Battle of Sunomatagawa

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Sunomatagawa
partof=the Genpei War


caption=Monument marking the battle site.
date=April 25, 1181
place=Sunomata River, Owari Province
casus=
territory=
result=Sneak attack fails; Taira victory
combatant1=Minamoto clan
combatant2=Taira clan
commander1=Minamoto no Yukiie
commander2=Taira no Tomomori
strength1=
strength2=
casualties1=
casualties2=

The nihongo|Battle of Sunomatagawa|墨俣川の戦い|"Sunomatagawa no Tatakai" took place in Japan in 1181, in the present-day town of Sunomata, Gifu Prefecture. The battle started when Minamoto no Yukiie attempted a sneak attack against his enemies during the night. He found Taira no Tomomori and his army directly opposite from his, along the Sunomata River, near the borders of Owari and Mino provinces. The Minamoto warriors waded across, but their ambush failed when the Taira clan could distinguish dry friend from soaking, dripping wet foe, even in the pitch dark of night. Yukiie and a number of other surviving Minamoto were forced back across the river.

After crossing the river, the Minamoto went to the Yahagi River in Mikawa Province, but the Taira chased after them.

References

* Sansom, George (1958). 'A History of Japan to 1334'. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
* Turnbull, Stephen (1998). 'The Samurai Sourcebook'. London: Cassell & Co.

ee also

*List of Japanese battles