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和歌山県
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Saika Castle Ruins
和歌山県
Stronghold of gun-master Saika Magoichi — site of one of the Sengoku era's three great water sieges by Hideyoshi
Founded
1570
Type
Historic Site
Visited
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Access
About 15 min walk from JR Wakayama Station
Ota, Wakayama, Wakayama
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Info
Historic Site
Founded 1570
456 years
Overview
The collective fortifications of the Saika ikki, a mercenary band based in Saika-sho, Kii Province, during the Sengoku period. Feared for their mastery of firearms and led by the famed Saika Magoichi, they repeatedly opposed Oda Nobunaga and supported the Hongan-ji. During Hideyoshi's conquest of Kishu in 1585, their stronghold of Ota Castle fell to a massive water siege that used great embankment…
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Origins
The Saika Castle complex refers to the collective fortifications of the Saika ikki, a powerful group of mercenary warriors based in Saika-sho, Kii Province, during the Sengoku period. The Saika ikki were renowned for their skilled use of firearms, and their leader is widely known as Saika Magoichi. …
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Related Figures
— 3

Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Taiko, Ruler of All
Age 33 at founding
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In 1585, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, advancing his unification of Japan, launched the Kishu conquest and attacked Ota Castle, a stronghold of the Saika warrior band. His forces built massive dikes around the castle and flooded it, forcing its surrender. The site is remembered today as one of the Sengoku period's three great water attacks, alongside Bitchu Takamatsu Castle and Oshi Castle.
Oda Nobunaga
Revolutionary of Tenka Fubu
Age 36 at founding
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In 1577, Oda Nobunaga invaded Kii Province to subdue the Saika-shu, who had been supporting the Ishiyama Hongan-ji against him, attacking strongholds including Saika Castle. Facing fierce resistance from the gun-wielding Saika warriors, Nobunaga reportedly abandoned the campaign and agreed to a truce. The site is remembered as where the Saika-shu withstood even Nobunaga's massive army.
Saika Magoichi
Gun Commander of Kishu
Age 36 at founding
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Saika Magoichi led the Saika ikki, a mercenary gun corps based in Saika-sho of Kii Province. During the Ishiyama Honganji War, he commanded his gunners against Oda Nobunaga, inflicting heavy losses. Renowned as the greatest marksman of the Sengoku period, his name was feared across Japan.
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