Itagaki Nobukata

2.1. Birth and family

Itagaki Nobukata was born in 1489. His given name is also occasionally found with different kanji as 信形. The Itagaki clan, to which Nobukata belonged, traced its origins back to Itagaki Kanenobu, a son of Takeda Nobuyoshi, the patriarch of the Kai Genji clan and a key figure in the early development of the Takeda family. Nobukata's father is believed to have been Itagaki Nobuyasu (板垣信泰^Japanese). The Itagaki clan's family crest was the "Hanabishi" (花菱^Japanese, a stylized diamond flower) or "Ura Hanabishi" (裏花菱^Japanese, reversed hanabishi), and his personal horse standard was the "Mikazuki" (三日月^Japanese, crescent moon). Nobukata's primary residence is thought to have been in Oiso-go (於曽郷^Japanese), located in what is now Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Records from 1547 indicate his donation of local land holdings in Oiso-go to the Kogakuji temple. His mother died on August 23, 1543.

2.2. Early service under Takeda Nobutora

Nobukata served as a key retainer, or `karo` (家老^Japanese), under Takeda Nobutora, the father of Takeda Shingen, and held the official title of `Suruga-no-kami` (駿河守^Japanese). His earliest recorded military activity dates to April 1540, during the 9th year of the Tenbun era. Under Nobutora's command, he led forces to attack Usuda Castle (臼田城^Japanese) and Irisawa Castle (入沢城^Japanese), which were controlled by Oi Sadataka in the Saku District of Shinano Province. He also positioned troops at Maeyama Castle (前山城^Japanese), demonstrating his early involvement in military engagements and his rising importance within the Takeda military structure.

3.1. Service under Takeda Shingen

Nobukata's loyalty and influence within the Takeda clan became even more pronounced following the expulsion of Takeda Nobutora by his son, Takeda Harunobu (later known as Shingen), in June 1541. Nobukata, alongside Amari Torayasu and Hara Toratane, was instrumental in supporting Harunobu's ascension, and it is said that Harunobu relied heavily on Nobukata and Amari Torayasu during this crucial transition. Some historical accounts suggest that Nobukata and Amari Torayasu were appointed to the `Ryoshoku` (両職^Japanese), the highest official position within the Takeda clan, although this claim remains unconfirmed by reliable sources. As one of the most senior retainers, Nobukata also served as a tutor, or `fuyaku` (傅役^Japanese), for the young Harunobu. In his capacity as a general, Nobukata frequently led Takeda forces into battle, often stepping in when Shingen himself was unable to take the field.

3.2. Conquest of Shinano Province

Nobukata played a crucial role in the Takeda clan's sustained campaigns to conquer Shinano Province. In July 1542, when Shingen invaded Suwa District in Shinano, Nobukata was at the forefront of the assault that ultimately led to the downfall of Suwa Yorishige. Yorishige was compelled to commit suicide at Tokoji temple in Itagaki-go. In September of the same year, when Takato Yoritsugu allied with Fujisawa Yorichika and seized Uehara Castle (上原城^Japanese) in Suwa, Shingen immediately dispatched Nobukata as the vanguard of a relief force. Nobukata decisively defeated Yoritsugu's forces at the Battle of Ankokuji (安国寺の戦い^Japanese).

Following these victories, in April 1543, Shingen formally appointed Nobukata as the `Suwa Gundai` (諏訪郡代^Japanese, military governor of Suwa District) and the `Jōdai` (城代^Japanese, castle lord) of Uehara Castle. Nobukata effectively governed the entire Suwa region, even undertaking preliminary land allocations in both Suwa and Saku districts, which were later formally re-approved by Shingen. The exact title of his post in Suwa has been a point of historical discussion, with some sources using `Suwa Gunji` (諏訪郡司^Japanese) interchangeably with `Suwa Gundai`.

In 1545, Nobukata successfully besieged and captured Takatō Castle, leading to the eventual downfall of Takato Yoritsugu. Subsequently, when Fujisawa Yorichika once again rebelled and allied with Ogasawara Nagatoki, Shingen moved to attack Fujisawa's Fukuyo Castle. During this campaign, Nobukata besieged and captured Ryugazaki Castle (龍ヶ崎城^Japanese), thereby isolating Yorichika, who was then forced to surrender. Although the Koyo Gunkan records that Nobukata suffered a defeat from a surprise counterattack by Ogasawara forces during this period, he was reportedly praised by Shingen for maintaining his position and preventing further losses.

In August 1547 (intercalary 7th month), Shingen, accompanied by Nobukata and his Suwa forces, launched a major invasion of Saku District, besieging Shiga Castle (志賀城^Japanese) held by Kasahara Kiyoshige. When Uesugi Norimasa, the Kantō Kanrei, dispatched a relief army, Nobukata and Amari Torayasu were tasked with intercepting them. On August 6, Nobukata led his separate force to a decisive victory against the Kanto Kanrei army at the Battle of Odaihara (小田井原の戦い^Japanese), reportedly killing 14 to 15 enemy generals and 3,000 soldiers. With the relief hope lost, Shiga Castle fell, and Shingen completed the pacification of Saku District. These victories firmly established Nobukata as a skilled tactician and were instrumental in the Takeda clan's control over Shinano Province.

3.3. Later conduct and Shingen's admonition

Following his numerous successes, Nobukata's conduct reportedly became increasingly arrogant and overconfident. He began to hold unauthorized victory ceremonies and `kubi-jikkens` (首実検^Japanese, head inspections of defeated enemies) without Shingen's explicit permission. Given his status as the eldest of the Takeda retainers and having served as Shingen's tutor, few dared to criticize his actions directly.

His military acumen also showed signs of decline. In 1547, during a battle against the Murakami clan, Nobukata and his troops were almost completely annihilated, and his life was in danger had it not been for the timely rescue by Hara Toratane. To subtly admonish and encourage Nobukata to correct his behavior, Shingen sent him a `waka` poem, a traditional Japanese poem of 31 syllables:

:Dare mo miyo, mitsureba yagate kaku tsuki no, izayofu sora ya, hito no yo no naka.
:誰もみよ 満つればやがて 欠く月の 十六夜ふ穴や 人の世の中^Japanese

This poem can be translated as: "Everyone sees that even a beautiful full moon will eventually wane. Does the moon on the 16th night know it will wane? Such is the human world." By using the "moon" as an analogy, Shingen was subtly referencing Nobukata, whose horse standard was a crescent moon, implying that even the most glorious accomplishments, if not sustained with humility, could lead to decline.

3.4. Death at Battle of Uedahara

Itagaki Nobukata met his end on February 14, 1548 (March 23, 1548 by the solar calendar), during the Battle of Uedahara (上田原の戦い^Japanese) against Murakami Yoshikiyo in Shinano Province. Shingen had led his forces into the Chiisagata District (小県郡) to confront Yoshikiyo.

Nobukata served as the vanguard of theEnumerable.collect { |x| x.attribute.to_s }.to_set Takeda army in the initial engagement and successfully broke through the Murakami forces. However, confident in his early success, he reportedly halted his troops to conduct a premature victory ceremony and `kubi-jikken` in the midst of the battlefield, lowering his guard. Seizing this opportunity, Murakami Yoshikiyo's forces regrouped and launched a swift counterattack. During this sudden assault, Itagaki Nobukata was speared by an enemy soldier while attempting to remount his horse. He fell in battle alongside Amari Torayasu, Saima Kawachinokami (才間河内守^Japanese), and Hatsushika Den'emon (初鹿伝右衛門^Japanese). An alternative account suggests that Nobukata's unit pursued the retreating Murakami army too deeply, became isolated, and was then killed by the Murakami general Kamijō Oribe. His posthumous Buddhist name is Nobukata Sokun (信方宗薰^Japanese).

4.1. Personality and leadership

Nobukata's personality evolved throughout his career. Initially, he demonstrated unwavering loyalty and strategic acumen, earning him a place as a trusted senior retainer and Shingen's tutor. An anecdote highlights his courage in speaking truth to power: when a young Harunobu (Shingen) became preoccupied with poetry and amusements, Nobukata feigned illness and returned after 30 days, demonstrating his own impressive poetic skills. When asked by Harunobu how he had acquired such talent, Nobukata humbly stated that a retainer should emulate his lord's interests. Then, seizing the moment, he sternly rebuked Harunobu, stating that his current indulgence was worse than his father Nobutora's misdeeds, and that he was prepared to die for his counsel. Harunobu, moved to tears, reportedly took the advice to heart and became a better leader.

However, after a series of significant military victories, Nobukata's personality seemingly shifted towards arrogance and overconfidence, as evidenced by his unauthorized victory celebrations. This shift ultimately contributed to his downfall at the Battle of Uedahara, where his eagerness for immediate celebration led to a critical tactical error. Despite this, he remained a highly respected figure due to his seniority and his role in educating Shingen, which limited direct criticism of his later behavior.

4.2. Cultural sophistication

Itagaki Nobukata was not solely a military commander; he also possessed significant cultural and literary talents, particularly in the composition of `waka` poetry. He was known to participate in `kakai` (歌会^Japanese), traditional poetry gatherings where participants composed and presented `waka` poems.

One notable instance occurred when the celebrated poet Reizei Tamekazu (冷泉為和^Japanese) visited Kai Province. Nobukata organized and led a `kakai` in his honor, demonstrating his literary inclination and social standing. Furthermore, in July 1547, when Yotsutsuji Suetoo (四辻季遠^Japanese) visited Kai and subsequently Suwa, Nobukata hosted him at Uehara Castle, where he provided hospitality, guided him to the Suwa Taisha (諏訪大社^Japanese), and again organized a `kakai`. These activities highlight Nobukata's engagement with the cultural elite of his time and his appreciation for artistic pursuits, offering a more nuanced view of his character beyond his military achievements.

5.1. Family relations

Itagaki Nobukata was the son of Itagaki Nobuyasu (板垣信泰^Japanese). He had at least three sons and a daughter. His eldest son was Itagaki Yajiro Nobunori (板垣信憲^Japanese), who initially succeeded him as head of the Itagaki clan. However, due to misconduct, Nobunori was later disowned and executed by Takeda Shingen, leading to a temporary disruption in the main Itagaki lineage.

His second son was Sakayori Masamitsu (酒依昌光^Japanese), who inherited the Sakayori clan and later served the Tokugawa clan as a `hatamoto` (旗本^Japanese, a high-ranking samurai retainer). Nobukata's third son was Itagaki Nobuhiro (板垣信廣^Japanese), who after his father's death, moved to Kozuke Province (上野国^Japanese), where his main line became village headmen and a branch served as samurai for the Isesaki Domain. Nobukata also had a daughter who married Itagaki Nobuyasu (板垣信安^Japanese), a member of the related Oiso clan (於曾氏^Japanese), who would later play a critical role in the clan's continuity. Additionally, Nobukata had a brother named Morozumi Toranobu (室住虎登^Japanese).

5.2. Descendants and the Itagaki clan

Following Nobukata's death and the subsequent disinheritance of his eldest son Nobunori, the main line of the Itagaki clan faced a period of discontinuity. However, in 1558, at the command of Takeda Shingen, the clan was re-established through Nobukata's son-in-law, Itagaki Nobuyasu (板垣信安^Japanese), who effectively revived the main Itagaki lineage. This line continued to serve the Sanada clan after the fall of the Takeda, and some descendants later became samurai for the Kaga Domain.

Notably, the prominent Meiji era politician Itagaki Taisuke, a key figure in Japan's liberalization movement, was a direct descendant of Itagaki Nobukata, separated by twelve generations. Itagaki Taisuke's lineage traces back through Nobunori's son, Itagaki Masanobu (板垣正信^Japanese), establishing a continuation of Nobukata's family line despite the earlier challenges.

6.1. Historical evaluation

Itagaki Nobukata is largely remembered as one of the most capable and important generals of the Takeda clan, whose military talents significantly contributed to the Takeda's expansion, especially into Shinano Province. His strategic victories, such as those at Ankokuji and Odaihara, underscore his tactical skill and leadership on the battlefield.

However, historical accounts also note his increasing arrogance and overconfidence in his later years, which Shingen subtly attempted to correct through his `waka` poem. This hubris ultimately led to his fatal mistake at the Battle of Uedahara, where his premature celebration allowed the enemy to counterattack and claim his life. His death, alongside Amari Torayasu, was a significant loss for the Takeda army and marked a rare defeat for Shingen himself at that stage of his career.

Nobukata's death poem, "Akanaku mo, nao ki no moto no yuu-bae ni, tsukikage yadose hana mo iro sofu" (飽かなくも、なほ木のもとの夕映えに、月影宿せ花も色そふ^Japanese), carries several interpretations. It can be seen as reflecting the fleeting nature of life and beauty, or as an expression of enduring loyalty to the Takeda clan, with "moonlight" symbolizing Nobukata himself and "flowers" representing Shingen or the Takeda family. This poem provides a poignant, albeit perhaps idealized, final reflection on his character.

6.2. Depiction in fiction

Itagaki Nobukata has been a popular figure in various forms of Japanese popular culture, particularly in historical dramas and films depicting the Sengoku period and the Takeda clan.

He has appeared in numerous television dramas, including several adaptations of the NHK Taiga drama series. Notable portrayals include:

• `Ten to Chi to` (1969 NHK Taiga drama), played by Ryutaro Otomo.
• `Takeda Shingen` (1988 NHK Taiga drama), played by Bunta Sugawara.
• `Fūrinkazan` (1992 NTV drama), played by Natsuki Kato.
• `Fūrinkazan` (2006 TV Asahi drama), also played by Natsuki Kato.
• `Fūrinkazan` (2007 NHK Taiga drama), played by Sonny Chiba. In this particular adaptation, as in the novel it was based on, Nobukata is portrayed in a more heroic light. He is depicted as attempting to rein in the young Takeda Harunobu's arrogance and ultimately sacrificing himself at the Battle of Uedahara to ensure Harunobu's survival.

Nobukata has also been featured in films and stage productions:

• The film `Fūrinkazan` (1969, Toho), where he was played by Gan'emon Nakamura III.
• The stage production `Fūrinkazan` (2008), with Sonny Chiba reprising his role from the 2007 Taiga drama.
• The stage play `Toshi ga Kure-ru YO Meijiza Daigassen Matsuri` (2018), where he was played by Ryusuke Nakamura.