Battles & Campaigns · 1877
Battle of Tabaruzaka
Tabaruzaka, near Kumamoto, Japan
What happened
Government troops trying to end the siege of Kumamoto Castle met Satsuma samurai holding the road north of the city. Heavy rain spoiled the rebels' old rifles and supplies, and many fought with swords. After a major government attack on 15 March, the rebels retreated on 20 March.
Why it matters
It showed that the government's greater numbers and weapons would eventually defeat the rebels. It was a key battle of the Satsuma Rebellion.
What came next
The siege of Kumamoto Castle continued for several weeks, and the war went on until September 1877.
Did you know?
Terauchi Masatake, a future Prime Minister of Japan, was seriously wounded in this battle.
Timeline
- Jan 1877The Satsuma Rebellion begins.
- 3 Mar 1877Battle of Tabaruzaka begins.
- 20 Mar 1877The rebels retreat.
- 24 Sep 1877Battle of Shiroyama ends the rebellion.