The Second Battle of Kizugawaguchi, 1578
Japanese warships of the Sengoku Period were clumsy and primitive compared to contemporary
European vessels. In this picture (pic in book) we see one of Oda Nobunagas specially commisioned, extra-large ôadake-bune ships, built for him by his admiral Kuki Yoshitaka. It is taking on a standard-sized ôadakebune of the Môri Navy, which kept open the supply lines for Nobunagas hated enemies, the Buddhist
fanatics of the Ikkô-ikki. The ships resemble two floating yagura, or wooden castles. The whole surface, called the tate ita, was covered with planking 6-10 centimeters thick. Along the four sides loopholes were cut for guns and bows, leaving no dead space that was not covered by defensive fire. As well as the
advantage given by their extra size, the Oda ships were also reinforced in some way with iron. It is unlikely that they were covered with iron sheets, which would have made them ironclad battleships, though a certain priest saw the ships as they put to sea, and describes these magnificent vessels as ironships.
A European visitor was very impressed by their firepower. Kuki Yoshitaka had a chance to test them when he encountered a pirate fleet as he rounded the coast of the Kii peninsula. The pirates opened fire, but were soon dispersed. He then sailed the six iron ships into Osaka bay, escorted by smaller vessels.
From Samurai Warfare by Dr. Stephen Turnbull
