Baba Nobufusa

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Baba Nobufusa

Role / Field:

A prominent samurai of the Sengoku period, known for his service to the Takeda clan.

Born:

1514

Died:

1575-07-08

Century / Era:

1514s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Baba Nobuharu (馬場 信春; 1514/15 – June 29, 1575), also known as Baba Nobufusa (馬場 信房), was a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku period. He was known as one of the "Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda Shingen". When Takeda Shingen took Fukashi castle (now Matsumoto Castle) in 1550, he entrusted it to Baba. According to records, he was in charge of the Suwa area in Shinano from around 1553. This was a border area with the northern Daimyo, and was a defensive base to monitor invasions from the north.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was also an intermediary for the Shiina family of Etchu. In 1557, Baba fought in the Kawanakajima campaigns, and led the Takeda army that besieged and destroyed Katsurayama, a major Uesugi clan stronghold. In 1562, he was allowed to take the name of "Mino no Kami", the guardian of Mino, in honor of Hara Toratane, a former "Mino no Kami" who had retired the previous year, and changed his name to Baba Mino no Kami Nobuharu. The Kōyō Gunkan states that Shingen often consulted Nobuharu on important matters. In 1572, he took part in the Siege of Iwamura Castle against Oda clan garrison.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1573, he took part in the Battle of Mikatagahara, during which the troops under his command chased Tokugawa Ieyasu's army back to Hamamatsu fortress; upon seeing the gates open and braziers lit, Baba mistakenly suspected a trap, and did not press the fleeing army further. Following Takeda Shingen's death, Baba served his successor Takeda Katsuyori. In 1575, knowing Nobunaga's participation in the Battle of Nagashino, he advised Katsuyori to withdraw but Katsuyori rejected the idea. He led the Takeda army's right-wing, and was killed in combat during that engagement. It is said that he served to cover the retreat, enabling Katsuyori to escape the battlefield.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1514: Birth of Baba Nobufusa — A prominent samurai of the Sengoku period, known for his service to the Takeda clan.
2. 1550: 1550 Milestone — When Takeda Shingen took Fukashi castle (now Matsumoto Castle) in 1550, he entrusted it to Baba.
3. 1553: 1553 Milestone — According to records, he was in charge of the Suwa area in Shinano from around 1553.
4. 1557: 1557 Milestone — In 1557, Baba fought in the Kawanakajima campaigns, and led the Takeda army that besieged and destroyed Katsurayama, a major Uesugi clan stronghold.
5. 1562: 1562 Milestone — In 1562, he was allowed to take the name of "Mino no Kami", the guardian of Mino, in honor of Hara Toratane, a former "Mino no Kami" who had retired the previous year, and changed his name to Baba Mino no Kami Nobuharu.
6. 1572: 1572 Milestone — In 1572, he took part in the Siege of Iwamura Castle against Oda clan garrison.
7. 1573: 1573 Milestone — In 1573, he took part in the Battle of Mikatagahara, during which the troops under his command chased Tokugawa Ieyasu's army back to Hamamatsu fortress; upon seeing the gates open and braziers lit, Baba mistakenly suspected a trap, and did not press the fleeing army further.
8. 1575 (1575-07-08): Passing & Historical Legacy — Baba Nobufusa passed away on 1575-07-08, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Baba Nobufusa

True or False: “Baba Nobuharu was reputed to have fought in over 100 battles without sustaining any injuries.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was reputed to have fought in approximately 70 battles without receiving a single wound.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Baba Nobufusa