Turning Point - Sekigahara: Toyotomi's Global Expansion and its Consequences

Phase 13 - End of the Osaka Period

The Battle of Sagami River marked the beginning of a new conflict in Japan. It had been approximately 180 years since such unrest had occurred within the Japanese archipelago, and it was also the start of a large-scale battle that hadn't been witnessed by the Japanese people for over 130 years.

Ironically, in the year following the outbreak of war, there was some alleviation of famine. However, Japan was left with a virtually collapsed central government, unable to do much, while regional dominance became increasingly prominent. This led to a state of conflict as the predominant feature in the land of Japan.

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In the spring of 1787, skirmishes erupted in various regions, but the primary battlefield was at sea. This was because controlling or threatening control of the sea was the most direct way to weaken the enemy's strength, considering that the sea served as a major artery for logistics.

However, the main force of naval forces belonging to the former Osaka Regency (consisting of approximately 30 galleons) was deployed overseas, primarily in Southeast Asia. The naval vessels within Japan were mainly stationed in the bases of the former Osaka Regency's directly controlled cities. Moreover, the naval forces were primarily prepared for foreign powers and pirates and were hesitant about getting involved in domestic turmoil. Therefore, even when the Toyotomi forces attempted to mobilize the naval forces, most of them denied moving without orders from the Kampaku. Some did participate to some extent, but they were mostly coerced through tactics like taking hostages or exploiting weaknesses.

Additionally, many daimyō of considerable power had their own naval forces, some even possessing multiple warships like the Mōri clan. However, these large warships were precious assets, and their mobilization required substantial funds and careful consideration.

As a result, in battles within Japanese waters, smaller vessels attacked the enemy's transportation networks, and conflicts occurred primarily among the smaller and medium-sized vessels. Pirates and privateer ships played a significant role in these conflicts.

However, on the routes from overseas to Japan, the naval forces under the name "Japanese Navy," formerly affiliated with Osaka Regency, were responsible for security. Any ship that recklessly attacked was mercilessly destroyed or sunk, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. Furthermore, with major merchants and urban residents sponsoring the Japanese Navy's activities, the Japanese Navy remained active. Gradually, the Japanese Navy transformed into a military force that was not a privileged class but encompassed all Japanese people, akin to mercenaries. The sea routes connecting overseas and Japanese trade ports became neutral zones like major cities.

It was indeed a strange situation, reflecting the conflicts between regional factions within Japan and the sponsorship by major merchants. It could also be said that the people of Japan during this period were not entirely committed to war.

As evidence of this lack of commitment, there were no major battles for some time after the initial large-scale conflict.

Of course, each faction had its reasons: the Toyotomi Faction, having suffered a major defeat, couldn't make aggressive moves. The Eastern Faction was preoccupied with post-famine recovery and food supply, lacking the strength to invade further. The Mōri Faction, not believing that a real conflict would erupt, was the least prepared for war. The Shinetsu and Southern Factions, having significant influence overseas, had little enthusiasm for domestic warfare and remained passive.

Given these circumstances, the Toyotomi Faction did not make any significant moves from their position in the Nōbi Plain, and apart from some parts of the Tōkai region aligning with the victorious Eastern Faction, there were few notable developments. Even when the defeated Toyotomi Faction approached the Mōri and Southern factions, their insistence on maintaining leadership and rebuilding their own power prevented any agreement from being reached.