戦国時代

Sengoku

1467 - 1615

Overview

The 'Age of Warring States' - a century and a half of near-constant military conflict between regional warlords (daimyo) vying for control of Japan. Famous warriors like Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged during this era.

Significance

The ultimate forging of a unified Japan. Castle architecture, warrior culture, and the legend of the ninja reached their peak. Christianity briefly flourished before being banned.

Yokai Context

The chaos of war spawned countless battlefield spirits and vengeful ghosts. Tales of Gashadokuro (giant skeletons from war dead), Kappa as river hazards during campaigns, and Tengu as mountain warrior-spirits proliferated.

Key Events

1467

Onin War Begins

A succession dispute in Kyoto sparks a decade of fighting that destroys the capital.

ConnectionThe destruction of Kyoto created countless vengeful spirits. The era of 'lawless chaos' (gekokujo) was seen as demonic influence.

1600

Battle of Sekigahara

The decisive battle that established Tokugawa supremacy.

ConnectionLegends say foxfire (kitsune-bi) misled armies, and the ghosts of defeated soldiers still haunt the battlefield.