A failed Minamoto night assault across the Sunomata River demonstrated Taira tactical alertness during the Genpei War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 6 June 1181
- Location
- Sunomata, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
- Japanese calendar date
- Jishō-5, 4th month, 25th day
- Minamoto commander
- Minamoto no Yukiie
- Taira commander
- Taira no Tomomori
- Outcome
- Taira victory; Minamoto repulsed across the river
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Genpei War, Minamoto no Yukiie sought to strike a blow against Taira forces by launching a surprise night crossing of the Sunomata River on the border of Owari and Mino provinces, hoping to catch the Taira army off guard in darkness.
Yukiie's warriors waded across the Sunomata River under cover of night, but the ambush collapsed when Taira soldiers, led by Taira no Tomomori, identified the soaking-wet Minamoto attackers even in pitch darkness and repelled the assault, forcing the survivors back across the river.
The defeated Minamoto withdrew to the Yahagi River in Mikawa Province, but Taira forces pursued them, extending Taira dominance in the region and underscoring the Minamoto's failed offensive strategy at this stage of the Genpei War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Minamoto no Yukiie.
Side B
1 belligerent
Taira no Tomomori.