Beginning of the Chokosabe Wars, 1562

Background

In 1562, the Mori clan was at the peak of its prowess. On the diplomatic front, the Mori had strong alliances and was well respected by other clans in Japan. The Mori had enjoyed many seasons of peace, during which it grew in strength and sharpened its claws.

Trade in silks, incense and pottery with foreigners and the major clans, including the Chokosabe, brought it unprecedented wealth (the Mori managed to steal back the Chinese silk trade from the Imagawa, who were driven away by the Ouchi).

The development of the Kyushu provinces was also progressing apace. That region was becoming a stable engine of the Mori economy due to a Buddhist renaissance and increasing acceptance of the Mori as new masters.

The army was gradually expanded and beefed up through the recruitment of new units such as nagingata warrior monks and wako raiders. The Mori army was a well rounded, professional force of samurai warriors. Its navy was also developed into a formidable force which allowed the Mori to stake its claim in regional waters, if not actually dominate them, while keeping their trade routes protected from pirates. A new class of warship was introduced - the heavy bune.

Due to the wealth, strength and favourable diplomatic situation of the Mori, the Mori strategists began to probe abroad for new opportunities.

For a considerable time now, the Mori had be watching the Chokosabe in Shikoku, puzzling over how to deal with them. The Chokosabe had become strong through the conquest of Shikoku. They brought wealth to the Mori through trade. But the Chokosabe were diplomatically weak. They had no friends and were at war with three other major clans, including the Mori's Ouchi allies. The Chokosabe were also the greatest strategic threat to the Mori as they were within close proximity of many Mori provinces. Many Mori strategist believed that in order to project power into central Japan, the western flank - Shikoku - must first be secured. This meant the removal of the Chokosabe. In 1562, the Mori decided that the time was ripe to strike. The Mori declared war on the Chokosabe.

Intelligence reports indicate that Takamatsu Castle in Sanuki was one of the most developed fortresses of the Chokosabe. And in spring of 1562, it appeared to be minimally defended. The Mori decided to strike here at the heart of the Chokosabe.



A Mori invasion fleet heads for Sanuki

 However, things did not quite go according to plan. A powerful Chokosabe army, appearing out of nowhere, managed to intercept and surround the Mori invading army in the field before it was sufficiently organized to attack Takamatsu Castle. The result was the battle of Takamatsu.