The Battle of Mikatagahara

The Pride of Young Lord Ieyasu Against the Strongest Takeda Army

In 1572, Takeda Shingen, the mighty lord of Kai, finally mobilized his forces for battle.
Counting more than 32,000 soldiers strong, the Takeda army surged eastward into Mikawa, overwhelming everything in their path.
On the other side the Tokugawa forces including Oda’s reinforcements, amounted to an army of 11,000.
To challenge the battle-hardened Shingen with such a small army appeared reckless, and many advised Lord Ieyasu to retreat into a fortress.
However, when Shingen’s army marched into his territory, seemingly without concern, Lord Ieyasu refused to stand idly by.
His pride as a warrior would not allow him to let them pass without resistance.

Thus, the two armies met at Mikatagahara.
The result was devastating. The Tokugawa forces were utterly crushed, and Lord Ieyasu nearly died in the battle.
Despite this, his retainers sacrificed themselves to ensure his safe return to Hamamatsu Castle.
Upon his return, Lord Ieyasu defiantly opened the castle gates and lit large bonfires.
This bold move made the Takeda army wary of traps, and they abandoned their pursuit.

At the age of 31, the young, hot-blooded Lord Ieyasu had suffered a crushing defeat but maintained his honor and courage as a warrior.