The Battle of Dohora

One of the most violent of Oda Nobunaga's skirmishes

The Battle of Dohora, one of the most violent of Sengoku period skirmishes was fought on September 22, 1565 between the armies of Oda Nobunaga and the Saito of Mino allied Kajita, and the Kishi clans. The battle centered on Dohora Castle, in Gifu Prefectures’ Kamo-Gun, Tomika-cho area.

In preparation for Nobunaga's invasion of Mino, a pact, known as the Chuno Sanjo Pact, (lit. Chuno Three Castles pact) was signed between Nagai Michitoshi of Seki Castle, Sato Tadayoshi of Kajita Castle, and Kishi Nobuchika of Dohora Castle.  All three were allied with the ruler of Mino, the Saito clan headed by Saito Tatsuoki.   On the signing of the declaration, and at the recommendation of Nagai Michitoshi, Sato Tadayoshi's daughter, Yaeryoku was sent to the Kishi clan. This was done to strengthen the bond between the clans as she was taken in as Kishi Nobuchika’s adopted daughter, but in effect was a hostage, although a well-treated one.