Battle of Mimikawa
Near Takajō Castle and the Mimi River, Kyushu, Japan
What happened
The Shimazu clan, led by Shimazu Yoshihisa and his brothers, fought the army of the Ōtomo clan of Ōtomo Sōrin, led in the field by Tawara Chikataka. The Ōtomo army marched south to attack Takajō Castle, held by the Shimazu. The Shimazu used a favourite trick: part of their army pretended to retreat, drawing the Ōtomo into a trap.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a heavy defeat for the Ōtomo, and several of their commanders died. The Shimazu became Ōtomo Sōrin's main rival in Kyushu.
What came next
Ōtomo Sōrin later asked Toyotomi Hideyoshi for help against the Shimazu. Hideyoshi's Kyushu Campaign of 1587 ended the Shimazu advance.
Did you know?
Ōtomo Sōrin had been baptised a Christian that same year, taking the name Francisco, and his army carried Portuguese cannon.
Timeline
- August 1578Ōtomo Sōrin is baptised as Francisco.
- 1586The Shimazu defeat the Ōtomo again at Hetsugigawa.
- 1587Hideyoshi's Kyushu Campaign begins.