Battle of Itsukushima (Miyajima)
Itsukushima (Miyajima), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
What happened
Mōri Motonari and his sons fought the much larger Ōuchi army led by Sue Harukata. Mōri Motonari built a small castle on the sacred island of Miyajima, and Sue Harukata's army landed to attack it. In the night, Mōri landed his own forces behind them on the island's other side. At dawn the Mōri attacked, and the surprised Ōuchi army broke apart.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It made the Mōri clan the leading power in western Japan. It made Motonari famous as a clever strategist.
What came next
Mōri had the island cleaned after the battle, as it was a Shinto holy place where no death was allowed. The Mōri clan later paid for building work on the island.
Did you know?
Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its 'floating' torii gate, and sika deer roam the island freely.
Timeline
- 593The shrine may have been founded.
- 1168Taira no Kiyomori greatly expands the shrine.
- 16 October 1555Mōri wins on Miyajima.
- 2005The island's town merges with Hatsukaichi.