The Kuromaru fortress was the site of the Battle of Fujishima in 1338, where Southern Court general Nitta Yoshisada was mortally wounded.
Key Facts
- Fortress holder
- Kanrei Shiba Takatsune
- First attack date
- August 1338
- Attacker force size
- Roughly fifty horse under Nitta Yoshisada
- Notable casualty
- Nitta Yoshisada, mortally wounded by arrow
- Second attack outcome
- Shiba Takatsune surrendered to Wakiya Yoshisuke
- Conflict context
- Nanboku-chō Wars, 14th century Japan
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Nanboku-chō Wars, the Kuromaru fortress in Echizen Province served as a stronghold for Shiba Takatsune. The Southern Court sought to reduce Ashikaga-aligned fortifications, prompting Nitta Yoshisada to lead a small mounted force against it in August 1338.
Nitta Yoshisada attacked the Kuromaru fortress with roughly fifty horsemen in what became the Battle of Fujishima. Warrior monks who had joined his force were bribed by Shiba to defect, and as Nitta moved to close the gap in his lines, his cavalry collided with Hosokawa Akiuji's troops. Nitta was struck by an arrow and mortally wounded in the engagement.
Nitta Yoshisada's death was a significant loss for the Southern Court. The following year, newly enthroned Emperor Go-Murakami ordered Nitta's brother, Wakiya Yoshisuke, to resume the attack. This second assault succeeded, compelling Shiba Takatsune to surrender and ending the fortress's role as an Ashikaga stronghold.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Nitta Yoshisada, Wakiya Yoshisuke.
Side B
1 belligerent
Shiba Takatsune, Hosokawa Akiuji.