1577: Defeat at Tedorigawa and the Start of Hideyoshi's Chūgoku Campaign
Advancing into the Hokuriku region, Uesugi Kenshin defeated an Oda relief force led by Shibata Katsuie at the Tedorigawa River in Kaga this September, in what would prove to be the final great victory of his life. Meanwhile in the west, Hashiba Hideyoshi began a full-scale advance into Harima, opening the Chūgoku campaign that would push into Mōri territory.
Events this year
Month 9
Uesugi Kenshin besieged Nanao Castle, the stronghold of the Noto Hatakeyama clan, twice. The castle fell after senior retainer Yusa Tsugumitsu defected. Antiwar faction members including Chō Tsugitsura were killed, and Kenshin's influence over Etchū and Noto reached its peak.
Sources 七尾市「史跡七尾城跡」
9/23
Oda's forces, including Shibata Katsuie, withdrew from their attempt to relieve Nanao Castle. Uesugi Kenshin pursued them across the swollen Tetorigawa and inflicted heavy losses on the Oda army. Diplomatic tensions in the Kai-Sagami Alliance also surfaced.
Sources 七尾市「七尾城保存資料」
10/23
Ordered by Oda Nobunaga to campaign against the Mōri in western Japan, Hashiba Hideyoshi marched into Harima and began the Chūgoku campaign in earnest.
Month 12
Unable to hold his bases in Hyūga against Shimazu advances, Itō Yoshisuke led his clan in retreat from Hyūga and fled to Bungo under Ōtomo Sōrin's protection.
12/3
After entering Harima, Hashiba Hideyoshi captured Kōzuki Castle, a stronghold linked to the Mōri side, and pushed the front of the Chūgoku campaign westward.
During Hashiba Hideyoshi's campaign in Tajima, his brother Hidenaga became castellan of Takeda Castle and assumed a key role in the Hashiba advance into western Japan.
Akechi Mitsuhide built Tamba Kameyama Castle at a strategic point on the San'indō, using it as a base for the difficult conquest and subsequent governance of Tamba.
In connection with Hideyoshi's subjugation of Harima, Hachisuka Masakatsu was appointed lord of Tatsuno Castle. He also participated in the renovation of the castle fortifications.