Thursday, February 22, 2018

Nobunaga's Kyoto Parade


I have never really touched on Nobunaga's famous Kyoto Parade which was held in 1581.  As of today, it is still debated whether or not Nobunaga's real intention was to scare the living hell out of the Imperial household into submission.

Lamers Japonius Tyrannus (206-7)

"Nobunaga staged a military parade in Kyoto in March 1581 as a formal celebration of the Honganji's defeat.  It was unquestionably the ceremonial crowing of Nobunaga's career.  Of special interest is that Nobunaga carefully wove strands of Imperial fabric into the carpet of magnificence he unrolled on the streets of Japan's capital."

Nobunaga ordered Akechi Mitsuhide to organize the parade.  Nobunaga left his Kyoto headquarters Honnoji around eight in the morning on his horse Daikoku.  As for the picture above here is a list:


  1. Emperor Ogimachi
  2. Prince Sanehito
  3. Oda Nobunaga
  4. Spectators
  5. Emperor's temporary residence
  6. Court ladies
  7. The military horse parade
  8. Courtiers
  9. Imperial Palace
Tenka no tame!

No comments: