given). It is believed these titles were simply a ruse to woo him and stop him from carrying out his plans. [2] However, that same year Nobunaga gave up his titles, stating he had unfinished work in the provinces. It was at this time, he tried to force Emperor Ogimachi into early retirement without success. His failure showed that there was a limit to his power, although what exactly determined the limit of his ambitions is still debated by historians today. The fact that he killed the Shogun and took the title himself says a lot more about his ambition that anything else.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/NobunagaOda.jpgPortrait of Oda Nobunaga by Giovanni Niccolo.

Soon after the murder of the Shogun Nobunaga became the Shogun himself. [3] This action caused much anger throughout the land. But most daimyo simply lacked the courage to do anything about it and were simply more interested in their own personal lives to do anything about it. Only two men would rise to the challenge of avenging the dead Shogun and they happened to be two men capable of stopping him. Sadly for them, the campaign was a failure. Although the alliance of Takeda and Uesugi was successful in killing off Ieyasu Tokugawa [4] they were stopped in their tracks by s ingle bullet which would kill off the Tiger of Kai and cause his son to invent a new term into the Japanese language. To this day the term “to go Katsuyori” means to do a stupid act while under the influence of extreme paranoia and ambition. Despite his defeat at Nagashino, Nobunaga came off stronger than ever. He took the lands of the now dead Tokugawa clan while the Takeda and Uesugi became nothing but mere buffer clans between the Oda and the East.

His entry into Kyoto put him into a life that was very different to what he had experienced beforehand. Kyoto was found to be nothing what he had expected and was not worthy to be the capital of the land. Most of the city was in disrepair, tollbooths filled most roads and the hills were filled with bandits. His responsibilities increased tenfold. His first decision and arguably his most important was to establish an economic power base and maximize the potential wealth of the lands of Kinai. He started by removing all tollbooths, (this was simply good PR as it increased his popularity exponentially with the people) and a series of cadastral surveys [5] of his entire domain. Next Nobunaga moved to control the minting & exchange of coins and even bought the merchant city of Sakai under his control. He used his new wealth to improve his army, which at that was poorly equipped. He bought as many rifles as he could and even moved to make his own when he controlled Omi, which came with its own arms factory.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/Oda_Mon.pngCrest of the Oda clan.

Nobunaga was highly fascinated by westerners and he was more than happy to tolerate their activities. Such was his fascination that he allowed his nephew to be raised by the famed Jesuit Luis Frois. Some say it was to reap the benefits of a westernised Japanese, which could help a lot with diplomacy, trade, and all matters of Christianity. Others simply say it was merely out of curiosity to see how his father would react to such events when he found out. It is said that Nagamasa was furious when he found out and wished death upon his brother-in-law when he found out.

The Jesuits themselves fulfilled a number of roles for Nobunaga. Firstly, they provided him with artefacts and novelties, which he craved. (At first the Jesuits were happy to do this as they saw him as the true leader of Japan for a while)[6] Secondly,
they gave his Buddhist enemies’ good reason to hate him. (this made the II campaigns a lot easier) Thirdly, their missionaries made the land have a few less Buddhists and that meant less people for the Buddhist priests to influence against him. Nobunaga was more than aware that a land of Christians would create the same problems, which was why he never helped the Jesuits out much and didn’t always do what they asked of him, much to their annoyance. Overall, the Jesuits simply saw Nobunaga as a means to an end and a creator of useful diversions.

[1] – Two years earlier than OTL due to success.

[2] – Despite his reforms being for the better much of what he did angered the traditional power holders of Japan. Nobunaga was never one to conform.

[3] – He was despised for this too. Not just for the murder but because he wasn’t descended from the Minamoto family line.

[4] – A simple man who clung to whoever was the most powerful. History doesn’t look upon so favourably.

[5] – A measure of the size of all property. Includes details of ownership, tenure, exact size and location.

[6] – In this TL Nobunaga loses favour with the Jesuits to the Christian daimyo Francisco Otomo

tonsofun

November 7th, 2011, 12:31 PM

#24 The Dirty Man

“The Nanban look different to us, so it stands to reason there would be people who look different to both us and the Nanban.” – Antonio Azai.

In 1576, Nobunaga singed an alliance with Francisco Otomo of Kyushu. He didn’t trust Francisco at all. His dedication to Christianity reminded him of the Ikko-Ikki. Christians were good as they took away numbers from the Buddhist priests. But too many Christians would cause the same problems again. Either way this man could not be ignored. An alliance suited the current purpose.

The alliance with the Otomo pleased the Jesuits and inspired an Italian Jesuit named Alessandro Valignano [1] to pay Nobunaga a visit. He was accompanied by a black slave named Yasuke. [2]

Like most Japanese. Nobunaga had never seen a black man before and was fascinated by him. He believed his skin was dark due to dirt and one asked him to come to his court one day and be washed to see if he was right.

Alessandro Valignano first paid a visit to Luis Frois. It was here he met young Antonio and became impressed with the young Japanese boy who was fully committed to God and even seemed to be able to speak some Latin.

Young Antonio was surprised to see Yasuke. Unlike his fellow countrymen, he simply believed Yasuke to be from another part of the big world. He tried to strike up a conversation as soon he saw him and was amazed to find out he spoke very good Japanese.

Yasuke was drawn to young Antonio. This boy was the only person to talk to him like a man. The Jesuits all looked down on him like an animal and the Japanese simply saw him as some sort of freak show. The two would become great friends as the years go by.

The next day Yasuke had to see Nobunaga to be washed. Antonio argued the case that the man had dark skin by nature but Nobunaga still insisted on this humiliating ritual. [3]

[1] – Alessandro Valignano was the inspector of all Jesuit missions in the East Indies. In OTL he never visited Nobunaga until 1579. In this tl he visits earlier due to the success of that Luis Frois has seen under the Oda.

[2] – In OTL Yasuke became a bodyguard for Nobunaga. He was very dark skineed and over six feet tall. He most likely would’ve been used to create fear. He served Nobunaga until he was captured by Akechi Mitsuhide and was asked to leave Japan with the other Jesuits Nobunaga had befriended.

[3] – This is true. Nobunaga believed Yasuke to be dirty and demanded he be washed. Despite this, Nobunaga and Yasuke became good friends and had many good conversations.

tonsofun

November 10th, 2011, 12:44 PM

#25 March East

“I think maybe our Lord is going soft.” – Shibata Katsuie

In the autumn of 1576 Oda Nobunaga started his war against the Sanada. The vast gold mines of Kai [1] were just too valuable to not take. Such resources would help greatly in his campaign to conquer all of Japan.

Although they weren’t overly strong or numerous, the Sanada were led by the crafty Sanada Masayuki. Nobunaga knew in times of trouble he would have signed an alliance with either the Uesugi or Hojo. Maybe even both. The worst case scenario needed to be prepared for.

Nobunaga personally led the campaign himself. Azai Nagamasa was his second for this campaign and Akechi Mitsuhide was not far behind. Shibata Katsuie was still being mocked for his failure at Nagashino and was left at back, which caused much resentment.

There were only a few clashes in the land of Kai. There had been several ambushes on the Oda supplies, but little progress was made. Nobunaga was smarter than the Hojo Ujimasa whom Masayuki had tormented back in Mikawa. After slow progress, Masayuki knew his only hope was to face the Oda at Ueda. [2]

For this campaign Honda Tadakatsu who had become the leader of what remained of the Tokugawa forces assisted Nobunaga. He had accepted servitude under the Oda as long as they could strike back at the former Takeda lands.

The siege of Ueda is a long a costly one. Although surrounded by the Oda. Ueda is full of traps and ambushes, just waiting for any over willing samurai to fall into. Although full of supplies, Ueda is full of supplies. Nobunaga knows that if he surrounds the castle then everyone will either starve to death or be forced to attack.

Fortunately for the Sanada, reinforcements come from the Uesugi who are eager not to let the Oda take such valuable land. The Uesugi forces are determined and cause much trouble for the Oda.

Azai Nagamasa and Akechi Mitsuhide lead the counter attack against the Uesugi. The two samurai have worked together since 1570 and have become the best of friends. Due to their friendshp they work together without any malice or rivalry. Just the word that those two are attacking together is enough to send chills through any enemy ranks.

Meanwhile, the siege against Ueda continues. After one year Sanada Masayuki surrenders and offers his services to Nobunaga in exchange for the lives of his sons. [3] As insurance, Nobunaga demands that Masayuki hand over his youngest son Yukimura as a hostage. [4]

[1] – The gold mines of Kai provinces were very immense. These gold mines allowed Takeda Shingen to rise to power so suddenly and become such a big player.

[2] – Ueda was a heavily fortified castle that was besieged many times during the Sengoku era.

[3] – At this time, Masayuki had two sons. Nobuyuki (1666) and Yukimura (1667).

[4] – This will play a part in the future.

tonsofun

November 13th, 2011, 11:46 PM

#26 Menace Of The West

“I said it once and I will say it again. Francisco Otomo is the very embodiment of the devil.” – Antonio Azai

During late 1576 Nobunaga was busy pacifying the Uesugi and Hojo clans. While all this was happening, the Mori took note and decided to mobilize for war. This was the best time to attack the Oda. Their forces marched towards Kyoto when Mori Terumoto received some distressing news.

The Mori navy had engaged in many sea battles and lost each time. The Otomo had attacked the Mori at the urging of Bartolomu Omura. Several Portuguese war ships [1] had assisted the navy of the Otomo in this campaign. They proved more than useful in providing clear landing points.

They had landed at Bakan, Mt. Kannon and Mt. Kuruson. Due to the Mori marching east the Otomo met minimal resistance. At the urging of the Jesuits he ordered that all large Buddhist temples be burnt down. Anyone found entering smaller temples would be put to the sword.

As soon as he heard, Mori Terumoto turned back west to face the Otomo. Due to superiority of numbers, the Mori managed to halt the progress of the Otomo. Eventually one would come off superior.

[1] – This may seem a bit ASB but in OTL the Portuguese used war ships (as well as other things) to protect the Omura clan from the Ryuzoji on more than one occasion.

#27 Strained Relations

“You have two choices. We can be friends or we can be enemies. I personally would prefer we be the first.” – Antonio Azai

Shibata Katsuie served the Oda clan from his youth and until his death in 1582. [1] It may not surprise you to know that his first act was one of treason. In 1557, Katsuie plotted with Oda Nobuyuki [2] and Hayashi Michikatsu to kill Nobunaga. When this scheme was discovered Nobunaga killed Nobuyuki and spared Katuisie and Michikatsu. After this, Katsuie became a loyal servant to the Oda and was even a vital part of his domain back when Nobunaga was just a lowly daimyo in Owari.

Such was Katsuie’s loyalty that Nobunaga arranged for him to marry his sister Oichi. However, it appeared Nobunaga had never fully forgiven him for his treachery back in 1557. In 1567, Nobunaga decided that Katsuie would no longer be married to his sister. It was decided that Oichi would now be married to his new ally Azai Nagamasa.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/shibatakatsuie.jpgThe only remaining portrait of Shibata Katsuie. As you can see this hasn't been look after very well. This says more about how history sees him, than any book or blog.

This event humiliated Katsuie greatly and was highly annoyed his lord would do such a thing. It did not help that Nagamasa would not only be Nobunaga’s brother-in-law but also his most trusted retainer. In his eyes, Nagamasa was a man without honour, a man who had betrayed his generations long alliance with the Asakura just to keep his son alive. Surely, any honourable samurai would accept the death of his son and defend that alliance that his ancestors had built.

Despite all this, Katsuie remained loyal. He joined Nobunaga on all his major campaigns. Still, Nobunaga did not appear to forgive him for his one act. For most campaigns, Katsuie was given nearly impossible tasks and was humiliated for his failiure each time. The ever-loyal samurai was losing his patience over the years and just as Oichi warned, he was a very dangerous man.

[1] - A little spoiler for future events.

[2] – Nobuyuki was the younger brother of Nobunaga.

I thought since one entry was a bit short I would throw in a second to make it longer.

tonsofun

November 15th, 2011, 07:34 PM

#28 A Little Summary

“If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril” – Sun Tzu

During 1577, Nobunaga had secured the submission of the Uesugi. He then turned his full attention to the Hojo. One step towards unification had been stepped. All that remained in the East were the Date and Mogami. The date and Mogami had been drawn into a state of war. Both of which, were trying to build some muscle up in the hope of holding back the Oda.

In the West, the Otomo army had begun harsh treatment of Buddhists (who comprised almost 100% of Mori subjects) and begun to alienate the newly conquered peoples as well as some of his officers. Some of whom were still Buddhist. However, this proved to be a bad decision as a senior bunch of officers led by Dosetsu Tachibana defected to the Mori. As much as he hated to abandon his duty to his lord, he had an even bigger duty to the Buddha who would not judge him kindly for destroying his temples and his believers. The defection proved to be a turning point as the defections had inspired rebellions against the Otomo. Tachibana Dosetsu was killed in the many battles but his clan would survive and continue to serve the Mori. They were forced to retreat back to Kyushu. In this time, Kyushu had become increasingly heavily armed. Mori Terumoto knew he would have no chance of invading.

Despite his failure, Francisco Otomo was determined to conquer the land. He would be back.

--------------------

1578 was a relatively peaceful year. Hostilities between the Date and Mogami had died down. Date Terumune and Mogami Yoshiaki became convinced that peace was the best way to secure their independence for the time being. In time they could both become stronger.

In the East, both the Mori and Otomo were building up their armies again. Francisco Otomo was determined to unite the land and Mori Terumoto was determined to hold onto what he had.

Meanwhile, Nobunaga had begun making progress against the Hojo. He had surrounded Odawara castle and was more than ready to play the long game. While that was going on, he had Kuki Yoshitake expand his navy. He asked Chosokabe Motochika to help.

---------------------

Francisco Otomo had failed in his first invasion of Honshu. He had hoped to bring God to subjects of the Mori and save them from the fiery depths of hell. With his Portuguese and Spanish advisors, he planned an invasion to evangelise the people. Even though, he had failed, the Jesuits assured him that his place in heaven was guaranteed. Those words lifted his spirit but his heart was not satisfied. On the night of his return, he prayed to God and vowed that he would not rest until he controlled all of Japan. Only his death would stop him. With that, he immediately started planning his second attack. He needed more men, more gunpowder and more converts. At the urging of the Jesuits he sent an embassy to the Pope so that his authority over Japan would receive divine recognition. [1]

Meanwhile, Oda Nobunaga was subduing the Hojo. All that remained was the castle at Odawara. As 1579 started, the siege of Odawara was making great progress. The castle was very impressive. Nothing like he ever attacked before. It would be a shame to destroy it, but if resistance continued then there would be no other alternative.

--------------

In late 1579, Francisco Otomo started his second invasion of Honshu. This time the Mori were more prepared and had prepared coastal defences. Nevertheless, the Otomo forces prevailed and made a landing at Shimonoseki. While the bulk of the army landed. The Otomo navy went further afield to blockade all ports and destroy what remained of the Mori navy.

During this time the Oda had successfully finished the siege of Odawara castle. An alliance was made with the Date and Mogami clans. Now Nobunaga turned his eye west to the lands of the Mori. In time, the Mori clan would be no more. That bumpkin Otomo had transformed his army and exceeded all expectations.

Unlike Francisco, Nobunaga refused to recognise the Pope as leader of the Christian world. Francisco Otomo had fully submitted to the Papal Authority and wanted to conquer all of Japan. Nobunaga had refused to bow before the Papal Authority and had plans of his own.

At first, the Jesuits were happy with Nobunaga. He had welcomed them, given them permission to convert anyone they wished in his land and he even gave them a young pupil to help them understand the people of this land. However, as time went on, things changed. Nobunaga became more confident and laid on more rules for the Jesuits to obey. They wanted to convert all of Japan, but Nobunaga had different ideas.

[1] – This is the Tensho embassy only several years earlier. With this Otomo will receive the Pope’s approval to evangelise all of Japan and hopefully get more help from other Catholic countries.

tonsofun

November 17th, 2011, 01:10 PM

#29 The Fall Of The Tachibana“I cannot fight for this man and face my family at the same time.” – Tachibana Dosetsu

Tachibana Dosetsu (1513-1577) was originally known as Hetsugi Akitsura. When he was young it is said he was taking shelter under a tree while it was raining and as he was struck by lightning he used his Chidori (lightning sword) to cut the lightning in half, thus sparing him. This authenticity of this legend is still debated to this day. While, we all know that to cut a lightning bolt in half is impossible, it does show us that Azai Manpukumaru was not the first man in Japan to use propaganda to make himself appear almost superhuman.

Even among the retainers of the Otomo he was known to be the wisest of all. It is perhaps due to this, that his defection during the first invasion of Kyushu was such a devastating thing.

He took the name Tachibana after taking Tachibana castle during a war for the Otomo. He also fought in many campaigns against the bitter rivals of the Otomo, the Shimazu.

Although Dosetsu was blessed with many children, all died young except for one daughter who was named Ginchiyo(1569). Before he died, Dosetsu made it clear that he wished his daughter to take over as clan leader as she displayed all the characteristics needed to lead his clan. As she was only eight years old, those still loyal to Dosetsu would look after he until she would become of age.

#29 Adventures In Osaka

“The common people are the foundation of this land. Without them we are nothing.” – Antonio Azai

Antonio Azai was given a break from his studying. Nobunaga suggested he come to Osaka with him and see what progress looked like. The thought of leaving the capital appealed to Antonio as he had never been out of the capital since he entered it as a hostage all those years ago. He asked his new friend Kafeel to join him. [1]

Nobunaga’s trip to Osaka was merely a formality. He wished to inspect the port and to check on the castle he was building there. Since his contact with the Nanban, Osaka had become the port of call for those who wished to trade with the Oda. Many Portuguese had settled here since. Churches had sprung up from nowhere and one could not go anywhere near Osaka port without being drowned in a sea of pale, furry faces.

Antonio found the formality of inspection boring. He longed to be back in Kyoto. Back there he studied. He was busy. Looking towards the port, his eyes lit up and decided to put on his best Kimono. It was made of the finest silk and the Oda crest was on the back so everyone knew whom he was connected to.

Not wishing him to come to any harm, Kafeel grabbed the sword given to him by Nobunaga and joined him.

The port was very busy. Boats were being unloaded with guns and other goods. Other boats were being loaded with boxed goods. Antonio could only guess what was inside. As he walked along, he understood that this was the progress Nobunaga was talking about.

He was enjoying his walk. People ignored him but couldn’t help but notice the big black man walking beside. It was almost as if he was his bodyguard. The Nanban seemed perplexed, as the only black men in Japan were slaves. This truly was a strange land.

Then Antonio noticed a ship with boxes being loaded on. The workers looked tired as a man who was presumable their boss shouted at them.

“Come on. Move faster and remember, if anything gets damaged you will pay for it.”

Antonio looked at the man shouting with concern and quickly walked on as the man looked back. Then two men carrying a box fell from the boat into the water. As they tried to out of the water the man was furious.

“You two are paying for that. Now get the box.”

As they bought the box back up to the surface the man started to beat the two men. Antonio looked on in anger and walked over to the boat.

“HEY! You stop beating those men right now.”

“Go away kid. This doesn’t concern you. If you don’t want a beating then you leave me to make my money and take your barbarian slave with you.”

With that the man pushed Antonio and he fell into the water. Kafeel rushed over to bring him up. As he came out of the water. Kafeel rushed over to the man and stuck his sword in his face.

“I am Antonio Azai. Nephew of Oda Nobunaga. You dare to hurt me.”

Kafeel remained silent and the man spoke.

“You may be related to the Shogun but you do not understand how the world works. I need to beat these people into fear. I work hard and barely make money while these greedy men take most of my money. Sometimes a beating is the only way to keep the men in line. Perhaps if you hadn’t aligned yourself with heathens you would understand that I simply enforcing heavens law. If these men get ideas above their station then all of society will fall. Now leave me be, you have already disrupted things for me.”

Antonio looked at the men on the boat. They begged him to leave things be and so he walked away. Kafeel withdrew his sword and followed him. For the entirety of the day, Antonio was silent. That evening he saw his uncle.

“Uncle. Is it true the poor are greedy and that the merchants are simply hard working men who struggle to feed their families?”

“I think you must have had an eventful day to ask such a question. To tell you the truth, people are not always as they say they are. Often one man with power sees himself as a victim because a plan doesn’t work. If one man cannot becomes obsessed with one thing then they lose sight of other things.”
“But I don’t understand. Those workers were beaten for not working hard enough. I am not a doctor, however, even I know those men do not eat much. They all looked so hungry.”

“We live in a state of chaos. There will always be food shortages. When peace comes there will be an abundance of food. With more trade will come more opportunities to make money and with more money those merchants will have to pay their workers more. Thus, making everyone a little better off.”“I understand. But why cause such misery now.”

“That is simply life Antonio. We cannot change everything, just make the most of it. Maybe if you become Shogun one day, you can change this. But, not everything is as black and white as those Jesuits make out. Now I suggest you get some sleep. It is late” With that Antonio went to sleep. It was a restless night as he thought long and hard about the days event and what Nobunaga said to him.
“When I am Shogun. Everyone will be treated equally and everyone will be happy.” Antonio said to himself.

[1] – Kafeel is Yasuke. In OTL Yasuke was always known as Yasuke and he served in the Oda army. However, his exact origin is unknown. Many historians believe he came from modern day Mozambique so I have given him the Swahili name “Kafeel”, which means protector and responsible. He will go on to play a bigger part in this timeline.

tonsofun

November 23rd, 2011, 12:42 AM

#30 A little chat
Luis Frois took a break from educating Antonio to pay Nobunaga a visit. Relations had become strained and Luis wanted things to be better. He caught Nobunaga while he was walking around his castle with his guard Mori Ranmaru in tow.

“Lord Nobunaga. Could I have a word with you?”

“Ofcourse Signor Frois. I am listening.”

“I wanted to talk to you about the attack on the Mori by Francisco Otomo. I was hoping I could convince you to join in the attack”

“That will not be happening. Francisco and I may be allies but I won’t help him in his conquests.”

“But it is the will of God for you to rule Japan with him. Doing so would please god and the Pope.”

“Is that so.”

“It is so my lord. You should act now. If not for God then for the land.”

“As I said before Signor Frois I will not be doing anything. My army has only recently besieged what was probably the biggest castle in the land. They need time to rest. You may be a man of God, but you know nothing of war and nor does Francisco Otomo.”

“But he is winning the war my lord. How can you say he knows nothing?”

“He may be winning now. But his army is overstretched and he makes the people angry with his actions. If he wishes to conquer then he must either leave the Buddhist monuments alone or kill everyone who chooses to worship at this. Like his last attack on the Mori he is doomed to fail. He needs to learn.”

“But my lord. If he is doomed to fail, then you must show him the way.”

Nobunaga stopped and thought for a moment.

“Maybe I will show him how war is fought. Time will be needed to recover what has been lost and to contrive strategies. Enough of this, tell me how is Antonio these days? Does he still enjoy the company of that black man left behind by Signor Valignano?”

“He does indeed.”

Luis Frois sighed and continued.

“ I do not understand why he would enjoy the company of that slave. I worry that maybe the boy is being sodomized by that barbarian. The devil does work in mysterious ways.”

“Do not worry yourself Signor Frois. It is simply a friendship. You need remember you make Antonio study day and night and Kafeel is just a slave. Man cannot work all the time. He needs some fun. He needs to release his stress from time to time.”

“Perhaps you are right my lord. I do push Antonio in studies. But he is a very fast learner. He is very knowledgeable of the bible and his Latin is very good. I shall say goodbye now as I have other matters to attend to. I hope the rest of the day goes how you like it.”

“Until next time Signor Frois.”

tonsofun

November 24th, 2011, 11:23 PM

#31 Opportunity Awaits

“Maybe I should thank your God that my enemies are so stupid.” – Oda Nobunaga

Just as Nobunaga predicted, things do not go so well for Francisco Otomo. Once again, his intolerance for non-Christians had made him too many enemies and he had no support on Honshu. When his forces were beaten back, he was forced to retreat back to Kyushu. However, he was just as determined to conquer all of Japan.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/Siege_of_Hara_castle_Dutch_ships_detail.jpg

Portuguese ships helping Otomo defeat the Mori Navy.

Being the opportunist he was, Nobunaga chose not to assist the Otomo in their war with the Mori. Instead, he chose to let his army rest until the Otomo were beaten back. As soon as news was heard of a full retreat, Nobunaga got his armies ready to attack the Mori.

The Oda armies were swift in their conquest as the Mori were too weak to put up proper resistance. The only real resistance was met at Mori held castles. The sieges took up valuable time, but time was something Nobunaga could easily afford. The only two real threats to his power had spent the last two years fighting each other and becoming very weak in the process. First, the Mori would be defeated and then that lapdog Otomo and his Nanban overlords would be next.

As the year went on, the Mori lost battle after battle. Realising his end was near Terumoto Mori was left with two choices. He could either commit seppku and restore at least a little dignity to his clan in its dying moments or he could submit to the Oda in hopes of keeping his prestige alive.

-------------------------------

While all this was happening, Francisco Otomo called a meeting of his retainers to discuss current affairs. He was also joined by his two Nanban advisors, Cezar Maia and Ferdinand Alvarez.

“I think you all know why you are here. The Oda have managed to do in a very short time what we have failed to do twice. They are conquering the Mori with incredible ease. The fact that our alliance was not honoured proves that Nobunaga has no interest in establishing the Papal State we all dream of.” Stated Francisco.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/BeheadedJizo.jpg

Buddhist statues of Jizo, the bosatsu of mercy beheaded by the Otomo.

“You must remember that the Oda armies are fighintg an army that has no energy, morale and very few numbers. It is only natural they would win.” Replied Cezar.

Francisco looked at his Nanban advisors. They had bought weapons, ships, missionaries and new army tactics. Overall, it had not bought him all of Japan like he wanted.

“You should not worry father. We simply had bad timing. We may have retreated from the Mori twice. But the overall rate of casualties was always in our favour. The main problem facing us now is a lack of manpower. Rifles and cannons are useless if you only have a few men to use them. The Mori had numbers on their side. Their men would charge at us like barbarians ready for a slaughter.” Otomo Yoshimune interjected.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/tumblr_lt2f3rc8tj1qby53lo1_400.jpg
Italian painting depicting the Otomo's second invasion of Honshu. The man in the middle is believed to be Otomo Yoshimune vanquishing the heathens of his land.

“Your son is right. Soon the pope will call for a crusade against the heathens here and then you can bring god to all of Japan.” Interjected Ferdinand.

“Maybe you are right. But I am old. I am afraid I will not live to see this dream come true. Only a miracle can give us what we want now.” Replied Francisco

[1] – These are fictional men. I don’t know the names of Portuguese army experts at the time who would be sent to Japan so I invented two names for them.

Thoughts anyone?

tonsofun

November 30th, 2011, 11:17 PM

#32

“He is the one who made it possible to have direct contact with god. We don’t need a middle man.” – Jesus Christ

Antonio Azai did not understand why his uncle asked to see him today. He was supposed to be fighting a war with the Mori. Normally he would be on the frontlines of any war. However, for some reason he had chosen not to take part in this one.

Nobunaga had watched Antonio grow up over the years. He had grown from a boy who was afraid of everything to a young man who was brave and righteous. Clearly, he was becoming just like his father. From a young age, he had the young boy taught by the Jesuit Luis Frois in all things western. He could not have predicted the eventual outcome of that. Nor would be ever be able to imagine the butterflies that will soon fly away. Just as his thoughts were taking him far away he was blessed with the presence of his nephew and his friend Kafeel who seemed to join him where ever he went.

“Uncle. You asked to see me?”

“Yes I did. I am interested as to your progress with your studies.”

“Shouldn’t you ask Father Frois about this?”

“Signor Frois is busy as always. I believe he is trying to preach his faith in the lands of the Date.”

“Okay….”

“Tell me. When you were baptized, why did you change your name?”

“It is because Christians should have a name that is the same as a saint.”

“What about these saints?”

“What about them?”

“Did they change their name when they were baptized?”

Antonio remained silent. Pondering the answer. He looked at his uncle. It was the same cold, blank stare he always gave. It always scared Antonio. Made him feel like his mind was being looked in.

“I guess they didn’t change their names. There is nothing in the bible about them.”

“So what does your bible say?”

“Absolutely nothing. There is nothing in the bible at all about changing my name. The bible says that all men are created equally so why would a change of name be important.”

“Do you see?”

“I think I do.”

Antonio suddenly got caught deep in thought. His mind was racing away. He always had questions but until now, those questions were always blanked out. He was 13 years old. He was becoming a man. He needed to become a man.

“Do you ever think of your father?”

“Not really. I don’t remember anything about him. All I know is what I hear. They say he is a very heroic man and that I look just like him.”

“Your father is my most trusted general. Without him, I don’t think I would be here today. Do you ever wander why I separated you from your father?”

“To give me the best education.”

“No. I took you away to save your fathers life. You see Nagamasa is a honourable man. Because of that he will always do the right thing, whether he likes it or not. My dream is to unite Japan. It is not an original dream, but it is mine nonetheless. Your father’s land was right in the way of my plans. I could either take his land or make him my ally. As you know, I made him my ally, by marrying my sister Oichi to him. That union created you.
However, it was not that simple. Before I allied with your father he was allied with a man named Asakura Yoshikage. His father was also allied with the Asakura and so was his father before him. Yoshikage was an idiot; he was stuck in the past with his outdated ideals. I knew he would soon get in my way and that Nagamasa would stick by his old friend. Doing so would have caused me many problems and I would’ve had to kill him.
Manpukumaru, you need to understand that as an honourable man. Many chains bind your father. They restrict his freedom and make him stick to ideals that he knows are not the best. By brining you here, I saved not only your life but the life of your father too.”

“I see.”

“You too are honourable like your father. However, you need to master the chains that bind you. Sometimes you have to do bad things for the greater good. Unlike your father though, you are a gifted scholar. As you get older those skills will serve you well.”

Nobunaga turns away and picks up a big red book. He hands it over.

“The Art of War. You want me to learn about war?”

“Yes. In time you will go back to your father. Since you have not learnt how to fight, you can serve him another way. Reading this will give you an understanding of war. With your brain you could become a very valuable strategist.”

“Thank you. So you wish me to return to father soon?”

“Not just yet. The time is not right. Now go. I have some important business to attend to.”

With that, he left thinking about all he was asked and where he wanted to go in life.

Faralis

December 1st, 2011, 02:16 PM

Alright, there is sometime since I read this and its advanced more than a bit.

Otomo in OTL was ... well he had his "problems".

The "change names" was a variable thing, and had a lot with western ( as culture not religion ) prejudice than anything else ...

So "uncle Oda" is clearly seeing Otomo´s mistakes and is trying that Azai does not commit the same errors ... interesting.

As a little nitpick, an Asian Scholar that has NOT read the art of war is a difficult as a Western Scholar that at that time has not read The Illiad and th Odissey ... not impossible, but difficult to see.

I´m sad that you are not getting more attention, because IMHO you are doing it very well, so GAMBATTE KUDASAI ;)

tonsofun

December 1st, 2011, 10:41 PM

Otomo in OTL was ... well he had his "problems". He did have his problems. But funnily enough he was saner than most daimyo who became Christian.

The "change names" was a variable thing, and had a lot with western ( as culture not religion ) prejudice than anything else ... That was my assumption on the whole thing. I spent hours researching for legitimate reasons. The only one I found is that Christians should have "saintly" names. But my research into the bible contradicts this. Hence how the same conclusion was reached in this tl.

So "uncle Oda" is clearly seeing Otomo´s mistakes and is trying that Azai does not commit the same errors ... interesting. What Otomo is doing now is pretty crazy and the fanaticism shown by him is the same as the Ikko-Ikki. Oda doesn't want to see history repeat itself. Sadly though, without seeing into the future it is hard to see what can happen.

As a little nitpick, an Asian Scholar that has NOT read the art of war is a difficult as a Western Scholar that at that time has not read The Illiad and th Odissey ... not impossible, but difficult to see. You do make an interesting point. Although, my thinking was that since the education of Antonio/Manpukumaru was western. Books such as Art Of War", would be a low priority. Either way, it is something I might have to change.

I´m sad that you are not getting more attention, because IMHO you are doing it very well, so GAMBATTE KUDASAI ;)Thanks a lot. It means a lot to get good feedback on this. Makes it worth all the time and effort. :) Comments are low, but nothing bad has been said so far. In fact, your little nitpick is the most negative thing I've heard since. On this board, no bad feedback means I'm doing something right. Besides, the views are up quite high so people are reading and I have had many questions about this sent to me via pm.

tonsofun

December 8th, 2011, 11:52 PM

#33 1580

As 1580 drew to a close, it felt peace was even closer. The Mori had surrendered adding more men, resources and officers to the coffers of the Oda. All that remained was the Date/Mogami alliance and the Otomo. In the eyes of Nobunaga Japan was already his. He saw no threats to his power and his support base was stronger than ever.

Relations between the Date and Mogami were always cool at best. Neither clan trusted the other and both were always trying to plot a way to destroy the other. In the event of war, the Date were best off as they had the advantages of better weapons and numbers.

At the urging of his son Masamune, Terumune invited the Jesuit Luis Frois to his court and offered him free rein to convert his subjects. Despite his being only 13, Masamune saw how relations with the Jesuits had given the Oda access to the latest weapons and gunpowder formulas. If not for those, then the Oda would not have risen as fast as they did. If the Date were to survive then they would need to emulate the actions of the Oda.

As much as Terumune was suspicious of the foreigners and their intentions. He could not deny the opportunites they brought with them. Luckily his son, saw the potential of this. Maybe he could bring prestige to the clan, even with just one eye. Things seemed bright for the Date.

--------------------------

While all this was happening the Otomo had increased trade with the Nanban. Those who had rejected Christianity would either find themselves or someone they love in the arms of slavery. By providing slaves to the Nanban, the Otomo had gained a bit more money and also made Kyushu more stable. Filled with promises of domination by their Portuguese advisors, the Otomo had begun to ready themselves for war once more.

Honshu was theirs for the taking. The Oda may have passed where they had failed. But in the process they had become weak. It was time for ambition to be realized.

-----------------------------

Oda Nobunaga had reached new heights of power. Many great clans had fallen in his path. Takeda, Uesugi, Hojo and Mori had become nothing but pages of history. All had the potential to unite the land. Instead, that privilege had befallen on the fool of Owari. Nobunaga was more than just lucky. Luck did play a big part in his rise. He was born at the right time and in the right place. However, he also had brains. Brains that matched the greats of his time.

This one is a tad short. But I'm working on some obituaries (for this tl and not rl) and as far as plannign goes I have gotten a but ahead of myself and will need to go back a bit, just to make sure all is well.
Feel free to leave any thoughts or questions.

tonsofun

December 9th, 2011, 11:54 PM

34 Innocent At Honnoji

“That damn barbarian.” – Francisco Otomo

Nobunaga decided to spend the night at Honnoji temple with Manpukumaru and his Kafeel. He was in very high spirits. Not only had he seen off all his great rivals, but also he would soon control the land. He only had two threats to his power. The Otomo of Kyushu and the Date to the West.

“Manpukumaru, you are almost sixteen. You are soon to reach the pinnacle of manhood. But are you a man yet?”

“I am fifteen years old. Ofcourse I am a man.”

Kafeel interrupts. “I don’t think that is what our lord meant.”

“Once again Kafeel is correct. For a former slave you are indeed smart.” Quips Nobunaga.

“Thank you my lord. My life as a slave gave me lots of time to think about the philosophical side of life”.
Nobunaga turns back to Manpukumaru and stared straight at him.

Tell me. Do you still believe the words of that bible you always carry with you?”

“Yes uncle I do.But…”

“But what? Do you have doubts?”

“My only doubts are with the Jesuits. All my life they taught how god wants me to live. They also taught me the language of his word. Now that I read his word. It differs from what they taught me.”

“Which is it you doubt. The teacher or the teaching?”

Manpukumaru remained silent. His heart started to beat very fast.

“It is the teacher I doubt. I have concluded that is the men who teach that are wrong.”

“So you do not trust the Jesuits?”

“I do not. They preach the word of god. Yet they go against the word more often than I care to think.”

“You are beginning to learn about the reality of life. All men have a motive which explains their action. Like the Ikko-Ikki, the Jesuits seek control of the populace. They understand that true power lies in the heart of the common man.”

“But if they are like the Ikko-Ikki, then why let them in? Why let them preach?”

“Because I too, have a motive. The Nanban come from a land further away then I could ever have imagined. They produce powerful weapons and their formula for gunpowder can cause more chaos than any weapon we have. I need that and they can provide it. By letting them in and preaching I can get access to everything they have. They see me as a mere pawn and I see them in the same way.”

“I think I understand.”

“In time you will understand dear nephew. You are gifted and will learn quicker than most men. However, you also need to be strong. You need master the chains that hold you back. Your father never managed that.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes and drank their tea. It was quiet until the sound of fighting could be heard in the background. Nobunaga stood up and started walking away when arrows started coming through the windows. One arrow caught Nobunaga in the left of his stomach and he feel to the floor. Just then, a messenger burst in.

“My lord. Shibata Katsuie has us surrounded and intends to kill us all. What shall we do?”

Nobunaga was silent for a while and then started to laugh.

So he has finally come for me. I knew this day would come. Manpukumaru, you should escape. Go see your father. He would be happy to see you. Maybe with you by his side, he can be free.”

With that Nobunaga took the sword his messenger was carrying and went outside to join the fight. Manpukumaru could only look on as his uncle walked out, right into death. He looked around and could see the flames outside getting closer to him. He became paralysed with fear. Kafeel ran to him and punched him in the face.

“My lord. We have to escape.”

Manpukumaru remained silent.

“My lord. You have treated me like a human being ever since we met and you took me out of a life of slavery. Please let me repay the debt and keep you alive.”

Manpukumaru looked at Kafeel. He was paralysed with fear.

“I know you are scared. You have to be a man. You need to stay alive. What about your father? What about your mother? They have not seen you since you were a baby. Go to them. They need you now that Nobunaga is dead.”

Manpukumaru thought of the parents he could not recognise. They must’ve gone through hell not seeing their son. When news of this reached them, they would be overcome with grief thinking he was dead.

“You are right. Lets go.”

They ran together to try and escape the fighting. Only to find themselves ambushed by soldiers along the way. Kafeel was very strong and found no trouble in killing them to protect Manpukumaru. As each soldier was killed Manpukumaru could see the blood painting everything around him. The brightness of the flames made the blood glow, it was almost blinding.

---------------------------

Shibata Katsuie watched with delight as the flames burned the temple down. For years he had endured the abuse of Nobunaga. But no more, it all ended here. Ever since that day he helped his brother plot against him, Katsuie had been nothing but loyal. However, it seemed Nobunaga never quite forgave him and abused him throughout the years. Ever since that wretched man from Omi turned up, it had all turned bad. He even lost his wife to him and ever since that day the two had become closer. He became more and more angry as he continued to think about it.

“Bring me the head of Nobunaga and of that young Nanban boy he loves so much.” Katsuie shouted. Revenge was so sweet indeed.

He continued to watch the flames grow stronger and stronger. The only thing that would make this night better, would be if he could personally see the demise of his enemies. Soon however, he would have the head of the Demon King.

----------------------

Manpukumaru looked around him. The floor was littered with dead men and the flames around him grew so strong his face was in pain due to intense heat. Despite all that, he did not care. This was indeed hell he saw.

Kafeel was busy looking for an escape from the flames. He did not care how many he killed. Such was war and such was the price of survival for him and his best friend. He found door leading to a back room, which hadn’t fully succumbed to the fires of hell.

“My lord, I have found a way out”. Kafeel shouted as he went through.

Manpukumaru did not move. The dead bodies had paralysed him. He stood there, as if he was almost dead.

Kafeel came back to see his lord still standing there. Clearly this was a boy made for more peaceful times.

“MY LORD, YOU MUST COME NOW!” he shouted urgently. Manpukumaru just stood there. He was in another place and could not hear. However, this was not the time to get lost. Wishes needed to be fulfilled.

Losing patience, Kafeel picked up Manpukumaru and tossed him over his shoulder so he could run out of the burning temple with him. The world was about to get a lot more darker.

tonsofun

December 10th, 2011, 11:34 PM

#35

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/Japan1580.png Nobunaga's Japan

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

I, Azai Manpukumaru have decided to keep a diary of my life. I shall record my thoughts, experiences and keep an update of events in the land. It is my hope that I never lose these accounts I intend to keep so that I may look back on these dark days and grow.

The last few days are still a blur in my mind. Ever since those flames burned down Honnoji my life has been very erratic. If not for my friend Kafeel, I would be dead now. It was the first time I ever saw death and as much I pray I know it will not be the last. The faces of the dead will haunt me forever. I cannot remember much, but I know I am alive now and for that I must be greatful.

It is incredibly sad how it all happened. I do hope my father can lead the Oda to glory in all this. But alas, I fear there will be many more battles before this land is united as one.

Luis Frois once told me that God prearranges everything in life. If that is true then I survived that night for a reason. Uncle said that he wished for father to continue his legacy and he did often tell me that I was destined to be more than some missionary. If father can pull through this and become leader then that must mean I am to be a leader too. I am afterall a samurai. Mother says it is my destiny and that whether I like it or not I must face it.

I was extremely lucky to find my way home. After I escaped from Honnoji, me and Kafeel wandered the countryside. We saw no sign of Shibata Katsuie and his men, but instead met up with the army of Lord Maeda Toshiie. He recognised me and was nice enough to have some men escort us back to Omi. He said that I looked just like my father and it seems he wasn’t the only one to think so. When we got to Omi, many people knew who I was and even my mother recognised me in an instant.

My mother was very happy to see me alive. She hasn’t seen me since I was very young. Infact, I was so young I didn’t recognise her face. I must admit, that I was overcome with emotion at that moment. A few tears were shed, but I managed to hide them well.

------------------------

I did not sleep well last night as my sleep was disturbed. I have not experienced a proper night of sleep since that night. Whenever I close my eyes I see the dead and the woman they left behind, praying that one day they can see the ones they love again. Until yesterday my mother was one of those many women. At least now she can take comfort knowing that her son is alive.

It was a very long day for me. Mother was very keen to know what happened during our time apart and I was only too happy to share. She was dismayed when I said I was a Christian and is keen for me to get blessed by a monk. I am not sure if I can abide by that, but as a son it is my duty to do as my parents wish. The bible says that I must honour both my mother and my father. Since my mother wants me to take part in a pagan ritual then I must do it. I only hope god can forgive me for this.

I also met my three sisters today. They did not say much to me, but I can tell they don’t trust me as I am a Christian. Infact a lot of people in this land are distrustful of Christians. Then again, by the intolerant actions of the Jesuits I am not surprised. Therefore I must work hard to make my sisters trust me.

Anyone got any comments on this one. I was thinking of doing many more like this as I found it easier than I thought I would.

tonsofun

December 14th, 2011, 11:14 PM

#36

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

It is now been three weeks since I escaped the flames of Honnoji. The land is still in chaos and to make it worse the land is now more divided than ever. Many of the Oda generals backed my father to avenge our late lord. Fate however, had a different plan as Shibata Katsuie was slain by Sanada Masayuki. He has a lot of support from former generals of the Takeda and Uesugi. The remnants of the Hojo and Tokugawa are not doing anything so I guess they are waiting about to see what happens.

There is rebellion in the west as some of the former Mori generals have risen up. I have heard rumours that a young woman leads them. I am curious if that is really true. Either way things are messed up.

Today I met my father for the first time. He is a man of few words. I could tell by his face that the years of fighting have taken their toll on him. After lengthy discussion, it has been decided that I will join him in battle. Even though I have no martial skill, he says I can learn and that as the son of the new clan leader I have no choice in this matter.

Like many others, he is untrusting about my Christianity. I guess I will have to win him over like so many others. Even though that monk blessed me, I am still seen as untrustworthy. Ever since that day, I have thought long and hard about my real beliefs. I have concluded that God and Buddha are the same. Most importantly, the teachings of the Jesuits are all lies. Therefore, it is duty to re-educate all Christians to the true words of the bible. I should try to translate it into my native tongue to make things easier. However, I fear I don’t have enough time in my life.

--------------------

Today I spoke to my father some more. The topic of discussion was my beliefs. He was very curious about what I believe. What fascinated him the most was how my beliefs differed from those other Christians.

I also went into lengthy detail about how my name Antonio is no longer being used. It seemed strange to me that God would only recognise me with a foreign name but in further thought this must be a Catholic plot. Maybe they wish to conquer this land and exploit us. I remember Luis Frois telling me how Christians from his land had conquered a far flung civilization called the “Usdeks” with only a few hundred men. Made possible by gunpowder and Christian converts. I guess they want to do the same here.

My father said that I should write down my beliefs in full and make all Christians follow that code. I am not so sure about that. However, I shall write down all my beliefs. My thinking is that father is concerned about the missionaries and their converts. Since there have already been rebellions in the land, there can easily be more.

--------------------

My father has gone off to fight battles against the Sanada army. I hope he is okay. He left one of his top generals Maeda Toshiie to stay behind and make sure I progress in my martial skill and can survive on the battlefield. I must admit I find it very tiring. My body aches so much and all I want to do is sleep when I am done. Nevertheless, I cannot sleep as I also need write about my beliefs for father.

I miss my days back in Kyoto. I could sleep as long I wanted and spent my days learning bible, Latin and calligraphy. Uncle Nagamasu also taught me all about tea. I miss him; luckily, he lent his support to father so we are not enemies now.

--------------------

I am still learning to fight. Toshiie says I am learning well in such a short time. I believe his words as I don’t ache so much these days. I guess my body just needs time to get used to it.

I have finished writing my beliefs. I must admit I did not think I could record all my thoughts. However I did. I just hope that father will accept my proposals. It is best for the land if there were no Catholics. Anyone who chooses the Christian path to heaven must adhere to it correctly. I know the correct way and they must follow me or lose their way. Those who do not accept can go live with the Nanban and their lies.

Japan after Nobunaga
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/JapanafterNobunaga.png

tonsofun

December 20th, 2011, 12:56 AM

#37

The death of Nobunaga sent shockwaves throughout Japan. Despite his harsh policies and harsh treatment of some of his retainers, his death was still unexpected. Afterall, it wasn’t only Shibata Katsuie he was harsh too. Azai Nagamasa was often mocked for being a dog due to his unwavering obedience despite his personal objections to many orders and the hostage of his son. Akechi Mitsuhide was often mocked for his poetry (which was rather popular with his friends) and receding harline. Hashiba Hideyoshi was often called monkey due to his face being like a monkey.

The price of Nobunagas head was very high. Anyone who killed him would make himself known. However, the price of the head of Nobunagas killer would be even higher. Many dreamed of killing Shibata. But that honour fell upon Sanada Masayuki. Hearing of his death he set out immediately to take his head and restore the honour he lost under Nobunaga. Shibata was dead and young Yukimura was reunited with his family. Things looked bright for Masayuki. Nonetheless, things were far from rosy. To the west lie Azai Nagamasa, the brother-in-law of Nobunaga and a very charismatic leader. To the east lie the Date, an ambitious clan with many men of talent.

Azai Nagamasa was the natural leader of the Oda forces after the death of Nobunaga. During his servitude under Nobunaga, he had proved himself to be more than loyal. He had also proved himself a natural leader and more than talented in the martial arts. Despite his lack of brains, men listened to him and were willing to die for him. There were none more suitable than him.

Tachibana Ginchiyo became the leader of the Tachibana clan after the sudden death of her father and her brothers. Being the only capable member of the family, she quickly earned her fathers respect and was named as successor if anything happened. Being too young to take on such responsibilities, the retainers still loyal to Dosetsu (after his defection) looked after the clan and helped her every step of the way. At the tender age of twelve she was named leader (in name only) of the Tachibana clan. It was also at this time that the Tachibana split from the Oda, along with many Mori retainers and formed their own clan. There is no evidence to support Tachibana Ginchiyo making any decisions for her clan so it is most likely the decision was made by others.

Form a young age, Ginchiyo openly rejected those things she and others considered to be lady like and excelled in the martial arts. In her teenage years it is said her hair was cut short, she never wore make up, preferred to wear the clothes of men and always carried around her fathers lightning sword. Those details are still debated to this day.

In the west were the Date and Mogami clans. The death of Nobunaga had bought out the ambitions in both clans and war was started again. This time, the Date came off better. This was mainly due to the son of Terumune, Masamune. Young Masamune proved himself more than able in battle both martially and intellectually.

tonsofun

December 22nd, 2011, 12:11 AM

#38
“We are not expelling the Catholics. We are just letting them know, that they are free to leave whenever they want.” – Azai Manpukumaru

1581 proved to be a very chaotic year for all of Honshu. War between the Date and Mogami reached a pinnacle. Due to more advanced weaponry, a combination of manpower and a mixture of orthodox/unorthodox tactics. Although led by Terumune Date, the brains of the Date lay firmly in his son Masamune.

Date Masamune was a man raised in war. During his childhood, smallpox took away the sight in his right eye. This caused his mother to favour his younger brother as heir to the clan.

After four months of fighting, Mogami Yoshiaki pledged his allegiance to the Date clan. This victory bought young Masamune more fame and glory than he could imagine. He also gained the support of the top Date leaders. Soon after Masamune would stage a coup against his father (with the support of his generals) and become leader of the Date clan.

In the west, conflict between Azai Nagamasa and Sanada Masayuki intensified. Nagamasa struggled to find victory against the protégé of Takeda Shingen. Many historians (including moi) put this down to the alienation of many officers and soldiers. The alienation was caused by the anti-Catholic stance, which was recommended by his son Manpukumaru. Instead of imprisoning or killing them, Manpukumaru simply told all Catholics to either convert to his interpretation of the bible or go south to Kyushu. Many went south, the most famous being Kuroda Kanbei (otherwise known as Don Simeon) who along with his son would go on to the found the order of Japanese Conquistadors.

As well as fighting Sanada in the east, Nagamasa also had the problem of the Tachibana in the west. Efforts were made to gain the support of the former Tokugawa and Hojo generals who abstained from taking sides. Nevertheless, it was all in vain. The Chosokabe of Shikoku offered their support to Nagamasa, although it was mainly moral support as they spent most of their resources quelling the chaos that had erupted in their land.

Anyone got anything to say so far?
I must admit I am finding this little bit quite hard to write. Writing different versions of OTL events is very easy. Yet it gets much harder onc the butterflies are unleashed.

Faralis

December 22nd, 2011, 01:20 PM

Anyone got anything to say so far?
I must admit I am finding this little bit quite hard to write. Writing different versions of OTL events is very easy. Yet it gets much harder onc the butterflies are unleashed.

Thats an understatement ... you´ll need a lot of imagination to develop this. I have some idea of what are you doing with Japan in the next years, but thats all. Thats the real problem with ATL´s so long ago. Would make just a century or two unrecognizable.

But I wish you luck because its a very enjoying story.

As the only doubt, I´m not really sure some sort of religious persecution could be avoided, more if Azai founded an excision ... the Sengoku Japan was VIOLENT with all the caps. But is not impossible, after all he was an important person in the Oda´s reign.

Good work

tonsofun

December 22nd, 2011, 10:09 PM

Thats an understatement ... you´ll need a lot of imagination to develop this. I have some idea of what are you doing with Japan in the next years, but thats all. Thats the real problem with ATL´s so long ago. Would make just a century or two unrecognizable.

But I wish you luck because its a very enjoying story.

As the only doubt, I´m not really sure some sort of religious persecution could be avoided, more if Azai founded an excision ... the Sengoku Japan was VIOLENT with all the caps. But is not impossible, after all he was an important person in the Oda´s reign.

Good workIt is very hard. But I am enjoying every moment of this and I am learning a lot.
The amount of research I need to put in now is phenomanal, but it is easy to do when you are enthusiastic about the subject.
Religious persecution will not be avoided, only postponed. One crisis will lead to another. Azai is starting what one might call state approved christianity. Pretty similar to the Chinese Catholic church where the governmetn choose religious leaders as opposed to the vatican. It will solve one problem but will cause another. Japan in this tl will be anything but rosy.

tonsofun

December 23rd, 2011, 11:18 PM

#39 Battle Of Akitakata

“It is unfortunate, but that is war” – Maeda Toshiie

While he was busy fighting Sanada Masayuki, Azai Nagamasa also had to contend with the rebellious Tachibana in the west. The Tachibana led by a thirteen year old girl named Ginchiyo had gained the support of many of the former Mori generals. It was believed that with Nobunaga dead, the Oda would become frail and weak. Obviously we now know that Ginchiyo never led the Tachibana clan. Despite being nominated by Dosetsu, she was too young and inexperienced to lead. Until she became of age, that responsibility fell upon his most trusted retainers. When the death of Nobunaga occurred, they saw an opportunity and exploited that by making Ginchiyo the face of the rebellion. It worked as it inspired many former Mori generals to back them. It seemed only fitting that their first confrontation would take place at Mori Motonari’s birthplace of Akitakata.

Leading the Azai forces was Maeda Toshiie with Azai Manpukumari in tow. The diary of Manpukumaru said that they had 25000 soldiers under their command and that the Tachibana army had 10000.

The Tachibana army had camped in the town. Many of the generals and soldiers were staying in the homes of the local residents that night. Hoping to catch them off guard, the Azai forces attacked in the middle of the night and surprised the Tachibana forces.

The Azai ran through the town, killing all that they saw. Neither soldier nor civilian was spared that night as an entire town burned to the ground. Many of the Tachibana retainers were killed that night and those that survived retreated.

With victory in their hearts the Azai army raced on to face the main part of the Tachibana army which was camped outside the town and prepared for the worst. No real strategy was used. It was believed that by simply charging the highly outnumbered enemy victory would come. The Tachibana put up a brave fight, but they were outnumbered. Ginchiyo who was present in the camp, ordered a surrender. Not wishing to see any more blood, they agreed to join the Azai forces and Ginchiyo became the prisoner of the Azai.

#40

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

I have tasted battle for the first ever time. I did not enjoy it. I cannot take pride in seeing so much death. Some of those deaths were even caused by me. I do not remember much from that night, only parts of it. Mostly me killing. I only hope God can forgive me.

Leading the army was a young woman. Just like I had heard. She looks even younger than me, but a lot more comfortable on the battlefield. It is an admirable quality in one way. Now she is our prisoner. Toshiie thinks we should execute her, to stop any more rebellions. I think that is too much. She is young and has had a very unlucky life. What with her father dying young and then being used as a symbol of war. On top of that, she looks like a man. If she grew her hair and put on some makeup she would reasonably attractive.

Now that the west is subdued, we are heading west to join father. I do not wish to see more battle, but as a samurai, it is my fate. I must make sure I try my best and support my father however I can so that the land can know peace.

#41

With the threat from the west gone. Azai Nagamasa was able to fully concentrate his efforts on the east. Sanada Masayuki had proved himself to be smarter than the average daimyo. He had killed Shibata Katsuie as soon as he killed Oda Nobunaga and had defeated the forces of Azai Nagamasa in many small skirmishes against the odds each time.

Despite having the support of most of the Oda generals, Nagamasa was missing two things. Firstly, he had alienated most Christians in his army by making them adopt the controversial ideas of his son. Secondly, Nobunaga’s son, Nobutada, did not support him.

To put it briefly put it, the ideas of Manpukumaru were simply, that Christians should pray to Buddha as well as God. He believed that they were both one and the same. Many of the Christians or Catholics, believed such ideas to be heresy and the Jesuits were quick to denounce them too. In response, Manpukumaru denounced the Jesuits as foreign agents and their followers as dogs following a foreign master. It was believed that those Catholics would assimilate themselves to the culture of the Nanban and then help them conquer all of Japan.

Oda Nobutada was the first son of Oda Nobunaga. It is believed that he disliked Manpukumaru from a young age. It is believed that he was constantly bullying him and Sanada Yukimura to a lesser extent during their time together in Kyoto. Whether the bullying was true, cannot be proved but the events of the period shows their true rivalry as after the death of Nobunaga, he gave his support to Sanada Masayuki as soon as Shibata Katsuie was killed. This dealt a major blow to the Azai forces who had gained the support of older members of the Oda family.

#42

Third confrontation is always the best. – Azai Manpukumaru.

As 1582 came to an end, hostilities between Azai Nagamasa and Sanada Masayuki came to a head. So far the conflict had been confined to minor skirmishes. They had been enough to prove the Sanada army more than capable of taking the capital. He decided to march his army in the same direction that his former lord Takeda Shingen had done.

The first confrontation was outside Mt.Okusangai. Azai Nagamasa personally led his army there only to find himself outnumbered. He had no expected to meet the bulk of Masayuki’s army and was forced to retreat. After this victory, Masayuki rested his troops and waited to make sure the supply lines were still intact.

The second confrontation took place outside Gifu city. It is said that the night before Sanada Masayuki spent the night at the Shogen-ji monastery. This time Nagamasa met Masayuki again and personally led his army. Nagamasa was outnumbered again, but better prepared this time. He put up a valiant fight, but was forced to retreat once again. Enough damage had been dealt to Masayuki to make him rest his men and wait for supplies.

When his men were rested, Masayuki moved to besiege Gifu castle. Surprisingly enough, very little resistance was met, Masayuki became very proud and wished the enemy he was fighting was just a little bit smarter.

It was at this point, Masayuki found himself being besieged by the Azai army. Nagamasa personally led the attack again and found himself victorious as the Sanada army was caught largely unaware.

Normally at this point, a daimyo would have either committed seppku or been captured and executed. Instead Masayuki joined the Azai forces along with his sons. There are different versions of this.

The first version and most popular, is that Manpukumaru convinced his father not to execute Masayuki and then used his friendship with Yukimura to convince Masayuki to join them. Manpukumarus diary confirms his wishes that the Sanada join the Azai and convincing his father, but there is no mention of him personally talking to Masayuki. Although most popular, this version of events is most likely untrue as it is said that Nagamasa did not believe his son to be too young to be on the frontline of such an important battle. Despite their seperation, Nagamasa was very protective of his son and valued his intellect above anyone else’s.

The second version and most popular with American and British historians is that Hashiba Hideyoshi convinced Nagamasa not to execute Masayuki and offer him a place on his team. There are accounts that verify this too.

#43

Excerpt from the diary of Manpukumaru:

Ever since the defeat of Sanada Masayuki, things have been quiet in the land. Since I am samurai, I practice my martial arts everyday. I still hate the life of a warrior, but it does make me appreciate the peaceful times so much more.

Right now, I am residing in Kyoto again. It reminds me of those carefree days when uncle was still alive. But unlike those days, I am here for professional reasons. Father is the leader of the Oda or Azai forces and as his son I am to support him in whatever way I can. He often asks me questions on internal affairs and he always heeds my advice. I guess a lifetime on the battlefield has narrowed his mind a bit and made him nervous of different responsibilities.

Now that I am 16 father says he wants me to marry. Hideyoshi suggested I marry Tachibana Ginchiyo as her survival would help keep the support in the west. Personally the idea of marrying a girl who looks like a man feels me with dread, I’m not sure I’ll be able to fulfil my husbandly duties. I hope there is a womanly body underneath the armour I saw her wearing on the battlefield. I wander what she thinks of me. Either way, my opinion makes no difference, as I have to do as my father says. In the future, I will have to do the same for my son or sons.

#44

After the defeat of Masayuki, Japan lay in a state of temporary peace. The Date were quiet in the east. They were busy improving their fortifications and rearming their armies. Masamune sought good relations with the Jesuits and by allowing them in, he got access to western gunpowder and western weapons.

The Azai were repairing the damage that had been caused by the death of Nobunaga. Towns were rebuilt and fortifications had been strengthened. It was at this time, that the remainder of the Hojo and Tokugawa forces joined with Azai Nagamasa. Despite splitting, they were all offered a chance to rejoin with no punishment or spite. It would be as if they were always loyal.

Chosokabe Motochika had spent his time, securing order in his land. Many bandits had died in this time and the residents were becoming happier. At the same time, he continued to build up his navy with the help of Kuki Yoshitake. Although they were unable to build western ships, their navy was still formidable and would help protect them, if the Otomo attacked.

On Kyushu, Francisco Otomo still held dreams of conquering all of Japan. Since his last attempt, he had rebuilt his army and increased his oppression of non-christians. Lucky for him, the Spanish and Portuguese were more than happy to help him in anyway they could. At the beginning of 1584, they would begin their third invasion of Honshu.

tonsofun

December 28th, 2011, 12:15 AM

#45

It is a dark windy night in Kyoto. The cold winter winds are biting harder than ever. Tachibana Ginchiyo, now 14, sits in the corner of her prison cell. She has nothing to protect herself from the cold except a red top kimono top cut off at the sleeves, small black shorts and two bits of black cloth wrapped around her legs, which go just above her knees. She just like any other village girl, rather than the heir of Dosetsu. As she thinks of the warmth back on Kyushu she receives a visitor. A tall man with tired eyes, yet he has air of importance around him. She guesses this is the announcement of the death she has been waiting for.

“Lady Tachibana, I have come to pay my respects to you and to offer you a deal.” The man said.

“I have no interest in deals. Only the death, which will allow me to face my ancestors.”

“My lady, you have yet to earn the glorious death of a samurai. Besides, I need you alive. There is discontent in the west again. It seems your fathers retainers are not so happy to serve me. Whether you accept this deal or not, you will not be killed. I wish you to marry my son. He lacks the samurai spirit, that you have.”

“Which man is your son?”

“I am the father of Manpukumaru. He has a bright mind, but as I said, he lacks the spirit a samurai has. Marry him, and he would gain that.”

“I saw your son that day I was captured. He looks more like a girl than I do.”

Ginchiyo went silent as while Nagamasa just looked at her.

“I would rather rot in this cell. He is barely a man. His hair goes down his back, he doesn’t shave the top of his head, the kimono’s he wears are not of manly colours. If you put some make up on him, you could give him to one of your retainers as a concubine.”

Nagamasa became angry for a few moments and as he was about to lash out, he realised such things were said to bring the death she so wanted. Instead, he decided to skip the violence and talk.

“I will let those comments go because of your true reasons for saying them. But you could do a lot worse. Besides, if you do not accept you will become a concubine to Hashiba Hideyoshi. He likes to be with women of your proportions.”

Ginchiyo stayed silent for a moment, thinking over the choice. Become another nameless object of desire to a lecherous man or marry a man of her age and maybe become quite important. Either way, she would never meet the glorious end she wished for.

“Very well, I shall marry your son.”

“Good choice my lady. You will be perfect for him.”

#46

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

My wife has been confirmed. I will be marrying Lady Ginchiyo, lady of the Tachibana and daughter of Dosetsu. It is said that Dosetsu was very anti-Christian, so it stands to reason that his daughter would be too. That should be fun. Father says she is a beautiful, pure and strong spirited. It could be worse and this has had positive effects as well. My mother is incredibly happy, I saw her only yesterday and she was smiling. I don’t remember seeing her smile before. Even my sisters have warmed to me. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a family.

However, not all is well, we received word that the Otomo have launched an invasion of Shikoku. Their army is supposedly very western and their tactics are very unorthodox. I have also heard rumours of the atrocities they commit. It is said they destroy all non-Christian buildings and I have even heard stories of how they will dishonour a woman infront of her family if they refuse to convert. If that is true then we are fighting an army of Satan himself. The bible says that we must always be on the lookout for those false prophets who masquerade under the guise of Jesus; I guess these are such people. If that is so, then we must all fight to prevent the end days from occurring.

#47 Battle Of Ozu

In his third attempt to conquer Japan, Francisco Otomo was very well prepared. He had recently been given the gift of many Christians from Honshu who were fleeing the heretical beliefs of Azai Manpukumaru. Among those Christians, were many talented men. The most famous being Kuroda Kanbei who after landing on Kyushu switched to his baptismal name of Don Simeon. It was his suggestion to march straight to the capital and take the head of the Azai’s. With both dead, there would be no opposition. To do so, he suggested that he march his troops through Shikoku. Due to their superior navy, the Azai would have trouble landing a massive army anywhere near.

The plan proved to be very good as most of the newly built navy was decimated and the Otomo forces were given a clear landing at the mouth of the Hijikawa river. Just like their last landing, the Portuguese navy was there to assist and after their forces had landed, most of the ships would sail around the entire island to spot any reinforcements.

The first land confrontation took place just outside Ozu. Records in the Vatican say that the Otomo forces numbered over 100000 and that Chosokabe forces were at 50000, but that is debateable. The Chosokabe army was outdated compared to the Otomo but their spirit was high.

The battle started when Otomo cannons obliterated the front units of the Chosokabe. Unable to match their firepower, Chosokabe Motochika decided to march his entire army forward and fully utilise his cavalry. The forces at the front adopted a wheel formation, very similar to the one used Uesugi Kenshin at the fourth battle of Kawanakajima. The Otomo retaliated by utilising their pikes at the front since their rifles were useless at such proximity and men were being killed while they reloaded.

As the battle wore on, the mobile tactics of the Chosokabe took their toll and the men became fatigued. Seeing this, Kuroda ordered a faux retreat. Motochika sent his men to follow believing he had won, only to find his fatigued troops being ambushed by fresh riflemen. Defeat was imminent and Motochika was forced to retreat.

#48 Battle Of Tokushima

“If only I had Shingen’s cavalray with me” – Sanada Masayuki
After his defeat at Ozu, Chosokabe Motochika withdrew what was left of his army and prepared for another confrontation. Due to Portuguese ships patrolling Shikoku, very few ships could get in.

Sanada Masayuki spotted a weakness and discovered that Awaji island was not always looked upon. He suggested to sneak as many men onto Shikoku via Jinojima and Awaji island. Due to high security, a big army could not be sneaked across. Masayuki joined the first men who made the journey.

The first part of the plan was to convince Chosokabe Motochika to avoid confrontation at all costs. This was not an easy task, but it was done. Motochika withdrew his soldiers and regrouped on the other side of Shikoku. They reorganised at the small defence hamlet of Tokushima.

It was not known what the plan was. Motochika and all of his retainers did not understand why they would regroup at the mouth of the Yoshino river. Especially in a position where they would be cornered and most vulnerable to the gunpowder weapons of the Otomo.

The Otomo gave pursuit and followed them. As they got nearer to the defence hamlet they camped for the night by one of the many tributaries of the Yoshino river. During the night, the river was flooded on the orders of Masayuki, ruining the majority of their gunpowder.

In the morning, Masayuki noticed that the river had flooded and gave the order to attack. The Chosokabe/Azai army of Ashigaru spearmen, cavalry and elite archers. Despite being outnumbered, they gave attack.

The first wave was repelled as the Otomo used what remained of their gunpowder. The second wave was more intense. As the cavalry charged, countless riflemen were cut down. As the Otomo moved their pikemen in to repel the cavalry the spearmen moved in, backed up by the archers. While the spearmen attacked, the archers penetrated the back lines. Seeing that most of their army was defeated, Otomo and Kuroda fled with what was left of their army.

#49

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

After defeating the Otomo on Shikoku, Sanada Masayuki became an overnight hero. He defeated a modern army using nothing but traditional methods and no gunpowder. I cannot think how such a thing can happen, but it did. Now father asks Masayuki’s opinion on everything. Some of his retainers are becoming jealous now, but as long as nothing bad happens, all will be fine. This does allow me to continue my friendship with Yukimura, it is becoming increasingly like my childhood days again.

As nice as life is right now, it won’t be like this forever. As long as Otomo has his foreign backers, he will be back again. I think only a miracle would stop him forever and there is Date Masamune in the east. They say he is even smarter than uncle and just as brutal. That thought does scare me, as I know he must be ambitious, especially since he had his own father exiled.

To make things worse, my wedding to that Tachibana girl is due tomorrow. Now that there is peace, father wants it to happen now. He says by doing so, it will help relations in the west. I am 16 now and soon to be 17 so I must face my responsibilities. Being an adult is hard. I wish I appreciated my childhood more.

#50

1584 was a bloody year for Japan. The first war between the Otomo and Azai proved to be very costly for Shikoku. It is estimated that over 200000 soldiers died during that war and the civilian toll is estimated to be much higher, but no records exist to prove that one way or another. Rumours of the atrocities committed by the Otomo, created much hatred for Christianity throughout Shikoku and Honshu. Whether they are ture or not, is unknown due to conflicting sources. But whether they were true or not was irrelevant as nearly all those who heard them chose to believe.

Back in Kyushu, Francisco Otomo was facing a crisis of leadership. His retainers were unhappy due to losing again and their Spanish/Portuguese backers were beginning to lose patience. They had invested a whole lot and had received little in return. Trade on Kyushu had nearly dried up due to oppression of non-christians and the constant need for military manpower. Some slaves were sold off, but it was not enough to keep the economy going and it was not enough to make the investments worth while. As time grew on, less and less people lived on Kyushu. Some fled to Honshu, some were sold into slavery and others simply starved to death.

It was at this time, that one of the Otomo’s retainers decided to take action. His name was Shimazu Yoshihiro and he had made his name known for being a brave fighter during the war with the Otomo and for his gallantry during the first two invasions of Honshu. He had converted to Christianity, but many believed this simply to be way to ensure the survival of his clan.

During the invasion of Shikoku, Shimazu was again at the front line. Seeing how gunpowder dominated the battlefield amazed him, but he was even more amazed to see how useless his army was without gunpowder. When he returned to Kyushu, he began to make his army less reliant on gunpowder. He tried to make his army a good mixture between the new and the old.

On Honshu, Sanada Masayuki had become one of Azai Nagamasas most trusted generals. Due to the nature of the victory on Shikoku, Azai Nagamasa decided it was best to make his own army less gunpowder reliant. Since the death of Oda Nobunaga and the anti-Catholic laws recommended by his son, foreign merchants were no longer allowed to trade with them. Instead all merchants were encouraged to trade in Kyushu or in the northern port of Sendai.

The new rush of merchants heading north, had helped Date Masamune of the north modernize his army and bring in much needed wealth to this domain. He too had ambition to conquer the land.

Any feedback or comments are apprecaited. :)

tonsofun

December 30th, 2011, 12:47 AM

#51

In 1585 Sanada Masayuki helped Azai Nagamasa train his new army. Where Oda Nobunaga created an army based almost entirely on gunpowder, Masayuki believed that the traditional methods were best. Due to the lack of foreign merchants, gunpowder stocks were limited and domestic gunpowder just wasn’t up to the same standards that foreign gunpowder was. It was due to this, that gunpowder took an equal standing in the new Azai army. The other retainers did not like this, but they too had to face the facts. They knew that they could not become reliant on gunpowder, yet at the same time, they knew that gunpowder was changing warfare and that they would be one of the last generations to use gunpowder on the battlefield.

It was during this same year that the retainers of Azai Nagamasa urged an attack on Date Masamune in the east. It was urged that now was the time to attack and anymore delay would result in their army being severely outdated and outmatched.

Upon hearing of this attack, Masamune became very happy as he saw this as an opportunity to prove himself. He rallied his men and set out to meet the Azai army.

#52

The campaign against the Date, lasted six months. Despite their determination, the Date were unable to find victory. That isn’t to say it was easy. At the tender age of 17, Masamune proved himself to be a more than worthy opponent. A fierce warrior and a component tactician.

However, he was no match for the might of the Azai army and the intellect of Sanada Masayuki. Seeing no end of victory insight, Masamune surrendered and offered his services to the Azai. Like other defeated opponents of the Azai, Masamune was allowed to keep his prestige and became an integral part of the army.

#53 The New Generation

Azai Nagmasa was 40 when he united all of Honshu. He had served the Oda for 19 years and had proved himself repeatedly. However, he was not alone for there were many other capable officers who had helped the Oda rise to power. There was Maeda Toshiie (now 46), Akechi Mitsuhide (now 57), Hashiba Hideyoshi (now 49), Kuroda Kanbei (now 49 and serving the Otomo), Chosokabe Motochika (now 46) and many more.

Now it was the turn for the younger generation to prove themselves. The most prominent being Azai Manpukumaru (now 18), Sanada Yukimura (now 18), Sanada Nobuyuki (now 19), Naoe Kanetsugu (now 25) and Date Masamune (now 18). These young men would come to symbolise the younger generation of the Azai forces and the future of the land. After the unification of Honshu, these young men would regularly meet and formed lasting bonds between each other. Despite their differences, they were all united in their desire to unify the land.

#54

After the subjugation of the Date, the Jesuits were made to leave Honshu. Resulting in an embargo on the Azai forces. Upon hearing of this and the promotion of Azai Manpukumaru’s new ideas, the Spanish and Portuguese called for a holy war to be fought in Japan. Such calls were heard but not heeded, as both nations had no desire to send soldiers to fight so far away in a war they might not win. It did however, make the Spanish more determined to fight heresy in Europe.

In Europe, Spain was busy fighting in the eighty years war otherwise known as the Dutch war of Independence. The idea of the war was to crush the new religious movements within the Spanish Netherlands. There was the Lutheran movement of Martin Luther, the Anabaptist movement of Menno Simons, the reformed teachings of John Calvin and in the east there was the controversial teachings of Azai Manpukumaru. Being busy in Europe, Spain was unable to send soldiers to fight a war off in Japan. It was their only hope that the new movement led by Azai Manpukumaru would be quashed on its own.

Pope Sixtus V became the new pope on 24th April, 1585. He was elected due to his physical wellbeing. It was believed that he would live for a very long time and bring back stability to the church.

His first priority was to fix finances, which he did by sales of offices, establishment of the new monti and by levying new taxes. It was a success and quite a hoard was built up incase of emergencies.

He had many ambitions as Pope, including annihilation of the Turks, transporting the Holy Sepulchre to Italy, but most of all he wished to rid the world of the heretic movements. He was forced into an alliance with Philip II of Spain who had similar ambitions. This alliance introduced the new Azai Manpukumaru to him.

He knew little about Japan at the time. His only knowledge came from a Japanese Catholic from Kyushu who resided in the Vatican. Francisco Otomo sent him to Pope Gregory XIII. Pope Gregory XIII granted Francisco permission to conquer all of Japan and evangelise it. In his mind, another man from an inferior race had embraced God. Permission was granted to conquer all of Japan, but no one expected it to happen as this was a minor Lord compared to the Lord known as Nobunaga whom they knew very well from the letters of Luis Frois. So it came as quite a surprise when Sixtus V heard about the death of Nobunaga. It was an even bigger surprise that the prodigy of Luis Frois had turned heretic and formed his own Christian movement.

However, the biggest surprise of all was how much Spain considered this new Christian movement to be a threat. Few letters had made their way back to the Vatican detailing the ins and outs of this new movement. All they knew was that this new movement rejected the Pope as God’s representative and promoted translation of the Bible. In the following years, more would be learnt. However, today little was known and Sixtus V saw no reason to do anything.

But Philip II of Spain was the master of this relationship in all but name and he insisted more be done to counter this movement. Much money was demanded. Sixtus V had saved a lot of money for emergencies such as an invasion by Turks or Protestants. Nonetheless, there was little he could do and gave what money he could to help fund the end of this new movement in Japan.

#55

The unification of Honshu had bought much needed peace to the land. Azai Nagmasa had become very proud. He never expected to be this powerful in his lifetime. The only part of Japan that exceeded his grasp was Kyushu. As much as he wanted to attack, his son warned against it. As long as the Portuguese ships were there, more men would drown at sea than land on Kyushu. It bugged him a lot, but this peace did have its benefits. He was finally free to spend some time with his wife, in so much time away, Nagamasa didn’t even notice his own daughters growing up. They were becoming women and it would be wise to marry them off soon.

Even his son, Manpukumaru had been denied a lifetime with his father. As sad as it was, Nagamasa had to admit that it was for the best. Were it not for him, he would have attacked his brother-in-law all those years ago and would most likely be dead by now. Still, it could be worse. His son had grown up well and did receive a fine education as promised. Manpukumaru was very gifted intellectually, yet always lacked the martial skill that he had and was not fond of war at all.

As much as he hated the western education Manpukumaru received, it had come in very handy. Much had been learn about the Nanban and the benefits that they could bring to the land. He also knew the dangers that they bought with them. It was because of his warnings that they were banished from his land.

In the west, Manpukumaru was busy adjusting to married life with his new wife Ginchiyo. It was a hard time for him as his diary indicates that his new wife had nothing but contempt for him and it made him so uncomfortable, that he refused to sleep in the same bed as her. Yet, despite all that, he somehow managed to act as if all was fine.

The men of the west distrusted Manpukumaru and suspected he was there simply to keep their allegiance. The relationship started off uneasy, although Manpukumaru chose to follow a path of non-interference in most things and left them to run their own affairs, while he made the choices for the major reforms. It was these decisions that eventually won them over to his side. By now, most people had learnt that even though he didn’t share his fathers martial skills, he did share his spirit and many people were happy to follow his orders. Both nobleman and peasant were drawn to him. In the face of the Otomo threat, unity was highly encouraged and many measures were taken to hopefully counter that threat.

Anyone got an opinion on the events I wrote about happening outside of Japan. Beacuse nowadays I have started to realise the butterflies that I am unleashing.

Henriksson

December 30th, 2011, 03:21 AM

They knew that they could not become reliant on gunpowder, yet at the same time, they knew that gunpowder was changing warfare and that they would be one the last generations to use gunpowder on the battlefield

Shouldn't there be some sort of other word there? Otherwise, it doesn't really make sense...

FDW

December 30th, 2011, 08:39 AM

Interesting, subscribed.

Faralis

December 30th, 2011, 05:07 PM

Phillip II was much more prudent than his father, is a bit OOC to "mount a crusade" just for a new sect in the antipodes ... but well I suppose you need someone to unite the Japanese against, and he is probably the only one atm who could mount a believable threat against them ... ( btw this could have serious butterflies in Europe too, in Portugal, for example )

tonsofun

December 30th, 2011, 06:17 PM

Shouldn't there be some sort of other word there? Otherwise, it doesn't really make sense... You're absolutely right. Thanks for pointing out what word didn't.:cool:

Interesting, subscribed.I'm very happy to hear that.:D

Phillip II was much more prudent than his father, is a bit OOC to "mount a crusade" just for a new sect in the antipodes ... but well I suppose you need someone to unite the Japanese against, and he is probably the only one atm who could mount a believable threat against them ... ( btw this could have serious butterflies in Europe too, in Portugal, for example )The capability needed for Spain to do such a thing would be enormous, especially considering the eighty years war is still happening. But a little money can help in other ways.
The butterflies from all this will be enormous. Especially around Asia. There will be a massive rivalry between the Catholic nations (mostly Spain and Portugual) and Japan.

tonsofun

January 2nd, 2012, 09:40 PM

#55

The unification of Honshu had bought much needed peace to the land. Azai Nagmasa had become very proud. He never expected to be this powerful in his lifetime. The only part of Japan that exceeded his grasp was Kyushu. As much as he wanted to attack, his son warned against it. As long as the Portuguese ships were there, more men would drown at sea than land on Kyushu. It bugged him a lot, but this peace did have its benefits. He was finally free to spend some time with his wife, in so much time away, Nagamasa didn’t even notice his own daughters growing up. They were becoming women and it would be wise to marry them off soon.

Even his son, Manpukumaru had been denied a lifetime with his father. As sad as it was, Nagamasa had to admit that it was for the best. Were it not for him, he would have attacked his brother-in-law all those years ago and would most likely be dead by now. Still, it could be worse. His son had grown up well and did receive a fine education as promised. Manpukumaru was very gifted intellectually, yet always lacked the martial skill that he had and was not fond of war at all.

As much as he hated the western education Manpukumaru received, it had come in very handy. Much had been learnt about the Nanban and the benefits that they could bring to the land. He also knew the dangers that they bought with them. It was because of his warnings that they were banished from his land.

In the west, Manpukumaru was busy adjusting to married life with his new wife Ginchiyo. It was a hard time for him as his diary indicates that his new wife had nothing but contempt for him and it made him so uncomfortable, that he refused to sleep in the same bed as her. Yet, despite all that, he somehow managed to act as if all was fine.

The men of the west distrusted Manpukumaru and suspected he was there simply to keep their allegiance. The relationship started off uneasy, although Manpukumaru chose to follow a path of non-interference in most things and left them to run their own affairs, while he made the choices for the major reforms. By now, most people had learnt that even though he didn’t share his fathers martial skills, he did share his spirit and many people were happy to follow his orders. Both nobleman and peasant were drawn to him. In the face of the Otomo threat, unity was highly encouraged and many measures were taken to hopefully counter that threat.

#56

The year of 1586 was one of peace. The Otomo found themselves on the brink of destruction. After three failed wars, they realised that they were short on manpower and money to make another attack. The previous three wars had resulted in defeat for them and their foreign backers were not too pleased with the lack of results.

By this Kyushu had become very unstable. Otomo soldiers keen on purging non-believers had killed many people, others had been sold into slavery and a few had made the voyage to Honshu seeking refuge. By this point, there was no more money left, the wealth bought in by foreign merchants had gone directly into the hands of the army. Those who were left were poor, starving and desperate. To make ends meet many men joined the army and often families were forced to sell their own daughters into prostitution to satisfy the lusts of the many foreigners who came to these ports.

Meanwhile, back in Europe Philip II had acquired a rather large sum of money from Pope Sixtus V to aid the spread of Catholicism in Asia. Unsure of the situation in Japan, Philip II felt the best way to deal with the new Christian movement in Japan would be to strengthen the Catholics in Asia.

#57

Between the years 1585 and 1588. Japan had become very quiet. Kyushu was busy imploding on itself. Honshu was busy developing. However as things worsened on Kyushu, the Nanban backers of the Otomo realised that Japan would not be theirs this way. Maybe in the future, they can return and bring their own armies with them, but until that day, Japan would not be theirs. It was a sad day, but they had no choice and left Kyushu for good.

Shimazu Yoshihiro had dreamed of independence from the Otomo since the day he was forced to serve them, but the opportunity never arose until today. Realising on his own, he could not achieve what he wanted. But with the help of the new Shogun, he could rid Kyushu of the Otomo. Now the Portuguese had left, there were no ships patrolling around Kyushu. Seeing the opportunity, he wrote a letter to Azai Nagamasa, explaining the situation and promising to defect if he was to invade.

#58

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

Recently father received a letter from Shimazu Yoshihiro on Kyushu. He said the Nanban have left and that Kyushu would easily fall if we were to invade. I thought it it seemed suspicious as none of the lookouts here have seen any Nanban ships. Before that, they always made themselves seen. They would taunt us and there would be nothing we could do about it. Now though, we can. We can invade Kyushu and unite the entire land.

Because of this, I have been summoned to the capital where all the daimyo of the land are to meet to make the plans for invasion. We have all been asked to arm everyman we can. I guess now is my time to shine.

The invasion plans for Kyushu are quite complex. Sanada Masayuki says the invasion should consist of a three-pronged attack so that we can surround the Otomo in their capital of Nagasaki.

It has also been suggested that these attacks be led by the younger Samurai of this time. I have been asked to lead the first attack from Shimonoseki to the closest point where Honshu and Kyushu meet.

Sandad Yukimura is to lead the second attack, which will come from Shikoku to land at Funai [1].

Date Masamune will lead the third attack and land at the mouth of the Sendai River, where he will meet up with the Shimazu.

After all that, we all meet up outside Nagasaki and attack it together. Then when that is done, there will be peace throughout the land and we can all pursue less warlike arts.

[1] – Funai is now known as Oita.

tonsofun

January 5th, 2012, 12:02 AM

#59 Invasion Of Kyushu

It is the year 1616 and the Shogun Azai Manpukumaru is looking out on his garden. It is a beautiful summer day. Today he has no work, as it is the eighteenth birthday of his twin sons Manjumaru and Mazazumi. He sees his sons practicing their duelling skills. As always Mazazumi is winning, but neither show animosity and are simplying enjoying themselves.

Manpukumaru looks on at his sons as proud as any father would be. Both are highly intelligent and have the martial skill that he lacked. He presumed their martial skill came from their mother.

He reminisces about his parents. Both had now left this world for a better place, he missed them, but was happy that neither would have to suffer anymore. Another war could strike at any moment and them two had seen enough war in their time.

As he continues to remember the past, he feels a pair of hands at his shoulders. He turns and sees his Ginchiyo, not looking her usual self. Her hair is let down, her face is made up and she is wearing a ladies pink kimono.

“Are you remembering the past again?” she asked.

Manpukumaru remained silent while he looked at his wife and smiled.

“Yes I am. It seems so far away now. Looking at our sons makes me wish I could relive those days again.”

“But you hated those days, you were always sad and silent.”

“I hated the war, but I miss the energy I had when I was young. I was very idealistic and devoted all my time to those things I detested. Looking back, I never devoted my time to the things I enjoyed.”

“Are you saying you did not enjoy your time with me?”

“NO! I simply mean I worked too much and didn’t take enough time to enjoy myself. My time with you was the best part of it all.”

Ginchiyo smiled and looked directly at her husband’s eyes while hold her hands on top of his.

“I was thinking as you are free for all of today and the boys are busy enjoying themselves, I was thinking we could enjoy ourselves. Hence the…….you know.”

A big smile appeared on Manpukumaru’s face. He grabbed his wife by the waist and lent in to smell the perfume his wife was wearing. As he took the time to take in the scent he heard a loud roar outside. He turned to look outside and noticed it had suddenly started to rain. Not only that, but his sons were running inside too. It appeard naughty frolics would have to wait. His head suddenly dropped and he made a noise that can only be described as “gah”.

“I best go. Maybe later.” Said Ginchiyo as she started to walk out.

Manjumaru and Mazazumi ran inside to shelter themselves from the rain, duly followed by Manjumaru’s three Samurai hounds.

“I see the rain ruined your fun. What will you do now?” asked Manpukumaru.

“Since it is a special day, why don’t you tell us some more about how you became the Shogun.” Asked Manjumaru.

Mazazumi remained silent and Manpukumaru took a seat on the floor. He motioned a maid over to make tea for himself and his two boys.

“Where have we gotten to so far? I keep forgetting.”

“Last time you told us about how you planned the invasion of Kyushu.” Said Manjumaru.

“Ah yes. I remember now. Sit down, await your tea and I shall tell exactly what happened when we attacked the Otomo.”

Manjumaru and Mazazumi both sat down to listen. Two of the three samurai hounds sat next to Manjumaru, while the third one walked up to Manpukumaru and shook himself dry next top him. Manpukumaru looked at the samurai hound while he wiped the drops of water from his face.

“I still remember it, like it was yesterday. It took an entire year to get the army together. It seemed as if everyman in the People’s Kingdom was there. I was to lead the first attack along with my father and other veterans of the Oda army. I was first to set sail, I was on a boat full of spearmen. Closely followed were your grandfather Nagamasa and his most trusted retainers, Akechi Mitsuhide, Maeda Toshiie and Ishida Mitsunari. Naturally, Kafeel was there at my side. Ready to protect me from whatever threat came my way.
It was a calm day at sea. That was until they saw us and started firing their cannons. The first two shots landed either side of the ship I was on, making it shake very violently. That made me very nervous, especially as there were many more cannon shots. One cannon shot a hole right in the middle of the ship carrying Hashiba Toyotomi. That made me very nervous. He was lucky to survive that as many of the men on the ship drowned.
Then they started firing rifles at us. I saw two bullets come very close to me, so I did what any coward would do. I screamed and jumped down to the floor of the ship. After a few seconds, Kafeel lifted me up by my neck and left me dangling in the air for a bit. He told me I could not be afraid, as the men protecting me will do the same as I do. If I act the coward now, then this entire invasion would be lost and who knows what would happen to the land.
As we got closer to land, we grabbed our weapons. I was still a bag of nerves. I remember I tried to run, but I could not. I just walked in an awkward fashion. Looking back, it is a miracle I survived.”

“Wait a minute. Let me recap, you’re saying you were a coward then?” Asks Mazazumi.

“Yes I was. I’m not proud, but it’s who I was.”

“Hmph. If it were me I would have been right in there.” Mazazumi comments

Manpukumaru interrupts his sons gung ho speech.

“Well if you become Shogun, you can start your own war and see. Now do you want me to finish this or not?”

Mazazumi keeps quiet and motions his father to continue.

“As I was saying, I was walking rather awkwardly, unable to run I was a wreck of a man. Luckily I had Kafeel at my side to protect me. He ran ahead of me towards the men firing guns. As they retreated, he was met by several young men holding spears, they were slightly younger than me, but they looked determined to fight. But Kafeel, being who he was, cut them down without hesitation. It inspired the men greatly and I watched him cut down many more. It seemed rather unfair to the enemy, but war is war.
Next thing I know I feel a heavy force in my face and I fall to the floor. It was father, he started shouting at me but I was unable to hear his words. He was shouting and motioning something with his hands. I was too dazed to hear. Then he grabs me and stands me up. Just then a bullet hit my shoulder. Luckily, my armour had stopped the bullet, still hurt though. It was only seconds while all this happened but it felt like an eternity to me.
Father was about to punch me again, but then he stopped, I guess he saw something I didn’t. After that I felt my senses return and I just ran. I said nothing to father. I just ran towards Kafeel, he was busy killing. The Otomo riflemen had panicked and began to retreat. Most of them tried to reload their rifles but found themselves unable to in the chaos. I ran to help out, but I was unable to help while Kafeel and my men cut them all down.
I should explain that this wasn’t a castle we were storming. It was more of a coastal defence station. There were cannons at the top and down below were several fence walls with holes which the riflemen would use to fire out of. Other than, it was just a typical dry grass ground.
Anyway, I had made the frontline and the battle was still raging, most of the men we were fighting were younger than me and often they weren’t even armed with a proper weapon. I remember seeing some kids, armed with small hammers and small knifes. Woking man tools really. Not what you expect from an army. Especially one so fierce. Despite that, they were dedicated to fight to the death and we gave them that. I killed a few of those kids myself. It still haunts me to this day.
The fortification was taken and the men cheered. Many of the Otomo soldiers had fled at this point and I wasn’t surprised. We came expecting a highly professional army; instead, we came face to face with what can only be described as a pathetic last stand. Still, it didn’t stop the floor from being littered with dead bodies. The floor had been dyed a dark red and I felt sick to my stomach. Sadly though, that was not the worst site I saw during that campaign.
We waited there for the reinforcements to come. There had been assaults like this all along the coastline. All resulted in victory for us. I was eager for us to march on, but Hideysohi, now dried, said that we should wait for now. An easy victory can often lead to defeat. He went on to explain that this could simply be a strategy to lure us into a false hope of victory and that the full Otomo army could be waiting for us. Not wanting to think too much about that, I organized many of the men and we began to bury the dead. Even though many of them would have heartlessly killed me if given th chance, I still felt that they deserved a proper burial. I asked father to leave the site empty and marked to remain as a reminder of the reality of war. He agreed. But nowadays it is field of Durips. [1]
After we buried all the dead and the bulk of our army was arranged, we decided to march on. The plan was wait for everyone before we went into Nagasaki. Shimazu Yoshihiro had warned us that it was a heavily fortified city and that it was unlike anything we had ever seen before. We had planned to besiege it from the sea as well, but to our misfortune, we found Nanban ships waiting there. Many ships were lost, but they did not give chase. It was as if they were waiting for something. These ships also carried a different flag than the others did. No one knew at the time, but we did not concern ourselves over it.”

Manpukumaru takes a moment to drink his tea. He was so busy telling his story that he didn’t even notice his tea had been bought in. As he drank his sons followed suit. Manjumaru took a moment to check on his hounds, which were all asleep.

“I shall continue.
As I mentioned earlier the scenes at the fortifications were not the worst things I would see. We marched toward Nagasaki with our banner flying high. As we entered a village on the way, we noticed that most of the houses were empty. It was rather errie. One man who said he was the village elder greeted us. Truth be told, he was the oldest man there and the other men we saw were old too. We saw no women, we guessed they hid from us, afraid of what we might do. Not that I blame them. Then we saw it. Just outside the village was a Christian cross, made of wood. On it, was a naked girl. She looked no older than 14. I found myself staring at it in horror that was until the elder came to talk to us. He explained that when the Otomo took over they encouraged everyone to convert to Christianity. When this village refused to build a church, many soldiers, led by pale skin men who were tall and wore different armour to the other came t their village. They told the village to convert and when they refused they killed three men and when the village still refused, the pale men grabbed his daughter and forced him to watch while she was dishonoured. Afterwards they nailed her to the cross and left her there to die. The village was told if the cross was removed, they would be back. It had been up ever since. [2]
Father talked to the man and told him that no such thing would occur under his rule. All men would be free to believe to whom they want. The man said nothing; he had already lost those nearest and dearest to him. However, the other villagers seemed happy with what we were doing.
We buried the young girl and spent the night at the village. It was very eerie. I remember having a restless night of sleep. The next day we prepared to march on. We eventually reached Nagasaki and we prepared for the siege. All the way on that journey I was bombarded with images from the villages. The young girl on the cross, the empty houses, the graves filled with men, women and children. It made me unable to think of anything else.
The next day we received word that Sanada yukimura had made a successful landing at Oita and that his army was marching here. We also recived news that before we came, Yoshihiro Shimazu had rebelled and killed many and was awaiting orders from us. That made father very happy. We hoped that Date Masamune had landed safely and was metting up with him. When he arrived the last battle would begin.
I can’t remember much of what happened during this time. Father says I didn’t say a word after we left the village. I can’t really remember and I see no reason for him to lie about that.
The next thing I remember was the arrival of Date Masamune and Shimazu Yoshihiro. Seeing them made me happy. The city was now surrounded and we decided to attack. A big outer wall protected the city. It took us time to arm our cannons and knock them down. It was very sturdily built. When the wall was knocked down, many Otomo soldiers assaulted us. These men were better armed than the fanatics we fought earlier and they fought better too. It was at this point I became a different man. I ran in tow with Kafeel and we both started to cut men down. It is said I cut down even more men than Kafeel that day, but I find it hard to believe.
Shimazu Yoshihiro said that we should burn down the entire city, but we were reluctant to do that. It didn’t matter too much as someone started a fire and it soon started to spread. Many men burned to death in that fire. I wish I knew how many. I only know it is too many.
The further into the city we went, the more tightly packed the buildings were. The further we went in, the less professional the soldiers became. There were soldiers waiting for us at every step. We cut them all down. All the women and children were evacuated to the port area of the city. It felt like a permanent battle. When we enetered the city it was light, then it became dark and light again. The ground was once again littered with the dead and some areas were flooded with dark red. It was not nice.
As we got nearer to the port area, the resistance suddenly stopped. We all ran to towards to sea before we noticed that most of the foreign ships were gone and only a few remained with Samurai getting on. It was too late to stop them. They were never seen again. But on that day, we had liberated Kyushu and that was when the hard work would start.”

With that he went silent. His sons looked to him and found no answer.

“Father, are you okay?” Asked Mazazumi

“I am okay. I am just thinking of the dead. I am amazed how much of that day I still remember. I am now tired and shall take a short nap.

[1] – Japanese pronunciation of a foreign flower. Can you guess which one?

[2] – This is unproved and only mentioned in the diary of Azai Manpukumaru. Many historians believe this simply to be propaganda to increase hatred of Catholics and Nanban peoples.

tonsofun

January 5th, 2012, 11:45 PM

#60

The destruction of Nagasaki completed the unification of Japan. The OmiOdani period was about to begin. During the siege of Nagasaki, a fair amount of the Catholics on Kyushu who had supported the rule of Francisco Otomo were evacuated to the Kingdom of Castille. They would not see Japan again in their lives. They did however; contribute greatly to the Spanish East Indies. Their story will be told later on.

After the siege of Nagasaki, the dead were buried. The buggest casualty of the battle was Azai Manpukumaru who disappeared afterwards. His body was not found and many soldiers reported to see him that night of victory. Even to this day, no one knows where he went and there is no mention of it in his diary. It simply continues on his return as if nothing happened.

Shogun Nagamasa, decided that the most important thing for the land was to keep its stability. Most laws enacted by his predecessor were kept as they were. Some daimyo believed the best rule was to embrace the centuries old traditions while others wanted to embrace the new ways bought by the foreigners. At this point, it became evident that Nagamasa was not an ideal politician.

His first real act though, was to claim lineage through the Minamoto dynasty. Being a more than capable swordsman, it was to show that Nagamasa shared lineage with the great Minamoto No Yoshinaka.

However, Nagamasa and his daimyo were all agreed on one thing. To bring glory to the nation and to keep its martial tradition alive. Korea would be invaded.

#61

Excerpt from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru:

Today is indeed a sad day for my country. It seems father and his retainers are determined to start another war. Hideyoshi says that we can invade Korea and even move on to the take Ming capital. I could not believe the words I heard.

We spilt so much blood to achieve the peace we have today. It took us our lifetime to unite the land and now they wish to throw it all away. Now is not the time for war, now is the time for peace. We are exhausted from war and we need to rest. We should leave the wars to our future generations.

I must speak to father immediately and stop this madness. The only way our country can grow strong is to embrace free trade and unite our people in a common cause. If anything, we should be getting the Korean and Ming people to help us fight the Nanban.

#62

After many talks, Manpukumaru convinced his father to postpone the invasion of Korea. Instead, it would be best to wipe out the Wokou pirates who often plagued Korean shores and then he personally go to Korea on a mission of friendship. In reality, the friendship mission was intended to be an investigation mission as to whether an invasion of Korea would be successful.

As 1591 approached, Azai Nagamasa put extra effort to improve the infrastructure of Japan. All roads were to maintained to the highest standards and samurai would patrol the roads all day and night to ensure the safety of those who travelled from town to town.

In that year, alterations were made to the rigid caste system that held back so many. From that point on, any man of ability would be able to rise to the highest positions on society, regardless of his lineage.

Back on Kyushu, things were pretty bleak. There was destruction everywhere. Efforts were made to repair, but there were too few people to carry out the job to its fullest. Instead of rebuilding Nagasaki, a new trade city would be built at the end of the Osumi Strait. It would be named Misaki, after the shrine near where it would be built. It was decided to be built there as it was the southern most point of Kyushu.

#63

Back in 1588 Spain launched an invasion of England. It was intended to bring about the submission of the English and stop their interference in their campaign to pacify the Dutch. The campaign was a disaster. It started when Spanish ships at Parma were forced to anchor early after an English fireship attack. This forced the Spanihs to retreat around England and Scotland. During this retreat, the Spanish fleets fell victim to the divine winds.

This defeat became a turning point in European history. Spanish dominance in Europe would never be the same again. It is said that Pope Sixtus V danced with joy when he heard of the Spanish defeat. Soon to be free from Spanish dominance, he would be free to reorganize finances without worrying about Philip II asking for his share.Sadly Sixtus would not be able to sort out any more problems.

With the money he got from Pope Sixtux V, Philip II handed it over to the Spanish East Indies. They purchased weapons and funded Jesuit missions in Prey Nokor. The new weapons would help them integrate the Samurai that would soon join them.

tonsofun

January 6th, 2012, 11:48 PM

I think some of those who read this will want to know a bit more about the new Christianity in Japan. So I made this basic guide. If you got any more questions, comments or freedback. Please feel free to leave it. I'm mor than happy to answer.

#64

From the introduction to the “Beginners Guide To Azai Christianity”

Since you are reading this, you are obviously interested in Azai Christianity. Whether you be looking for spiritual guidance or are just simply curious as to whom we are, we hope this book will answer all your questions.

This book has been divided into different chapters, which will explain the various aspects of who we are and what we believe. But before you buy or borrow this book, we suggest you read this introduction to see if this is what you want.

Azai Christianity started around the year 1582. Its founder was Azai Manpukumaru, you might know him as Antonio Azai. He was raised as a Christian and was teachered by a Jesuit who taught him all about the bible and the Latin language. As he grew up he found his interpretations of the bible differed greatly from those of the Jesuits he grew up around. So when he left home and became an adult he spent tireless nights translating the bible into his native Japanese.

At this time he was introduced to Buddhism and decided that both religions were created by God. He was unable to accept that his ancestors would all burn in hell, simply because they were not told of God and so he came to believe that all beliefs were created by God and could get anyone into heaven. Character being the most important thing to get into heaven.

As time went on, Manpukumaru learnt about Islam, Protestantism, Calvinism, Confucianism, Taoism and Hinduism. As he learnt of all those beliefs he decided that all were created by God and merged the ideas of those into one faith.

Today, followers of Azai Christianity are encourage to learn about as many beliefs as they can. To learn about different beliefs brings us closer to God and can help us understand why others think the way they do.

The Basics

The basics of Azai Christianity are simple.
· Treat others as you expect them to treat you.
· Help the less fortunate.
· Intoxication can only bring suffering to you and those around you. (Alcohol is not forbidden)
· One must fully adapt to local culture but never lose their own cultural identity
· Learn about the beliefs of your neighbours.
· Visit temples from different beliefs (if you see someone in your local church who only attends once or twice a year, then chances are he/she is an Azai Christian)
· Proper respect must be paid to your ancestors.
· Good deeds will be reqarded and bad deeds will be punished.
· Martyrdom is the most selfish act one can do.

We believe that these are easy enough to bide by as they all require you to be a decent person.

Spotting an Azai Christian

You will find Azai Christians in almost every country in the world. Ironically, it never took off in the founders Japan.

It can be hard to spot an Azai Christian as we are taught not be very open with our beliefs. Rather than mention our beliefs at every opportunity, it is believed that it is best to show who we are by our actions.

As mentioned earlier, if you frequent a religious building on a regular basis and you notice one person who visits only once or twice a year, then chances are that he/she is an Azai Christian doing a tour of all the religious buildings. * We recommend that you visit all religious buildings that you can as it can help you decide which path you wish to take to heaven. It is important to remember that it isn’t about “what you believe”, but rather that you believe something.

*We recommend that people be careful when doing this as there are minorities in all religions who see us as pure evil. Many mosques in Western Asia have banned Azai Christians altogether so if you live in that region, please show extreme caution. It is worth saying now that you won’t be judged simply for being scared.
We also recommend that you take care in Catholic Churches as some Azai Christians have been crucified in the past. So far this has only occurred in Southern America. But anyone can be a fanatic so please do be careful.

By nature, Azai Christians are easy going, generous people. Azai Christiany teaches that the actions of the past are irrelevant compared to the actions of today. The person who does bad and turns his life around is to be admired more than the person who has done good all their life.

tonsofun

January 10th, 2012, 11:07 PM

As always any feedback etc is appreciated. :D

#65

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Azai Nagamasa:

We thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy this.

Dear Father,

Lady Ginchiyo and me are well here in Korea. So far I can say they do not seem to trust us too much. They have given me use of an interpreter named “Dalsu”. He is a very polite man who speaks Japanese as well as any of us do. He has helped me immensely.

According to him, many amongst the government do not trust us. Firstly because the Wokou pirates have been bothering them for years and using our land as a base. Secondly, they know our land was divided for many generations so they are unsure how long we will be in power. Thirdly, word of our exploits have become famous and they worry we may be here to assess whether Korea is ripe for an invasion.

Naturally I told them those were unjust worries. I am here to establish friendship with the great Korean people and establish trade relations, so that we can learn from them and create a society to emulate them as best we can.

I explained that due to the generations long fighting, men of talent and culture are rare. Nearly everyone knows nothing but fighting. It will take us a very long time to adjust to peace.

Another curiosity for the Koreans is my religion. I am the only Christian on this trip and they are keen to know what I believe how it differs from the Nanban. There do not seem to be any Nanban missionaries here, which is a good thing. Despite their curiousity, many of the Confucian officials have frowned upon me talking about my beliefs, so I decided not to mention that and if asked I simply say beliefs all come from the great Confucius.

Nearly all the important people I have met here have been Confucian scholars. Most of them are overly pious in my opinion. I must admit that their clothing is very smart. They like to wear a very long robe, which is often longer than female robes. There is rope that ties it around the chest area. The rest is kept loose. Even the sleeves hang very low down. Although it looks extremely smart, I can imagine it is not so good for day-to-day affairs.

The men also favour very long hair as I do. The men here have all commented on how grand my hair looks. They are also curious as to why I don’t shave the top of my head like the other men of my country. To be honest with you, I am not sure why myself. But having my hair in this country does give me the look of a Confucian scholar. This has led to many ordinary Korean people believing me to be a Confucian scholar back in Japan. I do not correct them as it allows them to see me in a better way.

The women here are very beautiful. My translator told me that Chinese Emperors have always wanted to have as many Korean concubines as is possible. I can understand why. Ginchiyo doesn’t like me staring at the girls here, but sometimes it is hard not to.

The women here wear a short item at the top called a Chogori, which covers their arms and stops at the chest. The Chima is a rectangular robe, which is tied just above the bosom. This makes it impossible to see the female form. I guess this stops men from choosing brides simply by looking at their bodies. I think it would be good if our women were to dress like this too. This hides the body and allows one to fully appreciate the beauty of the face. I will try to get Ginchiyo to wear at least one for me. Maybe I could bring some of this back for mother too. You think she would like this?

So far, I have been kept in the city of Hanseong. I am hoping that one day they will let me meet the Korean Emperor. That day seems far away. The Korean people have been nice enough to allow me to walk about the city as I see fit. The city is indeed beautiful. I can easily walk around this city all day long and do nothing but look around. I hope that the cities of our land can achieve this beauty in time.

I hope that all is well in Kyoto. Please give my love to mother and my sisters. I miss them all so much.

Cuāuhtemōc

January 10th, 2012, 11:43 PM

It's a fine set of updates. :D

tonsofun

January 11th, 2012, 09:32 PM

Praise is always nice. I'm planning on doing more of the diary/letter updates to give the history a more personal view. That way, it can be seen from the perspective of that one person.
Speaking of which, another update.

#66

“The purpose of the Samurai is to protect the common man” – Azai Nagamasa

Azai Manpukumaru had gone to Korea on a fact-finding mission. His father sent him there to find out if Korea could easily be invaded or not. Manpukumaru hated war and was determined to stop the war at any opportunity. If you read his diary then you will know that his plan was to go to Korea on a mission of friendship, spend a long time there and try to find reasons why Korea would be a better friend than enemy. Very sneaky considering he was sent to determine Korea could be invaded with ease and to draw up recommendations for invasion.

The letters came regularly enough to let everyone know how things were. Many were amazed at the cultural observations made. Very little was made of military affairs, but it was highly unlikely that a man believed to be scouting out an invasion plan would be allowed to see what the Korean military had on offer. Excerpts from these letters are still used today to give us an insight into what life was like in Korea during these times.

At this time, work was still being put into Nagamasas plan for infrastucture and safety. After the war, it became apparent that there was rampant corruption amongst many politicians and something needed to be done. Having Samurai travel through all of Japans roads allowed Nagamasa to see how things were developing all over the land. It did prove expensive at first, but at this point, many were taught about a duty to all those in the land. The first real signs of how the importance of Japanese nationality would play in the future.

#67

After the siege of Nagasaki many Catholics were evacuated to the Spanish East Indies. They stayed in Manila for about one year. These men and women were all eager to serve God and their new Spanish masters.

Many of the leading daimyo had survived the attack on Kyushu, but many lost faith in them and instead a new leader by the name of Don Simeon became their new leader.

Don Simeon was a man of great ambition. Unable to fulfil his dreams in Japan, he urged the governor of the Spanish East Indies to let him and his men go conquer new lands for the Spanish Crown. After several months of negotiation, this was agreed to. Don Simeon was given new weapons and many native soldiers to serve in his army. It was agreed that he would attack the Kingdom of Sulu to the south, which had recently become free from Spanish rule.

For the governor it was a win-win situation. If the invasion was a failure then all he had lost was some native soldiers who could easily be replaced, but if he were victorious then he would have even more land under his domain.

#68

In 1593, Azai Manpukumaru had returned from Korea. He had spent two long years establishing relations and learning as much as he could. After one day of resting after his long journey, he travelled to Kyoto to see the other daimyo to explain what he saw in Korea. He announced the news that the Korean army was too mighty to be defeated, but instead he gained the trust of the Korean leadership and had established good relations. As he spoke, Korea was preparing for a cultural exchange of Japan.
It was also on this trip that the famed Kyoto-Joseon trade agreement took place.

Nagamasa was pleased, as this would allow the new capital of Kyushu, “Misaki” to gain prominence. Korean traders would come in and out of that port, providing jobs and income for the people of that island.

Meanwhile in the Spanish East Indies, Don Simeon had successfully managed to defeat the Kingdom of Sulu for Spain. This increased their eastern power and the new Japanese citizens of these lands were held in very esteem for their deeds.

#69

Korean merchants wishing to trade with Japan had to go to the newly built port of Misaki. This frustrated many of the traders, but with the trade agreement came many opportunities to make money. Merchants would often be excused custom fees in exchange for helping to develop the city and create jobs for locals.

During the Joseon dynasty, Confucianism was heavily promoted as the national philosophy at the expense of Buddhism. This pretty much stopped the trade which had been established during the Goryeo dynasty.

Although suspicious of trade, King Seonjo had warmed to Manpukumaru and heeded his warnings about the Nanban threat. The Confucian scholars were distrusting of such things and a compromise was agreed that Jeju Island would serve as the place for Japanese merchants to sell their wares.

Korean records describe Manpukumaru being a stubborn young man who would talk in length about the Nanban, a people whom he considered more dangerous than the Mongol people to the North. It is said that King Seonjo warmed to Manpukumaru after their first few meetings and began to question him on the outside world and Japanese affairs.

The first Korean merchants bought Baekja [1] and Chinese Silver with them. In time they would bring other items with them. Despite the production of luxury items being minimalised due to the new priority being on agriculture and increased tribute demand from the Ming. Soon Korean merchants were eager to make more money and eventually began to bring goods such as brocades [2], ginseng and silk.

Although there was not much demand for such items on Kyushu. The new rulers of Japan appreciated these items and began to demand more. This bought in much needed income for Kyushu and provided many jobs. As time went on, several Korean merchants would settle in Misaki, bringing their families with them. [3]

[1] – Baekja is white porcelain produced during the Joseon dynasty.

[2] – A richly decorative shuttle-woven fabric. Most often made of coloured silks. Gold and silver was often used as threads.

[3] – I will cover Korean immigration to Kyushu in a later chapter.

tonsofun

January 14th, 2012, 12:42 AM

#70

Life in Japan gradually got better during the OmiOdani period. Crime came down, corruption came down and with a new partially centralized rule under Azai Nagamasa, peace rang throughout the land.

With these factors in place, people were free to dedicate their time to things other than war. Agricultural output increased allowing people to have more variation in their food. Farmers were finding themselves with surplus stock. This was sold, bringing in more money and heavily boosting food reserves.

During the rule of Nagamasa, people were heavily encouraged to aspire for better things. Due to restriction on the caste system being lifted, many impoverished Japanese soon travelled outside of their domains looking for work and new ways to make money. Not everyone was fond of those new rules, but Nagamasa kept those who agreed close by and those who disagreed were often too scared to take action.

Despite the new peace, there was still one big problem to solve. What does one do with an entirely armed nation and no war to fight? The original plan was to invade Korea, but after Manpukumaru opposed the plans, Nagamasa was left wandering if such an adventure would be a success or not. He had no intention of going to war and losing.

To invade Korea would anger the Ming who saw Korea as part of their tributary states. Success in Korea would mean war against the Ming. If they lost their, then the Ming would surely come back to Japan. Nagamasa had just united Japan, he didn’t want to be one responsible for being the one who allowed the Ming to march on Kyoto.

Many of his fellow daimyo had their heart set on attacking Korea. Hashiba Toyotomi was the one who first suggested it and didn’t approve of Manpukumaru poo-pooing his idea. He even went as far to say that it was Nobunaga’s dream to one day sit on the throne in the Forbidden City.

At this point, it became apparent that Nagamasa valued the opinion of his son, more than that of his fellow daimyo. To send him to Korea worked out well on all sides. Manpukumaru got away from the other daimyo long enough to let things cool down and the daimyo who supported Hideyoshi were satisfied to him go for a good while.

The problem of what to do with all those soldiers remained a problem. Many out-of-work samurai were content to patrol the roads of the country. It wasn’t war, but it did give them an income and protecting common people gave most of them a feeling of superiority.

Many bigger samurai would not be content to simply wander the land for the rest of their lives. For now, things were fine, but soon enough problems would arise.

With the new peace, Japan found itself on the receiving end of a demand for tribute from the Wanli Emperor of the Ming. No one wished to pay tribute, but to upset the Ming now would have put things back to where they were before Nobunaga was born. Manpukumaru suggested he go to see the Ming Emperor, bring the tribute and set up better relations, like he did with King Seonjo.
Although unaware of this at the time, Manpukumaru would find China a much harder place to do his thing than Korea. Firstly, the Wanli Emperor was highly distrustful of the Japanese and secondly, there were many Jesuits who had already gained the trust of high-ranking officials. They would easily be quick to talk against anything he would do.

#71

The year before, the city of Groningen submitted to Dutch soldiers. Thus uniting the entire Northern Netherlands under the new Dutch Republic. Despite the turmoil in the Netherlands at the time, this was the Dutch goldern age. Many antwerpen merchants displaced by the Spanish soon found themselves trading in the new world and seeking out spices in the East Indies.

It was during these voyages to the East that many Dutch sailors first heard the name Antonio Azai. Many reports were conflicting, but some facts were consistant. Mostly about him being a Christian and Spain seeing him as a great threat to colonialism. When word reached the Northern Netherlands, it was demanded that the land of Japan be discovered and hopefully good relations can be had with this country that Spain saw as such a big threat. These rumours circulated around the common people and soon reached commoners in Spain, France, and England.

#72

With Manpukumaru setting off for China, many daimyo tried to fill the influential space within the Shoguns mind that he filled. Since becoming Shogun, Nagamasa was not overly comfortable. He was raised on the battlefield and had taken his clan was a tiny miniscule vassal to the rulers of Japan.

He faced many problems: the high number of out of work soldiers, the lack of tradesmen, lack of people and a lack of money. Due to new trade with Korea, many daimyo had become infatuated with Korean culture. This inspired what few artisans there were to imitate those works and hopefully provide a cheaper alternative to the expensive imports coming from Korea.

Many artisans trying to copy the Korean works failed to impress the ruling daimyo, but the newly emerging merchant classes and farming classes were more than eager to grab up indigenous pieces of art.

Many out of work soliders were transferred to construction work. Most were happy to be doing something and to be contributing to the overall benefit of the nation. One of Nagamasas biggest talking points to his soldiers was the need to contribute to the overall being of all Japanese people. It seemed some people listened to what he had to say.

When Nagamasa became Shogun, he made plans to centralize rule. The previous war happened because daimyo were able to raise their own armies and do what they liked with them. Now all armies would go under his control. This ofcourse cannot be done overnight and attempts to do so would have put Japan right back where it started.

The first step towards centralization was to forbid anyone who wasn’t in his army to own weapons. This lowered the risk of revolt and increased stability throughout the land. Many regional daimyo were angered at this, but all fell into line with the centralization of his rule.

It should also be noted, that many regional daimyo were replaced with men Nagamasa trusted. Those who agreed with his plans for the land gained and those who didn’t were simply cast aside. Many rich men became peasants during Nagamasa’s rule.

tonsofun

January 15th, 2012, 11:56 PM

#73

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Azai Nagamasa:

We thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy this.

Dear Father,

The lands of the Ming are indeed impressive. I am lucky to see such sights within my life. I am currently residing in the port of Tongzhou. I have yet to meet the emperor, although I have been told that he is satisfied I bought the tribute he asked for. I am still hoping to get a meeting with the Emperor himself and get a trade agreement. It would benefit our land greatly.

I have come across many Christians here. Mostly among the elites of this city. It seems the Jesuits have managed to win favour with the authorities here and are allowed to preach. Many of the Christians I have met here look up to me due to my ability to speak Latin. However, the Jesuits already know about me and refuse to talk to me. Luckily, the Christians here are urging a debate to take place so they can see who knows the most. They don’t understand Latin but I have been told they will tell the winner of the debate by facial expression.

I have tried to get many meetings with Emperor to get my point across, but so far, he refuses to see me. The Imperial court is filled with Confucians and they really don’t trust me. In their eyes, I have paid the tribute so they see no reason for me to stay. However, I won’t let it put me off. I will continue my efforts.

tonsofun

January 16th, 2012, 10:44 PM

#74

Although Manpukumaru never got to see the Emperor or get that trade agreement signed, he was successful in winning the hearts of Chinese Christians. After much urging, the missionaries had no choice but to hold a debate with Manpukumaru. Jesuit records say the debate ended in humiliation for Manpukumaru, but Imperial ministers who were ordered to pay close attention record that when challenged Manpukumaru conducted himself with grace and dignity. Although they did not understand Latin, they recognise the smile on his face and the distraught look on the face of his opponent. It is no real wander why Azai Christianity proved to be very popular amongst the Christians of China.

The success in the debate bought Manpukumaru great attention in China. Many came to Tongzhou to listen to him. His message of God and Buddha being the same, angered many, but appealed to even more. Unlike his Jesuit counterparts, he offered a route into Christianity without cultural compromisation. Ironically, this is exactly what Luis Frois taught him to do.

It is due to this, that Mattro Ricci went to Tongzhou to personally see this man. Although they disagreed on many things, they came to respect each other. It is even said that both shed a tear when Manpukumaru decided to return home since he wasn’t going to meet the Emperor and he wasn’t sent there to do missionary work.

#75

At this point, it should be noted Manpukumaru spent approximately three years in Tongzhou and that events outside of China were quite important. In the south, Don Simeon led an army that defeated the Kingdom of Brunei bringing it under Spanish rule. Spain claimed the entire island, although it would be many years before they could actually assert their authority there.

In Europe, the French wars of religion had turned against the Spanish after they lose the battle of Fontaine-Francaise. Spanish dominance of Europe was gradually declining and they were losing control. Yet, they still managed to increase their territory in Asia. Eventually the Spanish would withdraw all to their home country and put their resources into increasing home strength and expanding overseas territory.

Back in Japan, things were going well. Nearly all ordinary Japanese had given up their weapons and the Iron stocks in Kyoto were very high for the first time ever.

Agriculture and industry were heavily encouraged amongst the peasantry and it seemed that most of those who went along with the new rule were gaining from it.

However not all was well on Kyushu. Korean trade had bought with it, Korean immigrants. Seeking a new life in Kyushu, many Koreans including, merchants, labourers and artisans had settled down in Misaki. By 1597, 25% of Misaki’s poulation was Korean. Those Koreans were amongst the richest and many had converted to Christianity. To make things worse, many of those Koreans had all settled together in one block of the city. It was only inevitable that the poorer indigenous residents would do something about it.

Many of the residents of Misaki grouped together and started to sack the Korean quarter, burning buildings. A lot of the Koreans fled, some to the countryside and others onto boats.

Solving this problem fell upon Shimazu Yoshihiro. At this point he could have easily sided with the rioters and kept the riches of the Korean quarter to himself. But wanting to prove his loyalty and he marched his army into Misaki and killed most of the rioters. It was sad, but at the time, it seemed the only option. Shimazu Yoshihiro knew the benefits these new Korean residents brought with them. To kill them would be madness and make a mockery of the new Shogun.

From that day on, Misaki would be under a state of martial law and would be for another two hundred years. In addition, this event bought the religious and ethnic settlement law into effect. The law forbids any one religious or ethnic group from settling together. It was felt, that if people with differences were forced to live amongst each other then such incidents would not occur.

It was also due to this event, that all foreign immigrants to Japan were required to take a Japanese given name and that all children of immigrants would only be allowed to marry a Japanese.

#76

Excerpt from the Vatican vault of letters from the far east: This letter has date on it, but judging by the events described, it was written around 1598.

Letter from pen of Matteo Ricci to his Holiness Pope Clement VIII:

Your Holiness,

As you know, I am in charge of Jesuit affairs in China. Until recently, we made excellent headway in this land. At first, we found many difficulties, mainly being to our lack of knowledge and culture. As we learnt the culture of this land and learnt the language we started to make good progress. I myself have spent many hours learning the Chinese language and trying to translate the works of Confucius. You will know from my previous letters that Confucius is the Chinese philosopher whose writings mirror that of our Lord and savoir Jesus Christ. I found that comparing Jesus to Confucius was a great way to show Chinese how Christianity is the way.

But lately my work has been heavily impeded. I had heard many rumours of the Japanese heathen named Antonio Azai, but had never met the man until recently. I found out he had been staying in Tongzhou trying to reach a trade agreement with the Chinese authorities. Although he has so far been unsuccessful in that aim, I did notice that he had spent many hours talking to the Christian converts in the area. Whenever Antonio speaks, they listened.

When I reached Tongzhou I had the pleasure of watching him debate with local missionaries. I was amazed at how well he spoke Latin. I was even more amazed how well he knew the Bible. It sounded like he memorized every word. It wasn’t long before he had outsmarted his opponent and the Chinese flocked to him.

I was lucky enough to have many meetings with him and was alarmed to hear what he said. He proposes that men should worship heathens as well as God. He encouraged the Chinese to worship God and Buddha. It is very frightening to think one man can make so many believe such dangerous things. I had hoped that China could develop into a Christian society even more grand than the Romans. Now I fear this land will become a hell on earth.

I must confess that I am unsure what to do about this. It seems our local missionaries are rarely listened to now. The Chinese prefer to hear the convenient message of this heathen man. It is my belief that the devil himself is inside this man. I asked Chinese authorities to arrest him, but he has done no crime. If this carries on, we shall lose favour. Maybe one day the Emperor will confiscate our land in Macau.

tonsofun

January 17th, 2012, 11:00 PM

#77

In 1596, Manpukumaru left China and headed back to Japan. Failing in his attempts to get a trade agreement with the Emperor, he came home with nothing gained. Nothing that is, except for two sons. Twins to be exact, Manjumaru and Mazazumi.

He returned home to find out not a whole lot had changed. The lives of the common people had improved slightly and apart from the riots on Kyushu, life was very peaceful. The following years would be no different. The spare time allowed Manpukumaru to continue his academic work. His trip to China had taught him much about the beliefs of the Chinese people and he was keen to write about those and incorporate them into his Christian denomination. He also continued his Japanese translation of the bible and completed it in 1599. Although it is not 100% correct, it did allow many Japanese to learn about Christianity and become more tolerant. Ironically, his beliefs would only attract a handful of followers in his home country.

All would remain the same in Japan until foreign ships sailing under an unknown banner.

By 1600, the world had become slightly quieter. The Spanish wars in France and the Netherlands had ended. Philip III of Spain decided it was best to stop fighting wars that could not be won and decided it was best for his army to defend their home country and concentrate on their empire.

# 78

Excerpt from the diary of William Adams:

We landed in Japan at a port they call Misaki. We did not get much chance to see the city as were imprisoned as soon as we landed. None of our crew could speak Japanese and our only interpreter here can only speak French, Dutch and Latin. The locals here could not understand us.

We were immediately put onto another ship and spent an unknown time at sea. Unable to see the sky we had no idea whether it was day or night. We tried to explain that many of us were sick and dying, but they did not care. It seemed our lives would end there.

Everyone of us prayed for a miracle and that was what we eventually got.

The men here were all very professional. It seems that they can stay in the same position for hours and not feel the slightest bit of discomfort. Thinking about the disciplines these men can do, makes me ache.

One day, a young looking man visited me. He was different to the others. Not very tall and very softly spoken. Yet when he spoke, the professional soldiers obeyed him without a moments though. Unlike the other men here who all shaved the tops of their head, this man did not, instead his hair flowed down his back. Much like a women would have.

He spoke to us in Latin. I could not understand but we had a French priest amongst us who did. He was hired for that very reason. I wandered if this was the feared Antonio Azai.

We were asked what we were doing here and I replied we had come to seek relations and trade with his country. He told us that all Nanban, which I now know means Southern Barbarian, are not allowed on this land. We then explained that we were Dutch and had no hostile intentions. It was then he took interest in us.

He asked who the Dutch were and it was explained about how we were fighting a war against the Spanish who wished to suppress our religious movements and us. We were asked about our religious movements and we explained in detail. This seemed to make him very happy as he smiled.

After a very long talk, we were released and doctors attended us to. That is how my new life started.

The young man was indeed Antonio Azai. The man feared so much by the Spanish and Portuguese. With Pierre Delacroix [1] in tow, I became much acquainted with this man. At this time, he was he son of the Japanese king Nagamasa Azai. Nagamasa was very suspicious of me, but he seemed very trusting of his son. Like everyman of this land, Nagamasa would never show emotion. His words to me were always in the tone, whether he was happy or sad I could not tell.

Antonio was only three years my junior and after a few chats became very interested in what I had to say. He was very curious about the politics and religious affairs in Europe. The Calvinist and Protestant movements interested him mostly. Often during this subject, he would often boast of his skill in Latin and how the Catholics had twisted the words for their own agenda.

As the remainder of my crew recovered, we were moved into better accommodation. They gave us the best of their world, but it was so different to ours, we often found it hard to appreciate. Even the simplest of tasks such as making tea is treated with the utmost importance. When the maids serve us our tea, they would walk carry it on a tray with both hands while walking along with bent legs. They made sure to never look us in the eyes. I’m not sure if the women here are forbidden from looking at men entirely or simply because we are foreign. Either way, their skill is to be admired greatly. Seeing such skill for simple things makes me wander what these people are like on the battlefield.

[1] – This is the name I haven given to the French priest on this voyage.

#79

In a short time, Manpukumaru and William Adams would become good friends. So much so, that William Adams helped Japan build their first ever western style galleons in 1602. The first ship would be completed in 1603.

The first ships were built in the port of Sendai. Date Masamune now married to Manpukumaru’s sister Yodogimi [1] was given the title ‘Admiral of the Northern Navy’ and it was his job to make sure everything was okay with the ships.
In 1604, more western style galleons would be built in Matsuyayma. Looking after these ships would go to the ‘Admiral of the Southern Navy’ Chosokabe Morichika who was married to Manpukumaru’s youngest sister Oeyo.

[1] – Yodogimi aka Chacha.

tonsofun

January 18th, 2012, 11:06 PM

#80 The Azai Trading Company

After many chats with William Adams, much was learned of Europe, especially the Netherlands. Japan wanted to become a respected nation just like those of Europe. One of the more admired traits of Europeans was their ability to trade all over the world. Japan had many merchant traders, but despite all they did, the government received very little benefit.

To that it is no surprise that in 1602, the same year Manpukumaru became Shogun, the ‘Azai Trading Company’ was founded. The aim of the company was to bring merchants under control and bring much needed profit to the government. By modern standards, it was more of a franchise operation than a company.

All merchants who traded were without protection. They paid very little tax so whatever benefit they got was great and with great risk. The ‘AZT’ however offered merchants protection on the seas and personal approval from the Shogun. All a merchant had to do was hand over 20% of what he earned.

At first, few merchants signed up as all trade was done in Korea. But soon enough merchants wishing to venture further out would want approval and protection from the Shogun. These ships would eventually venture further out to the Le Dynasty of modern day Vietnam, Khmer and Ayutthaya.

These ships would become well known due to the yellow seals they used to prove their authenticity. To this day, the yellow seal ships still travel world, seeking trade.

Because of the yellow seal ships. Japan found a new source of income. As merchants ventured further out, more money came in. Therefore, it is only natural that in this time, Japan would commission its first voyage of exploration.

A fleet of galleons in Sendai, led by Date Masamune set sail for the west in 1605.

tonsofun

January 19th, 2012, 11:38 PM

#81

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Date Masamune:

We would like to thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy and translate this.

Dear Masamune,

Before you set sail on your mission, there are a few things I would like say.
Firstly I would like to know why my sister sent me a rather rude letter complaining about you going on your voyage without her. Because of said letter, I am now getting grief from my own wife and mother. If you wish to keep your head, then I suggest you not only take my sister with you, but also you also take the three sons she was nice enough to bless you with. Besides, having family with you will make things better for you personally. I would also like to see my sister and three nephews alive when you come back. Don’t put them in any danger please.

Secondly, I highly recommend that you treat the Dutchmen with considerable politeness. I would like you to find the land these people come from and to learn whatever you can from them. Even the tiniest and irrelevant details can prevent a faux pas.

Thirdly, once you find the Dutchlands, I want you to seek out the English. They sound like they could be very good friends. Establishing good relations with the Dutch and English is the most important thing. In the future, there will be more wars and we will need all the friends we can get.

Fourth, I recommend you write a journal for your entire time travelling. It will help you keep a tab on everything and will save you explaining to me in great length all that you have seen.

Fifth, I want you to look for any important civilizations in-between. To presume that there is nothing in between the Ming and the Christians is quite stupid.

Sixth, learn everything you can about all the different people you see.

Lastly, and this is the most important one. Don’t start any wars with anyone. No matter how primitive they seem, no matter what resources or riches they have. I cannot stress enough that you are one a mission of peace. You are not conquering anyone or anything.

I hope this letters finds you in good health. I shall be in Sendai before you depart.

tonsofun

January 21st, 2012, 11:06 PM

#82 The Black Samurai

In 1576, an Italian Jesuit named Alessandro Valignano came to Japan and bought with him a slave named Yasuke. Most Japanese had never seen an African before. Some were scared and other curious. Oda Nobunaga was curious and had the assumption that his dark skin was due to a simple lack of hygiene. Being the most powerful man in Japan at the time and the Jesuits being dependant on Nobunaga for free passage in Japan, allowed Nobunaga to see the slave.

The first meeting involved Nobunaga accusing the slave of being dirty. He then had him placed in water and washed. When he noticed that he was not dirty, he let him be and soon the two came to respect each other. Soon enough, he earned himself a place within Nobunaga’s bodyguard unit. It is said that he was six foot and two inches tall, so he would have towered over everyone in Japan at the time. A man like that would strike fear without moving.

Soon after the initial meeting, he met a young Azai Manpukumaru and the two became best of friends. It is not known why he was drawn to the boy, but many historians suspect that the young boy simply treated him as another person.

Soon after records, refer to him as Kafeel. It is a Swahili name meaning protector. Rather apt for his life really. In addition, judging by that name he came from the modern day ‘Swahili People’s Kingdom’. This is simply a guess, but historians can think of no other reason he would have this name. It is also logical as Portugal did take slaves from that part of the world.

The next recorded action of this man comes from the diary of Azai Manpukumaru, who states that:

“Kafeel fought at Honnoji with the strength of a thousand men. He cut through men as if they were made of water. So many fell before him, his face glowed red with the blood of his enemies. My life was saved that night by the Black Samurai”

After this, he stuck by Manpukumaru’s side and fought in every battle he took part in. Manpukumaru took the sidelines in most battles so it is very probable that Kafeel did the same during this time.

His biggest adventure came during the invasion of Kyushu when Azai Manpukumaru had what we would call today a “Panic Attack”. His diary states that:

“Kafeel seeing me in a panic ran infront of me and killed any who looked at me. Soon enough, the Otomo soldiers were fleeing from the man they believed was Satan himself.”

After peace came, little mention is made of him. It is unknown whether he accompanied Manpukumaru to Korea or China. The diary of Azai Manpukumaru states that he married a widow from Echizen and had two children. His descendants still live in Japan today. He is never mentioned again until his death in 1606.

Cuāuhtemōc

January 21st, 2012, 11:08 PM

Unconsensual

January 21st, 2012, 11:34 PM

In OTL the Asakura were never defeated until 1973.

Interesting typo you have there.

tonsofun

January 22nd, 2012, 12:37 PM

It's really sad this doesn't get much attention than it should get. I liked the updates, particularly the one on Kafeel. I can expect him to be the inspiration of many Japanese manga and anime in the modern age in TTL. :D
I'm really surprised that Yasuke (or Kafeel as I named him) isn't used more in alternate history. In OTL he was very well valued. Many thought he would become a lord because Nobunaga liked him so much. Just a shame Akechi Mitsuhide saw him as a savage and had him deported. He could've achieved so much more.
But for this tl. There will be many stories on him. A legend like him deserves nothing less.
In OTL there is a film about him being made. But strangely enough, they're using a white guy to play him.

Interesting typo you have there. Strange I never noticed that before. Thanks for pointing it out.

Russian Sailor

January 22nd, 2012, 03:15 PM

I have recently read through this it is great stuff. (we need more japan tl's!)

tonsofun

January 22nd, 2012, 06:11 PM

I have recently read through this it is great stuff. (we need more japan tl's!)Glad you enjoyed it.
Feel free to ask questios, speculate or offer suggestions.

tonsofun

January 24th, 2012, 09:18 PM

#83 The Moral Laws

Soon after Date Masamune set off on his voyage of discovery. Manpukumaru decided that then was the time to bring in new ‘moral’ laws as he called them. There were many aspects of Japanese society which upset him and he sought to put those right. No matter who he upset.

The first law put into place, forbade any man from killing his wife, daughter or any female person regarded as his property. In the diary of William Adams, he shows much distress when at a dinner party with many samurai. One man got up, killed his wife for no reason and no one batted an eyelid. From now on, all forms of murder would be made illegal. Even two samurai’s duelling now found themselves unable to kill their opponent or themselves depending on the course of battle. This drew much criticism as many saw this as an eroding of culture. A cause that rallied many against the Otomo so enthusiastically. There were many protests all around the land. Some samurai even took their own life to show their distaste at the new law. But Manpukumaru remained unturned and carried it out. Despite the protestations, the Japanese people still had servitude in their souls and many who opposed the law simply accepted it.

The second law forbade all forms of Carnal Knowledge before marriage. This included the services of prostitutes. Many brothels were forced to shut up or go underground. Many women were overjoyed to be liberated from the forced servitude they found themselves in, but soon after, they found themselves with no income and many were forced to beg. The lucky ones became concubines for the local merchant or daimyo. This law also covered carnal knowledge outside of the marriage bed. Any man or woman found to have slept with someone other than their husband or wive(s) would be punished.

The third part of the law redinfed all punishment. All crimes would be punished by a pre-determined time in slavery.

· Adultery – 5 years
· Assault – 25 years
· Manslaughter – 25 years
· Murder – 50 years
· Rape – 20 years
· Theft – 15 years

The basic definition of slavery then was the forced labour of someone in service to the state. Sometimes they would be building government buildings, cleaning city streets or simply being a servant to a less well off family for a day. Those who caught trying to escape would have their sentence doubled.

Slaves would be given one meal a day along with 3 small cups of water. If a prisoner fell ill, then he/she would be cared for until they were fit for service again.

Overall those two laws were found to have covered many things and would influence the way future generations approached the subjects of sex and womens rights. The system continues to this day, albeit in a more humane manner and Japanese people to this day still see slavery as a nicer alternative to the death penalty.

It also goes to show, just how much Christianity influenced the rule of Manpukumaru.

mrmandias

January 24th, 2012, 09:52 PM

People's Democracy of Korea and Japan?

Papal Dominions of Korea and Japan?

I give up.

mrmandias

January 24th, 2012, 09:53 PM

#83

If history elsewhere is any guide, there will still continue to be a fair amount of prostitution, especially as time goes on. Easier legislated than done.

tonsofun

January 24th, 2012, 10:06 PM

People's Democracy of Korea and Japan?

Papal Dominions of Korea and Japan?

I give up. I like how some countries have long winded titles. In the future of my tl, there will be plenty of these.

#83

If history elsewhere is any guide, there will still continue to be a fair amount of prostitution, especially as time goes on. Easier legislated than done.Ofcourse. These laws are just written down on paper. Enforcing them is a whole other thing.
Even the most conservative of countries have this problem. They just refuse to see it and convince themselves that all is well. I've seen it before.

tonsofun

January 26th, 2012, 09:38 PM

#84

Excerpt from the travel journal of Date Masamune:

I have stayed with the Ottoman people for three months now. It was hard at first due to language differences, but I am lucky to have a very smart man in my crew who has managed to pick up their language very quickly.

The Ottoman people are very religious. Much like the Nanban peoples. Although these people hate the Nanban much more than anyone in my land does. They have recently fought a war against an alliance of Catholic powers and found themselves on the side of defeat. I have learned that beyond their homeland, they controlled much land and received tribute from several states beyond their empire. After their defeat, this tribute is no longer received. I hope for their sake, this does not mean their empire is falling. They are lucky their enemies have no will to conquer their lands.

I was also recently told that their rivalry with the Catholics goes back hundreds of years. It seems they both view the city of Jerusalem as holy and being as they are. The Catholics were determined to take back the land they considered holy. Battles were fought for many years and the Catholics were defeated in the end.

The religion of the Ottoman people does confuse me. They have many laws regarding what men and women can do. There are many more rules regarding how a woman should be than there are for men, for this reason I have kept Cha Cha by my side at all times. I would hate anything to happen to her.

From what I can make out, there are two languages in this empire; Arabic and Turkish. Turkish is the language of the government and Arabic is the language of their religion. The holy book for these people is only written in Arabic and all religious leaders speak this language. Most common people do not understand this language. In this aspect, it is very similar to Catholicism and the way they use Latin to keep a tight control on religious beliefs.

Despite our differences, we have been made to feel nothing but welcome here. The Ottomans are happy to have relations with us. I am guessing they view us as friends due to our rivalry with Catholics. I have invited several of their religious scholars to join us on our trip. It will be useful, especially as I have been told that the language of their religion is spoken far beyond the reaches of their empire.

tonsofun

January 30th, 2012, 09:01 AM

#85

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Shimauz Yoshihiro:

We would like to thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy and translate this.

To Shimazu Yoshihiro,

In regards to your previous letter about the state of the Ryukyu’s, I have decided that it is best you don’t invade. As good as it would be to give your soldiers the war they crave, it would not be good in the long term. As you should know, the Ryukyu’s pay tribute to Emperor Wanli and so do we.

If we were to attack one of his tribute payers, he might not accept it with the grace and decorum we would hope. It is my theory that he would be very angry and seeing as his army is considerably larger than ours. So large that they could trample over us and march on Kyoto. You spent many years serving one master you don’t like. I suspect you would not like to spend the rest of your life serving another.

However, your point is right. People are unhappy and we have a big army that could easily rebel and find its own glory in heir homeland. I am undecided as to what we should do right now. I will keep you informed as to everything that happens.

tonsofun

February 1st, 2012, 09:36 PM

#86

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Sanada Yukimura:

We would like to thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy and translate this.

Dear brother,

I hope this letter finds you well. As you know from our last meeting, we are going to invade the island of Ezo and the islands north from there, civilize the Ainu people. Although I did not say so then, I have decided I want you and Nobuyuki to lead the main invasion force.

Unlike previous wars we have fought together, this one is going to be a little bit different. I cannot stress enough, the importance that this war be fought in a way that would be pleasing to God and Buddha. Therefore, I want you to try and capture as many soldiers as possible. This will make the Ainu less hostile to our presence and it will make them see the light a bit easier.

This also goes hand in hand with the prohibition of wanton destruction. Even if a town does resist us, you are not to burn it down. Nor are you or your troops allowed to kill anyone who is unarmed. No matter what is said, restraint must be practised at all times.

The last one is the most important. Do not let anyone dishonour a single woman. If anyone is found to break that rule or any other in this campaign, I want you to personally kill them and set an example. We are civilized people after all and it will be hard to civilize these barbarians if we act like savages.

I will be coming along on this campaign, but I will leave all the decisions to you and your brother. My presence will simply be ceremonial to say.

Oh and one last thing. Try to keep casualties to a minimum. We might need them in the future.

tonsofun

February 2nd, 2012, 09:48 PM

#87

As 1609 came to a close, Japan was entering a new era. International trade was bringing in new wealth to Japan and providing more jobs for the impoverished. The Yellow Seal ships, which gave merchants much needed security at sea, conducted nearly all of the trade and brought in much needed income for the Shogunate.

The new Moral Laws passed by Manpukumaru did not go down so well with many people, but a younger generation would soon grow to see them as part of their culture and part of what made Japan great.

The island of Kyushu had become more welcoming to their Korean immigrants as well as a few families from China and Ayutthaya. These new immigrants eager to adapt to their new life, obeyed the law and most married Japanese and took on Japanese names. Those who didn’t agree were simply told to leave.

While this was happening Date Masamune was busy exploring the west. In 1608 he established relations with the Ottoman Empire and even invited them to trade with Japan. He also picked up three Islamic missionaries eager to preach in this new land.

In 1609 he slowly sailed around Africa and worked his way towards Europe, mapping everything on the way. By 1610 he would land in France and make another friend for his home nation.

As 1610 started, so did the invasion of Ezo. A slow, but easy campaign for the Japanese army and one that increased the lands under it’s control. Whether the rules proposed by Manpukumaru were stuck to is unknown. But today the people of Ezo consider themselves to be 100% Japanese so something good must have happened.

tonsofun

February 3rd, 2012, 10:32 PM

#88

While Japan was flourishing, Korea was too. Suspicious of these new Japanese traders, they were confined to Jeju Island. However, those on Jeju Island began to profit greatly from this and many in the Joseon court became envious.

The new Korean king Gwanghaegun was eager to embrace this new trade and bring in newfound wealth. Unlike his father, he never met Manpukumaru, but he was still convinced of the Catholic threat that he spoke of.

To that extent, he dropped the limits on trade and began to embrace modernization much like Japan. Seeing the new ships that the Japanese had, he wanted the same. Many of the Confucians in the court were against this, but King Gwanghaegun was adamant in his new reforms. Nonetheless, he was determined to embrace modernization and keep the Confucian morals that made his country stable. To please the dogmatic Confucians, Gwanghaegun bettered relations with the Ming and worsened relations with the Manchu’s.

#89

Excerpt from the travel journal of Date Masamune:

After over one year sailing I have encountered many lands that are barely habited except by barbarian tribes similar in appearance to the black skinned warrior my brother-in-law befriended. After the dark continent I had to be careful as my Dutch navigators warned me that I would be passing the lands of the Spanish and Portuguese.

North and east of those lands is the nation of France, which is where I am now. Unlike other countries, France is a nation with different religions. There was recently a war here between Catholics and a denomination that call themselves Hugenots. The hugenots were victorious and now rule this country, but the Catholics of this land live here too and without much harassment.

The new rulers of this land are keen for both denominations to live in peace with each other. Seems logical as they both speak the same language. I have been met with warmth by the leaders here who are keen to be our friends. Seeing the Dutch in our crew made them much more trusting of me.

***

Today I was taken to a monastery in the north of the country. Here the monks hunt with a dog that is short in the legs and long in the stomach. They have surplus amounts of skin, ears so long they drag on the ground and an excellent sense of smell. The dogs do not kill their prey but simply use their noses to find them and then chase them out so their masters can kill. I have been told that the short legs allow the monks to keep track of the dogs without using excess energy and that their placid nature means that they are happy just to chase their prey.

The dogs have a very placid nature and are very friendly. Even to my children who spent time pulling their skin, which I think would hurt them, yet they acted as if they liked it and made crying noises when they stopped. Cha Cha finds them aesthetically pleasing too as my children. I think an animal such as this would prove very useful amongst the rural peasantry.I think I should stay in this country and learn more. There is much we can learn here.

Cuāuhtemōc

February 4th, 2012, 02:57 AM

Marvelous couple of updates. It's nice to know Kyushu is getting a bit of diversity.

tonsofun

February 6th, 2012, 07:45 AM

Marvelous couple of updates. It's nice to know Kyushu is getting a bit of diversity.Glad you're liking it.:D

#90 The Dutch-Portuguese War

During the 16th century Portugual invested much of its money in Japan. Convinced that Francisco Otomo could unite Japan and create a Papal-type state and that there was much money to be made. They sent mercenaries to train armies and fight in wars, weapons, gunpowder and much money to keep the economy going.

It was in short, a disaster as the army they trained was well armed and well trained in western ways. However, it had one weakness; arrogance. The entirety of the army was gunpowder based. The Portuguese saw the Japanese as, yet another inferior pagan race and paid for it.

Originally, this army was very successful and united all of Kyushu. Two invasions of mainland Honshu saw them devour armies of the Mori who outnumbered them each time. Each time, superior numbers and determination of conquered Buddhists to resist, rebuffed them.

Still, they were not put off. They bided their time, re-equipped their army, trained more men and attacked the Island of Shikoku. The first battle was successful, although it did reveal weaknesses in an army reliant on gunpowder. However, they were defeated later on when an army led by Sanada Masayuki flooded their gunpowder reserves and left them almost defenceless.

It was soon after this, the men sent by Portugual realised that Francisco was a lost cause and left. Some of the mercenaries stayed to protect Gods home in Japan, but were unsuccessful and died when Azai Nagamasa mobilized the rest of Japan against them. Many were evacuated by Spain and went to the Phillipines. Those men would help Spain conquer the Kingdom of Sulu and the Kingdom of Brunei. This new loyalty upset an almost bankrupt Portugual.

Due to a lack of funds, Portugual decided to stay quiet and reap the benefits of its trading posts through America, Africa and Asia. Although, part of the Iberian Union, both Spain and Portugual had their own problems to deal with.

It was rather unfortunate then, that the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company carried on the war with the Portuguese after the United Netherlands had signed peace.

The Dutch East & West India Companies were very powerful at this time. The DEI was especially powerful as they were the only western nation to trade with Japan and enjoyed good relations with the Japanese Shogunate too. Relations were so good, that they had a special port/village for themselves on Kii-Oshima Island.

The war was very successful for the DEI & DWI as the Portuguese navy was no longer able to protect most of its colonies and trading posts due to a complete lack of funds. This war would continue for many years.

tonsofun

February 6th, 2012, 09:43 PM

Basic map of the world in 1610

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/1610.png

tonsofun

February 6th, 2012, 10:46 PM

#91 Christianity In China

In 1535, Portuguese ships were given permission to anchor at Macau and trade. However, they were not allowed onshore. By 1553, they gained permission to build storage sheds so they could dry any goods that came into contact with sea water. In 1557, the Portuguese had established a permanent settlement in Macau, costing them 500 taels of silver every year.

By 1564, Portugual dominated trade throughout Asia. They controlled all trade in India, China and Japan. Despite the restrictions, they stayed and made great profits. Along with trade, the Portuguese bought Christianity with them. Although not new to China, this form was new and proved to be popular among some of the elite. At least for a little while.

At first, the Jesuits were unable to make progress amongst the Chinese, due to cultural and language difficulties. It was not until 1579 that Alessandro Valignano founded the St. Paul Jesuit College in Macau. The college was founded to help Jesuits learn the Chinese language and a letter was sent togoa asking for the most intelligent man to come and learn as much as he could. That man was the Italian, Michele Ruggieri and he was later by joined by another Italian, Matteo Ricci.

Ruggieri, Ricci and his followers dreamed of creating a Sino-Christian civilization. Rather like a Roman Empire of the East. Efforts were made to learn as much as they could so they could convert all they saw. Ruggieri learnt about Buddhism and Taoism which was common amongst the commoners and Ricci learnt about Confucianism which was the way of life for the educated classes.

All went well for the Jesuits until 1593, when a young Japanese arrived in Tongzhou, preaching a new radical form of Christianity. Unlike the Jesuits, who sought to remove the non-Christian aspects of Chinese culture, Christian converts would have to change their first name just to get into heaven, as well shunning their ancestors and turning their back on what many felt, were pure Chinese characteristics. Many Chinese converts were also encouraged to adopt western styles of dress. It is no surprise that many looked upon Christianity with suspicion.

The message of Azai Manpukumaru differed from the message of the Jesuit. Not only did God love your culture, but he loved your beliefs too. It did not matter if one was a Buddhist or a Christian. What got you into heaven was how you lived. Those who spent their lives trying to do the right thing, could get into heaven, no matter what they believed.

Not only was native religion encouraged, but local culture was too. Manpukumaru said that god did not create the people of the earth to become sheep to one way of life. It was the multiple cultures, languages, peoples that made the world beautiful. If one was born Chinese, then they should stay like that and whether they became Christian or Buddhist should not affect that.

Attempts were made by the Jesuits to put him down, but none were successful. They first dismissed his teachings as the convenient works of the Devil. Debates were set up, to prove his lack of biblical knowledge, but each time, they found themselves outwitted, as it seemed Manpukumaru had memorized the entirety of the good book. There are even rumours of assassination attempts, but those are mere rumours.

As the years went on, Catholicism dwindled in popularity as many Christian converts flocked to the new beliefs of Azai Christianity. Even many peasants found a convenient escape from the humdrum of life through this new belief. It is no wander then, that the Confucian authorities tried to clamp down on believers. Even going so far as to forbid any proselytising that didn’t conform to the Confucian doctrines.

In 1612, Ming soldiers were ordered to kill a group of Azai Christians who were gathered in Beijing to protest their ill treatment. Ming records state that 250 were killed that day. Private records state that over 1000 were killed. The true number is unknown, but it is known that this sent many Azai Christians into hiding. Many plotted about finding a new home.

tonsofun

February 7th, 2012, 09:29 PM

#92

In the year 1612, Date Masamune returned to Japan. He had discovered many new lands, established relations with the Ottomans, French, Dutch and English and bought back many new things which would shape Japan for years to come.

The first of which, were three Islamic missionaries from the Ottoman Empire. The three men were eager to preach the word of ‘Allah’ to the Japanese people. But they were dismayed when they found out, they would have to convince the Shogun first before they would be allowed to do their job.

The second important thing, was a pack of Dwarf hounds from France. Although many saw them as nothing but freak-like dogs, they would have uses and find their way to the heart of the Japanese people. Even the Shogun commented that the sad expression on the dogs faces turned his mind to much darker matters.

The third important thing was news from all over Europe. News of politics, economics, culture and science. Date Masamune saw many great things and he was keen to make Japan follow the new ways.

Despite these great achievements, Date Masamune was keen to sail again. As time went on, he convinced the Shogun to allow a new voyage of discovery to the east.

tonsofun

February 8th, 2012, 09:37 PM

#93 Good Wife, Wise Mother, Proud Warrior

Tachibana Ginchiyo was the daughter of Tachibana Dosetsu, the famous warrior who defected during the first Otomo war. Her father personally named her Ginchiyo. It roughly means, ‘one who does not listen idly to others’. This proved to be a good omen as when growing up, she refused to believe in her mothers ‘ladylike teachings’ and instead engaged in activites only boys did back in those days. She was a stern and strict figure who excelled in the martial arts and had noteworthy communication skills.

When Dosetsu lost his other children to illness, he was happy to see Ginchiyo as healthy as she could possibly be. Despite protestation from his retainers, he was adamant that Ginchiyo become his heir. After his death, his retainers respected that wish and from a very young age, Ginchiyo became the head of the Tachibana clan.

Growing up without a father was tough, and it was even tougher as the lord of the Tachibana. A woman ruling a clan during the Sengoku era, was rarely seen or fathomed back then. Paranoid from the many threats around her, she trained her maids to wield weapons at all times. This intimidated many suitors, including her future husband.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/tachibanaginchiyo.jpg
Tachibana Ginchiyo as portrayed in the Koei game 'Manpukumaru's Dream.

After the death of Oda Nobunaga, she became the head of a rebellion in western Honshu. Although it is said she led the revolt, it is most likely that she was merely the figurehead as she was only 13 at the time. The rebellion was short lived as her army was quickly defeated and she became a prisoner of Azai Nagamasa.

Admiring her strength and popularity, Nagamasa decided that she would marry her son. At first, she was not interested and asked to put to death, but Nagamasa knew killing her would create new rebellions in the east and instead gave her two options. She could either marry Manpukumaru or become one of Hashiba Hideyoshi’s many concubines. She chose the first option. It is not known how much she of Manpukumaru to hate the idea of marrying him, but it is likely she saw him on the battlefield briefly.

The marriage to Manpukumaru was not a happy one at first. In his diary, Manpukumaru says that Ginchiyo was very open to him about her hatred to him and as such, he found himself intimidated by her and could not sleep in the same room as her. It is known how, but after two years of marriage, Manpukumaru writes that they shared a bed for the first time. Many historians guess that like everyone else, she too fell for the charm and charisma, which Manpukumaru oozed. It seemed that it was just impossible to hate him for long.

Throughout married, she kept her strong character and constantly trained in the martial arts. She even kept her weapon-wielding maids. The diary of Manpukumaru goes as far to say that her martial arts skills were even greater than the great Tomoe Gozen. A fact he was keen to spread about amongst his people.

In her married life, she was always at her husbands side. Ready to offer opinions on everything he did, whether he liked it or not. Although we tend to see Manpukumaru as the backbone of modern Japan. His wife gave him the strength in everything he did. The British say ‘behind every good man is an even better woman’; this is true in the case of Ginchiyo. Her strong character, helped forge a nation and keep a ruler sane. It was no wander that feminists admire her today.

There are three stories that surround her life. One states, that the presence of her in full armour, backed by her weapon-wielding maids, even scared Kafeel, the bodyguard and friend of her husband. The second is that she was equipped to defend her home with her maids at all times and that Manpukumaru approved of this. The third is that she protected her husband from Chinese and Portuguese assassins throughout his time in China, whilst pregnant. The third one sounds unbelievable, but it is believed that Manpukumaru was the target of assassination after his successful debates. Chinese and Jesuit records state that his wife remained at his side at all times and kept a stern the entire time. They also state that one-day, she started wearing armour and made sure people saw her sword.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/rinatakeda.png
Screenshot from the NHK drama 'My Wife, My Hero' with Takeda Rina.

If you have more interest in Ginchiyo then I suggest you read many of the good books that have been written about her life. Alternatively, you could check the two NHK dramas about her.

The first is ‘Ginchiyo’, a biopic of her life starring a then unknown Sola Aoi as Ginchiyo. A controversial choice to cast an unknown, but it worked as it won many awards at home and abroad.

The second is ‘My Wife, My Hero’, which is about the alleged assassinations attempts of Azai Manpukumaru in Tongzhou. Another award winning NHK series starring Takeda Rina as Ginchiyo. This focuses solely on her, while her husband takes a back seat in the story. This series includes many violent scenes and should not be viewed by young children.

tonsofun

February 9th, 2012, 10:49 PM

#94 The Coming Of The Hounds

After the return of Date Masamune, things started to change in Japan. By 1614, Japan was visited by merchants from the United Netherlands, France and England all eager to make money.

To accommodate these merchants, it was decided that they would all have to sell their wares through the Dutch populated port of Oshima. In time, Oshima would become home to other Europeans hoping to make a new life for themselves.

The many merchants coming to Japan were eager to make a lot of money for themselves. Ever since the port of Oshima was built, many Japanese daimyo had begun to take an interest in European culture and science.

***

The one time that influenced Japan the most, was the French Dwarf Hound. Date Masamune was fascinated with the uses one animal provided and made recommendations to bring more to Japan. The first pack he bought back was used in homeland of Sendai. They were given to a village near Sendai, called Natori. The villagers there found the hounds to be very useful for hunting small and big game.

Although any rich man can hunt his game on a horse, Japanese villages during this period were still very poor. Many villages would spend certain times of year, under fed and low on energy. The French dwarf hound was found to be a perfect hunting companion. The great sense of smell meant it could find an animal otherwise naked to human eye, the short legs made it much slower than other dogs and the average peasant could follow it with ease and not need worry about losing it, the other endearing quality of the hound was the loyalty and love shown towards its master. Such devotion meant that the hound would never want to be far from his or her master.

In a few years, French merchants brang in more dogs and as they bred, other villages throughout the land would adopt these animals and take them into their hearts. As well as being great for hunting, the hound was soon found to have other uses.

As Date Masamune learnt, the Hound had a tendancy to show absolute love and devotion to anyone who looked after them. During his voyages, his wife and children looked after the hounds. Masamune found the Hounds were excellent for occupying his otherwise bored wife and children.

As time went on, the hounds would be used not only for hunting, but also as fun accessories for children, companions for neglected/grieving wives and as a travelling companion for samurai. A future leader would rename these animals, the Samurai Hound.

tonsofun

February 12th, 2012, 06:20 AM

#95 The Decline Of Manpukumaru

Despite the happy marriage that existed between Manpukumaru and Ginchiyo, things were never perfect. It is now known that their marriage was far from happy when they were first married. It took a long time for them both to accept each other. It is worth remembering that both Manpukumaru and Ginchiyo had conflicting personalities.

Manpukumaru was in reality a coward and overly emotional. If he were alive today, he most likely would've been labelled as an emo of some sorts. While Ginchiyo was a headstrong woman who had the power to intimidate those she didn't respect. It is believed such a woman would find it hard to respect such a man.

However, love was never the problem. From 1603 onwards, Ginchiyo would often come down with an ailment. Sources do not say what these illnesses were, but the diary of Manpukumaru states on more than one occasion that Ginchiyo would sometimes be too weak to get out of bed, other times she would unable to hold down any food. Only modern doctors could diagnose those problems to us. The doctors at the time tried their best, but none could provide a cure and postpone the inevitable.

If Ginchiyo was alive today, the best doctors in Japan would have seen her and cured her of all problems. Sadly for Manpukumaru, he had no such resources. He had doctors form Japan, Korea, China and even a few Dutch doctors see his wife. But none could help her and so she passed away in 1617. [1]

After that, you should not be surprised to hear that Manpukumaru was never the same again. For years he relied on his wife for strength and happiness. Now he was alone. We now know that Manpukumaru suffered from an extreme form of Bipolar Disorder. If he were alive now, he would be popping happy pills several times and day and he would have had his psychiatrist on speed dial.

[1] – In OTL she passed away in 1602 (aged 33), most likely due to illness at such a young age.

Dathi THorfinnsson

February 13th, 2012, 12:26 AM

#95 The Decline Of Manpukumaru

Despite the happy marriage that existed between Manpukumaru and Ginchiyo, things were always close to bad. It is now known that their marriage was far from happy when they were first wed and that it took a long time for them both to love each other.

:confused:I have no clue what you mean here. Sorry.

tonsofun

February 13th, 2012, 07:56 AM

You're right. That didn't really make sense. I've edited and added a bit, so hopefully it is understandable now.:)

tonsofun

February 14th, 2012, 12:57 PM

#96 The Settling Of Tungning

When the Ming began a crackdown on the Azai’ist believers, many went underground with their new beliefs. Azai’ist belivers came from all sections of Ming society; farmers, butchers, merchants, labourers, soldiers and even high-ranking officials.

The first Azai’ists came from Tongzhou. Most were those who were drawn to the message of Catholicism, but uncomfortable with certain aspects. (a lot of Chinese drawn to Catholicism didn’t like the idea of their ancestors burning in hell, simply for not being told about Christ). Eager to take advantage (and to upset the Catholics he hated so much), a young Japanese heir to the Shogunante, Azai Manpukumaru preached his message of Christianity. Promoting the idea that all could reach heaven no matter what they believed or where they came from appealed to many and the few who were drawn to Manpukumaru, would go on to convert others.

It was at this point, the Catholics found themselves losing much influence and the Confucians in the Imperial Court saw a threat to the stability of the nation. As more Azai’ists spread the word, many used the words as pretext to rebel against the Emperor. These rebellions mostly came from peasants who deserved a better station in life, but the Imperial Court disagreed and those were put down, along with other followers.

After the crackdown on Azai’ism became more brutal, the richer members took a concensus that the only way to survive and reach heaven was to leave China for good. As funds were raised, ships were built in secret. The first boats were mostly small vessels disguised as fishing ships. In 1618, they reached the island of Tungning, landing near the mouth of the Tamsui (means fresh water) river. There they would build a settlement and welcome all those who were fleeing religious persecution.

From then onwards other Azai’ists would head to Tungning and add to the population at Tamsui.

tonsofun

February 15th, 2012, 09:32 PM

#97 The Death Of Ligdan Khan

Ligdan Khan was the last in the Borjigin clan of Mongol Khans who ruled the Mongols from Chakhar. His unpopular reign generated violent opposition due to his harsh restrictions over the Mongols.

Ligdan was the son of Mangghus Mergen Taiji. Due to the premature death of his father, Ligdan was chosen to succeed his grandfather as Khan of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. Ligdan divided the Chakhar into left and right wings. He then built Chaghan city near Mt. Abaga Khara.

During his early reign, Ligdan had respect and loyalty of other Mongol Tumens. Boshigo Jinong of the Three Right Wing Tumens expressed his allegiance to Ligden Khan. Allied with princes of the Southern Khalkha, Ligden raided Ming China. However, from 1612 on, leaders of the Khorchin and the Jarud became in-laws with the rising Jurchens. By the early 17th century, the Khan's court had lost most of its power and was under pressure from the Jurchens in the east. Hoping that he could consolidate his power over the Mongol Tumens, Ligdan moved the Buddhist religious centre of the Mongols to Chakhar and had himself declared both religious and political leader of the Mongols by a Tibetan religious leader. Ligden revived the old Saskyapa order of Kublai's time, inviting the orders Sharba Pandita, who was appointed his preceptor in 1617. Sharba installed Mahakala image in Ligdan's capital Chagan. Ligdan Khan also built temples at Kuriye.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/comedyjim/Japan%20Tl/ligdenkhan.jpg
Portrait of Ligdan Khan

In 1618, Ligdan signed an alliance with the Ming to help fight the Jurchens. In 1619, he sent 50000 men to help the Ming to fight the Jurchens. However, he was unaware that this was a plot by the Ming to weaken both the Mongols and the Jurchens who had become rather strong as of late. The 50000 men sent, never met with a Ming army and as the Ming expected, they were crushed and humiliated.

The Jurchens had a plan of their own, as they persuaded Ligdan Khan (and other Mongol leaders) to ally with them. After this, Nurhachi of the Jurchens, made his own plans to expand his empire and wealth. Nurhachi promised Ligdan Khan his fair share of the spoils of a defeated Ming. Thinking of his descendant Kublai Khan, he agreed to attack the Ming.

Therefore, in 1621, Ligdan Khan led an army of 150000 into the heart of Ming China. As much as he dreamed of newfound glory, he was met by the full force of the Ming army and was killed in combat. Although very few of that army escaped, the Ming decided that it would be best if a campaign was led west to pacify the rest of the Mongols.

tonsofun

February 16th, 2012, 10:20 PM

#98 Shogun Brothers

After the death of his wife, Manpukumaru became increasingly introverted. He spoke less to everyone and often didn’t bother to run his country. Many of the daimyo had become dissatisfied at this and demanded that something be done. Despite his cowardly traits, Manpukumaru was universally loved and problems in the house of Azai, meant problems for all of Japan. Something had to be done. Afterall, no one wanted to relive the period of warring states.

Manpukumaru had two sons, Mazazumi and Manjumaru. They were twins, but records state that Mazazumi was born first; this making him the older of the two. At the tender age of 22, the two brothers decided it was best to run the country together. It was a nice idea, but the two were so different from each other, it was doomed to fail.

Mazazumi was the martial artist; he excelled at matters of war and was as ambitious (maybe ever more so) as any Sengoku daimyo. Manjumaru was very much like his father, easy going and kind. He excelled in the academics, foreign languages in particular. By 22, he was fluent in Japanese, Korean and Dutch.

Despite their differences, they both piled their efforts to where their talents would be best used and at least for a few years, Japan prospered.

Mazazumi took charge of military reforms and carried out many needed reforms. Much of the money that had come from the Azai Trading Company had gone into the development of brand new cannons, based of Dutch designs left on the ships of William Adams. Extensive money had also been put into the development of new gunpowder. The Japanese made better guns than the Europeans but they made inferior gunpowder and relied on Dutch imports to keep everything afloat. Under the rule of Mazazumi, the Japanese would persuade [1] several Dutch experts to share their knowledge.

Manjumaru spent his time amongst the Korean and Dutch communities. He was determined to improve relations with Korea and the United Netherlands and to increase trade even more. He also managed to increase trade with France. Many historians speculate that this had more to do with his love for French Dwarf Hounds than national interest. It is known that he had three Dwarf Hounds and they were at this side all the time.

[1] – Persuasion in a not so nice sense.

tonsofun

February 18th, 2012, 07:00 AM

#99 Japanese Business Partners

While the war between the Dutch and Portuguese continued, many pleas were made by the VOC for Japanse assistance. The Shogun Manpukumaru always resisted the pleas; citing that Japan was still war weary and that intervention would most likely have consequences in the future.

However, after the decline of Manpukumaru, his first son Mazazumi became the head of military affairs and a new breed of thinking entered the Japanese leadership. Unlike his father, Mazazumi was ambitious and headstrong. When the VOC made a plea to him to assist in the war, he saw an opportunity to give the men of Japan, training in the new ways of war.

Despite opposition from his brother (the first of many disagreements), Japan officially declared war on Portugual in support of the VOC. That same day, Chosokabe Morichika was given orders to set sail with the Japanese navy and learn as much about naval warfare as possible.

***

By 1619, the VOC had been successful in their war on Portugual. They had captured nearly all Portuguese possessions in the East. All that remained for the Portuguese was Goa and Macau.

Soon after Japan joined the war in 1621, a joint plan would be made to capture Goa. Since the Spanish had involved themselves in an attempt to stop Dutch dominance in Asia, things had become difficult. Many confrontations had taken place in Southern Asia between Dutch and Spanish fleets.

***

By 1622, Japanese fleets had joined Dutch fleets to defeat the Spanish Navy in the Spanish East Indies. This came at high cost to the inexperienced Japanese navy who had learnt the hard way that the VOC had used them as cannon fodder so their ships would mostly be undamaged. Despite this, the remainder of the Japanese navy stood by their Dutch allies and moved to attack Goa.

The city of Goa had been blockaded since 1603 so attacking came just as easy as first expected. Nevertheless, the land assault proved costly for the Dutch and they lost most of their 2000 strong force. The Japanese provided an additional 1000 men who proved to be most effective in the land confrontations. The surviving Dutch soldiers were highly impressed by the bravery and tenaciousness of the Japanese warriors.

The capture of Goa and the defeating of the Spanish navy in the east proved a turning point as the Dutch now dominated the East. A truce was signed with the governor of the Spanish East Indies to stop the fighting in the east.

With this victory, the VOC would now be free to put more resources into helping their counterparts in the west.

tonsofun

February 20th, 2012, 11:37 PM

#101 Greetings From Macau

Letter from Azai Manjumaru to Azai Mazazumi:

Brother,

I have captured Macau from the Portuguese as you asked. So far, there are 14 men dead and 12 missing. The fort here was surprisingly low on defences. Even the men left here to defend were untrained black slaves. I think if trained right they could be fearsome warriors much like the man who protected father for so many years.

It feels like there could be a trap waiting for us, but so far, nothing has happened.

There were two ships ready to meet our siege, but even they were built for fishing and not for naval combat. The soldiers as I said before were untrained black slaves. They had no armour and their weapons were inconsistent. It is obvious they were not properly trained to fight and that they armed as a last resort since there was no proper army here to meet us.

So far, there has been no resistance from the locals here. The Chinese don’t seem to care who rules as long as they can go about their daily lives without hassle. Which I have done as I see no reason to disrupt things. The Portuguese here are another matter. They highly resent us and are not afraid either. In their eyes, we are nothing but dogs. I have ordered the soldiers not to harass them and to only hurt them if they are attacked first.

Just before I started this letter to you, a Chinese emissary who asked me what we plan to do here visited me. They have a deal with the Portuguese and say if we don’t hand back control to them, they will see it as an act of war. I explained that I could not make the decision so I expect you will receive a visit soon if you haven’t already.

I could not help however, but notice that the emissary seemed worried about other things. The Chinese visitors father dealt with, always boasted about their great power and often made outrageous demands, but this man didn’t. I suspect that things are not well in the Imperial Court and that they are unable to follow through with their threat.

tonsofun

February 22nd, 2012, 12:07 AM

#102 The Emperor Needs You

It was a peaceful summer day like any other. Mazazumi received the letter from his brother and was happy to hear that Macau was captured easily. There was another piece of good news in the letter too, but today that was not his concern. With Manjumaru out of the way, he was the Shogun and free to lead the land in his vision. But not today, today was a day of relaxation with his new Korean courtesan, a gift from King Gwanghaegun. As he relaxes one of his servants rushes in.

“Your highness, there is an envoy from the Ming court here, he demands you see him now.”

“I am busy. Send him away.”

With that, the servant walks off and Mazazumi goes back to relax. Little minutes later, the servant returns.

“My lord, the envoy is very insistent you see him now.”

Mazazumi looks at his servant and sees the awkward situation he is in.

“I understand, but things are different here now. Unlike father, I will not bow to the Ming. They are weak, while we are strong. They are stupid, while we are smart. They reject the new ways, while we embrace them. The envoy will wait until I am ready. Now please leave me, I do not wish to be disturbed again today.

With that, the servant walks off. Hoping he won’t be sent back. Mazazumi goes to relax. As his courtesan pours him a drink, he hears loud footsteps. He gets up to notice an angry looking Chinese man walking towards him.

“When I come here, I expect to be seen. Do your servants not realise this?”

“My servants are well trained and well educated. They know that they should do as I say. They don’t take orders from those of no importance.”

“You should be polite when dealing with a representative of the Emperor. I have come here on urgent matters.”

“Is this about the tributary payments again?”

“Refusal to pay tribute to the great emperor is a great crime. You should remember that your father was King of Japan, whereas you are just a man with no title. It is fortunate for you, that the Emperor is a benevolent man. We have found another way that will allow us to forgive previous transgressions.”

Mazazumi gives the envoy a look of complete apathy to match his current mood. The envoy is not at all amused and opens his mouth to talk before he is rudely interrupted.

“You’re going to tell me anyway, so please satisfy my curiosity and tell me what I can do to please your little ruler.”

The envoy pauses to look at Mazazumi, he expected the son of Manpukumaru to roll over. Nevertheless, he cannot let up for a second and pulls out an imperial decree from the emperor.

“Our Korean subjects have grown lazy and become greedy. Instead of sticking to the true Confucian ways that the heavens desire of us, they have become obsessed with riches and science. It is a direct insult to the heavens themselves and as such, they are being punished by an invasion from the barbarians to the north. Their leader Nurhaci seeks to steal their newfound wealth.
However, heaven is kind and offers them salvation, which is why we have agreed to help them return to the true ways. We feel it would only be proper if you helped out too.”

“You can sort it out yourself. I have no interest in such matter. Unless ofcourse, you asking for our help, because you know you need us there.”

“The Imperial Army is more than capable of doing away with these barbarians, we simply ask that you do your duty and assist us.”

“I’m sure the Imperial Army can manage without us.”

Mazazumi grows silent for a minute, pondering his next words. He thinks he should tell the envoy to go away and leave him be, but he remembers that father said friendship with Korea was vital to the survival of Japan. Japan needs allies just like grandfather needed allies to unite the land.

“But since you are so insistent, I’m sure w can help out. You may even learn a thing or two from us. Now go, I don’t want to talk to you anymore.”

The envoy walks off; relieved he has done his job. Yet wary that the Japanese know how vulnerable the Ming are now.

tonsofun

February 23rd, 2012, 09:37 PM

#103 Problems Up North

In 1622, news reached Nurhaci of the Ming campaign to pacify the Mongol peoples. That same year, he made demands to Korea was vast amounts of gold and land. Knowing that Korea had begun to heavily prosper with new trade rules, he was keen to take as much as he could.

In this time, Korea had become very prosperous, advances were made in infrastructure and science, but the army was still in need of reform. Confident of Ming protection, little was done about it.

When the first demand was made for gold, King Gwanghaegun agreed it would be best to fulfil the demand. In 1623, a demand was made for more gold; this was also agreed to. In 1624, a demand was made for vast tracts of land and this time, King Gwanghaegun refused. This resulted in war and the Jurchen army made it’s way into the heartland of Korea quicker than they thought they would.

***

By 1624, the Ming army was a shadow of its former self as the campaign to pacify the Mongols had been a logistical failure. By the time, the army had reached Mongol lands; most of them had moved elsewhere and they were more than able to outrun any army the Ming could bring in.

The Ming army faced with corruption bought only half the supplies needed to sustain the long campaign. On the way, many villages and towns were stripped bare of all supplies, creating resentment for the army and future rebellions.

By the end, only 5% of the army had returned home and the army was in a state of disarray. Rebellions had formed throughout the west and they had just received a call of help from the Koreans who were being invaded by the Jurchens.

Attempts to raise a new army were made, but numerous problems arose and conscription was introduced. It was also decided that General Wu Xiang would lead this new army. He suggested it would be wise to get the Japanese to fight. Knowing the Japanese were arrogant with their new western style army, he suggested the Japanese be used as cannon fodder so the Ming could claim the glory and strengthen the Mandate of Heaven.

***

In 1625, the Japanese agreed to help the Ming fight off the Jurchen. The new Shogun, Azai Mazazumi was eager to show off his new western style army and beome the new master of Asia. He knew the Ming was weak and that the Koreans had potential, but needed protection in the mean time. His plan was to wow the Koreans and the Ming with his army and to gain the respect he felt his country was due. When he got the respect, then the Ming would leave him alone and the Korean would pay him tribute.

To show off, he decided that he and his brother would personally lead the campaign.

tonsofun

February 25th, 2012, 06:03 AM

#104 Sweet Victory

In the west, the Dutch Portuguese war had ended by 1625. Unable to fight, Portugual ceded all her Asian trade ports to the Dutch (except Macau which remained in Japanese control), all African territories and the colony of Brazil. For Portugual it was a sad day, but for the WIC and VOC it was a very happy day. With the war over, they were free to become rich beyond their wildest dreams.

Back in Portugual, the war had left the nation in tatters. With no foreign possessions and no money, the Kingdom was doomed. All over the country, little rebellions had broken out and due to a lack of funds and supplies, the army did nothing to stop it and instead kept to themselves. Due to all this, it was inevitable that Spain would intervene before the chaos spilled over to their own lands. They already ahd trouble with unhappy Catalans, the chaos in Portugual could make other unhappy subjects seek rebellion. Towards the end of 1625, Spanish soldiers marched into Portugual and it became part of Spain. Previously, Spai had ruled Portugual as part of a union between the two countries. Portugual was always free to do her own thing as long as it didn’t interfere with Spain. Now, Portugual had been conquered by Spain and now it was just another part of an Iberian Empire. The new Spain was determined to avenge the loss of the Portuguese, but not today.

***

Meanwhile, the Dutch companies so proud of their gains in the war, started to get back into the Business of profit making. They now dominated Asian trade and American trade.

tonsofun

February 26th, 2012, 06:21 AM

#105 Islam In Japan

The history between Japan and Islam is one of contrasts. Like Azai’ism the Japanese people never quite took to it. Historians and religious scholars still debate the true reasons to this day. Yet, despite this, Japan has always enjoyed good relations with Muslim majority countries.

The two first encountered each other on Date Masamune’s first voyage of exploration where he encountered the Ottoman Empire. Despite their differences, they shared a common enemy in Catholicism and friendship blossomed from there. On his way home, Date Masamune bought three Islamic missionaries back to Japan who spent years trying to convice Shogun Azai Manpukumaru to give them mission to spread their word.

The Shogun was suspicious of Islam as he saw many similarities to Catholicism. Their holy book was only written in one language and converts were required to change their name. In his eyes, this was no different to the cultural assimilation that the Catholics did with their new converts. Because of this suspicion, Islam was forbidden for a short time in Japan.

It wasn’t until 1616, that the Shogun approved the building of a Mosque in Kokura. While the three men were not allowed to go outside of the Mosque and preach their beliefs, they were free to do so within the confines of their place of worship. Although unsucessful, these efforts did prepare the people of Kyushu for the Islamic immigrants who would arrive several generations later.

tonsofun

February 28th, 2012, 12:19 AM

#106 Sugar For Everyone

The Dutch victory against the Portuguese left them with many new lands and many new profits to reap in. They had secured monopolies on the spice trade in Asia, the slave trade in Africa and the sugar trade in Central and South America. Things were indeed good for the Dutch.

That was however, until they foundthemselves fighting a coalition of their fellow colonial empires. Fearful of Dutch dominance all over the world, the Spanish declared war in 1627.

This time, the Dutch were on their own. The Japanese had no interest in joining another European war so soon after the last one. At this time, the Japanese had just begun a campaign against the Jurchens. Azai Mazazumi decided it was best to let the Europeans fight amongst themselves.

***
#107 Battle Of Hanseong

The Jurchen invasion of Korea began in 1625. Nurhaci led his army against the Joseon dynasty of Korea to get their hands on the new wealth the Koreans had acquired by opening trade with Japan and later on the VOC.

The Korean army was ill equipped to defend themselves against the Jurchen as they relied mostly on protction from the Ming and a lack of wars in any previous wars left them without the necessary experience needed. This allowed the Jurchen to march deep into Korean territory and defeat the majority of the Korean army. Before the Jurchens reached Hanseong, King Gwanghaegun fled to Ganghwa Island and hoped the Ming would soon come and rescue him.

Just the other side of Hanseong, a coalition of Ming and Japanese forces were preparing to face the Jurchen. The Ming army consisted of 150000 well equipped conscripted peasants who were mostly happy to avoid the famines back home. The Japanese army led by the Shogun Azai Mazazumi and his brother Manjumaru numbered 50000 with another 100000 waiting back in Japan for news.

Japanese scouts reported the Jurchen army numbered a mere 50000 and the eager Ming general, Wu Xiang decided it would be best to face the Jurchens at that moment. Unfortunately, Wu Xiang neglected to think of his army and seeing victory in sight, he faced the Jurchen head on without the assistance of the Japanese.

The Jurchen cavalry defeated the Ming forces which were equipped with matchlock rifles and cannons. In that respect it is just like the battle of Nagashino where the cavalry of Takeda and Uesugi defeated the rifleclad army of Oda. This defeat of the Ming caused the Ming and Japanese forces to withdraw to Chongdu.

tonsofun

February 29th, 2012, 10:07 PM

#108 Battle Of Cheongdu

As the coalition forces made their retreat south, they stopped at the city of Cheongdu to rest. Confident of their impending victory, the Jurchen cavalry followed.

The Ming general Wu Xiang ordered the Japanese to form the frontline of the defence and Azai Mazazumi reluctantly agreed. He set up defensive post to form a long line. He knew the Jurchen cavalry would lead the attack so he set up his riflemen in two lines. The frontline kneeled while the man behind him stoof up. Behind the riflemen were cavalry, behind them were the footsliders and behind them were the cannons. Mazazumi was eager to show Wu Xing just how powerful the Japanese army was and by annihilating the Jurchen army he would do just that.

“Keep the formation tight. Do not fire until I give the order. Is that understood?”

The army replied with a loud yes and Mazazumi smiled.

“When the man kneeling down fires, the man standing will reload and when the standing man fires, the man kneeling down will reload. That way we will maintain a constant stream of fire. The barbarians won’t stand a chance.”

Mazazumi left his men at the front to check on the cannons.

“Is everything ready here? I will expect you to be able to fire as soon as I give the order.”

The officer incharge of the cannons nodded in response and Mazazumi left him to it in order to speak to his brother who was leading the foot soldiers. Down by his side was his hound.

“You’re taking your dog into battle with you?”

“Pierre was by my side when we attack Macau and he will be by my side now. If I die, then he will want to die with me.”

Mazazumi wasn’t sure what to say. The idea of taking a dog onto the battlefield baffled him completely, but it seemed to give his brother the fighting spirit needed to inspire the men.

“Their coming.” a voice in the background shouted.

With that Mazazumi went to the frontline with his sword ready. The riflemen were all ready and waiting for his orders. They saw the cavalry in the background as they started to charge at them.

“Wait for it and be prepared as they could come at us from all sides.”

Mazazumi watched the cavalry charge towards him and his men. His eyes were fixed. The entire survival of the Joseon dynasty hanged on this moment and the pride of his own nation depended on the outcome of this battle.

“FIRE!”

As he shouted the frontline of the men fired and the entire frontline of cavalry fell to the ground causing those behind them to either slow down or fall to the ground.

“DON’T STOP!”

Within seconds the next round of bullets were fired sending more men crashing to the ground. The men maintained a continuous stream of fire and a heavy casualty rate had been inflicted. Seeing the cavalry retreat Mazazumi ran to give the order to the cannons to fire.

Seeing the cannons firing, Manjumaru got his own men marching toward the Jurchen camp. With the cavalry and the riflemen are fast yet cautious pace was maintained while Nurhaci prepared to counter attack before his entire army was obliterated by cannon fire.

The majority of the Jurchen army was either dead or injured by now and those remaining were drained of morale.

“I want every soldier dead and the head of the leader must be in my possession before this is all over.” Shouted Mazazumi.

While the footsoldiers and riflemen finished off the remaining infantry, Mazazumi led the cavalry to catch those fleeing. Not one Jurchen would leave this battlefield alive.

***

General Wu Xiang was busy eating a feast prepared for him by the inhabitants of Cheongdu. He tore into his head like a beast that hadn’t eaten for months. The cooks looked on his horror as he refused to share his food with his officers and ordered his men to go find him the most beautiful women in the city. In the commotion no one noticed Azai Mazazumi making his way in. As he saw Wu Xiang he chucked over a big red cloth to him. As he looked at the cloth he realised it was not dyed red, but red due to blood, as he opened it and saw a head and he jumped back in horror.

“What is the meaning of this? Can you not see I’m busy.”

“This is the head of their commander. I thought you would like it as a present.”

“This is their commanders head?”

“Yes. The very same commander who defeated your army back at Hanseong. His entire army is dead by the way. You see they under estimated us, they thought our army would be as incompetent as yours. The thing is, the Japanese army is a masterpiece, a combination of Chinese knowledge and modern science. This allowed us to defeat their army with such ease today. Now we have another problem, as someone in his country will surely come looking for revenge.”

Wu Xiang is speechless, as he knows he has been humiliated and saved by the Japanese at the same time. The arrogance of Azai Mazazumi makes it worse for him as he knows he won’t keep word of this victory away from his own men.

“Tomorrow we will march towards Hanseong. If it makes you feel safe, your army is more than welcome to tag along with us. But I digress, I have urgent matters to attend to and I must bid you farewell.”

Mazazumi raises his lips slightly to make a smile of contentment and turns around to leave. Wu Xiang looks at the head as he begins to contemplate his next move.

***

Mazazumi catches up his brother to announce his plans for the next day.

“Brother, how is the army?”

“They’re in great spirits after our last victory. The general opinion is that they should stay here and get drunk to celebrate for one night. But I think it would be best to leave that for now. I don’t want the men getting overconfident.”

“I have decided that we shall march to Hanseong at dawn. We shall occupy the city and arrange for their King to return. It would make the Korean people happy. I also want to co-operate with the remains of the Korean army. Winning over the locals will be the key to winning this war.”

“I shall tell the men now.”

“Also, I want you to make it clear that the people of Hanseong will be treated with the upmost respect. You are to make sure that everyone follows fathers rules of war. I used to think he was weak for administering those, but infact he was smart, very smart.”

“Ofcourse brother.”

Manjumaru turns around to carry out his orders, but stops when Mazazumi speaks again.

“Oh one more thing. Keep the men prepared for battle for the entire time. I don’t trust their general. He is too ambitious for his own abilities.”

“Oh brother, did you gloat at him?”

“Yes I did. In hindsight it wasn’t the best thing to do, it did however, make me feel rather happy.”

“I’ve already got ninjas waching him. They will let me know if anything is afoot.”