Samurai vs Ashigaru: Japan 1543–75

Osprey Combat #45

by Stephen Turnbull

During the 16th century, Japan underwent a military revolution, characterized by the deployment of large armies, the introduction of firearms and an eventual shift towards fighting on foot. This study encapsulates these great changes through an exploration of the experience on the ground at three key battles, Uedahara (1548), Mikata ga Hara (1573) and Nagashino (1575), in which two very different types of warrior were pitted against each other. On one side were samurai, the elite aristocratic knights whose status was proclaimed by the possession and use of a horse. On the other side were the foot soldiers known as ashigaru, lower-class warriors who were initially attendants to the samurai but who joined the armies in increasing numbers, attracted by loot and glory. These two types of warrior battled for dominance across the period, changing and adapting their tactics as time went on.

In this title, the development of the conflicts between samurai and ashigaru is explored across three key battles, where highly trained elite mounted samurai of the Takeda clan faced ashigaru at very different stages in their development. The profound and irreversible changes that took place as the conflicts progressed are analysed in detail, culminating in the eventual incorporation of the ashigaru as the lowest ranks of the samurai class in within the standing army of Tokugawa Japan.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2019

About the author

Stephen Richard Turnbull is British a historian specializing in eastern military history, especially the samurai of Japan. His books are mainly on Japanese and Mongolian subjects. He attended Cambridge University where he gained his first degree. He currently holds an MA in Theology, MA in Military History and a PhD from the University of Leeds where he is currently a lecturer in Far Eastern Religions. He has also written a number of books on other medieval topics. He is semi-retired but still holds the post of Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan.

Reviews

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that gives a lot of justice to the ashigaru. I like how it offers a perspective of them fighting the samurai almost as an equal army even though samurai never really accepted the fact that they had to fight alongside those foot soldiers as equals. Maybe it would be better if there was more maps and detailes on gear aside from two pictures in the beginning and also some more detailes considering the tactics or flow of the battle but that's just me.

[The Sombre Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to those who are interested in ancient Japanese warfare during the Sengoku period. This book seems to focus more on ashigaru than the samurai counterpart. Highly recommend if you're looking for a introductory book before exploring more on this topic.

[Ivan Koma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good research. Visualizing and facts, no more needed for cool book
also thx for help with diploma work)