Study for "Garasha Hosokawa", Wall Painting in Tamatsukuri Cathedral, Ōsaka by Domoto Insho, 1962 In the eyes of the Catholic Church, all Christians are called to be saints. Despite this, only a select few ever receive the title. Recently, I have managed to get a copy of Two Japanese Christian Heroes by Johannes Laures, S.J., which is … Continue reading A Case for Canonization: Hosokawa Gracia
Commentary
The Mysterious Case of Uesugi Kenshin
https://youtu.be/ybvzPBjGs2A Gackt as Uesugi Kenshin at the Kenshin Festival in Jōetsu, Niigata in 2008 Uesugi Kenshin was one of the greatest warlords in Japanese history. He is mainly known for his clashes against Takeda Shingen, facing him five separate times at the battle of Kawanakajima. He is known for defeating Oda Nobunaga’s army at the … Continue reading The Mysterious Case of Uesugi Kenshin
The Many Faces of Saika Magoichi
Ukiyoe painting of Suzuki Magoichi by Utagawa Yoshiiku Saika Magoichi is an interesting figure in Japanese history, particularly because three people have been rolled into one person, mainly due to legends and pop culture references. “Saika Magoichi” is a lot like James Bond or The Doctor from Doctor Who; many people have held the title despite the … Continue reading The Many Faces of Saika Magoichi
Cao Cao and Oda Nobunaga
Cao Cao hands a sake cup to Oda Nobunaga in a cutscene from Warriors Orochi 2 On July 1, 2021, Dynasty Warriors fans were treated to a live action version of the video game that has been going strong for the past twenty years. Unfortunately, most fans did not receive this film well, for at the time … Continue reading Cao Cao and Oda Nobunaga
Ishida Mitsunari: A History Revisited
Statue of Ishida Mitsunari in Ishida-chi, Nagahama City Ishida Mitsunari is only remembered for his defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara on October 21, 1600. For his stance against Tokugawa Ieyasu, he has been viewed as a villain by most historians. Fast forward to the 21st Century where the Sengoku Jidai has become a popular topic … Continue reading Ishida Mitsunari: A History Revisited
Kurosawa and the Western Samurai
When most people think of Japan, a few things come to mind, and for many people, one of those things are samurai. They were an elite group of men, and sometimes women, who dominated Japan for nine centuries. The word samurai literally means “to serve”, and they did, serving their lords until their dying breath. … Continue reading Kurosawa and the Western Samurai
Matsunaga Hisahide: Villain of the Warring States?
https://youtu.be/4dk-6DRwriQ YouTube version of this article Matsunaga Hisahide as he appears in the anime 'Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Kings' “This Matsunaga guy… He’s known as the Villain of the Warring States but he hasn’t been doing anything.” This quote comes from Saratobi Sasuke in the middle of the seventh episode of Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Kings first season.(1) I have often thought … Continue reading Matsunaga Hisahide: Villain of the Warring States?