The Second Battle of Uji ended Minamoto no Yoshinaka's bid to dominate his clan, consolidating Yoritomo's control over the Minamoto.
Key Facts
- Date
- 19 February 1184 (New Year's Day, 1184)
- Bridge destroyed by
- Minamoto no Yoshinaka
- Victor
- Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Noriyori
- Years after First Battle of Uji
- 4 years
- Provocative act by Yoshinaka
- Burned Hōjūji Palace and kidnapped Emperor Go-Shirakawa
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Minamoto no Yoshinaka sought to seize command of the Minamoto clan from his cousins Yoritomo and Yoshitsune. In pursuit of this goal, he burned the Hōjūji Palace and took Emperor Go-Shirakawa hostage, forcing a confrontation with his cousins Noriyori and Yoshitsune, who pursued him.
Yoshinaka tore up the bridge over the Uji River to slow his pursuers' crossing, mirroring tactics used by the Taira at the First Battle of Uji four years earlier. Despite this obstacle, Yoshitsune led his horsemen across the river and engaged Yoshinaka's forces, defeating him in battle.
Yoshinaka's defeat ended his challenge to Yoritomo's leadership of the Minamoto clan. The victory strengthened Yoshitsune and Noriyori's position and reinforced Yoritomo's authority over the clan, advancing the Minamoto cause in the broader Genpei War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Minamoto no Noriyori.
Side B
1 belligerent
Minamoto no Yoshinaka.