The Unseen Warriors of History

In history, we often glorify warriors placed on pedestals, portrayed as romantic, affluent, and elegantly dressed, becoming the faces of nations and epochs. Their stories, steeped in romanticism and pathos, often dominate historical narratives. However, in the realities of war, where numbers are crucial, these beautiful and wealthy warriors didn't always determine battle outcomes.

 

For instance, in Poland, the nobility symbolized status and power, but often it was the more numerous and less visible peasants and townspeople who powered the battlefields. Similarly, in medieval Europe, knights were admired for their splendor and honor, yet it was the infantry, modest but numerous, that often played a decisive role in conflicts. In England during the Wars of the Roses, horse-mounted knights were revered, but it was the mercenary archers who played key roles in battles like Azincourt.

 

This trend was also present in Japan. When we think of Japanese warriors, the first image that comes to mind is of samurai - refined, superbly trained, and surrounded by an aura of mystery. However, in reality, it was often the ashigaru, usually composed of ordinary people, who made up the majority of the fighting forces in the armies during the Sengoku Jidai. This modestly equipped but numerous group of warriors, though often overshadowed by their more distinguished comrades-in-arms, was the actual driving force behind many decisive confrontations in Japanese armies.

 

 

 

The Origin and Meaning of the Name

The word "ashigaru" (足軽) literally means "light feet." The kanji 足 (ashi) means "foot," and 軽 (garu) means "light," together creating an image of quick and agile soldiers. The history of the name ashigaru dates back to the Heian period, when they began serving as assistants and reserve soldiers in the armies of Japanese rulers. Their status evolved over the centuries, from simple servants and equipment bearers to experienced and trained warriors of the Sengoku period.

 

During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, with an emphasis on formation fighting and the need for larger armies, ashigaru became a significant military element. Their role particularly grew during the Ōnin War, when they began to be more organized and equipped with specialized weaponry. In the Sengoku period, the name came to mean professional infantry soldiers, forming the backbone of many daimyō's armies. Ashigaru were no longer just helpers, but key players on the battlefields, reflecting their growing importance in Japan's military landscape.

 

 

 

History of Ashigaru

 

The Beginnings in the Heian Period (794-1185)

The first traces of ashigaru date back to the Heian period, where they served a supporting role for kebiishi – police and judicial officials. Initially, they were mainly shimobe – servants and helpers, who, when needed, served as reserve soldiers. During this time, the dominant form of combat was individual clashes between horse-mounted samurais.

 

 

Evolution in the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) Periods

During the Kamakura period, the role of ashigaru evolved, beginning to play a more significant role as infantry. This period marked the formation of their identity as a regular part of the troops. During the Nanboku-chō Wars (1336-1392), ashigaru became key participants in group clashes, mainly used in offensive and defensive actions. Their role's development was also noticeable during the Ōnin War (1467-1477), which inaugurated the Sengoku period.

 

 

The Sengoku Jidai Era (1467-1600)

During the Sengoku period, ashigaru gained importance, evolving from irregular units into well-organized and trained forces. Their crucial role was evident in the Battle of Kawanakajima (1553-1564), where their numbers and effectiveness were key. The introduction of firearms, particularly the Tanegashima (arquebus) in 1543 by the Portuguese, revolutionized their combat tactics.

 

 

The Battle of Nagashino (1575)

A significant moment for ashigaru was the Battle of Nagashino, where Oda Nobunaga employed 3,000 arquebus-armed ashigaru. Their disciplined volley fire, supported by palisades, effectively halted Takeda Katsuyori's cavalry charges, demonstrating a shift in warfare tactics.

 

 

The Rise in Status Under Hideyoshi

During Toyotomi Hideyoshi's reign, ashigaru were elevated to lower samurai ranks as part of broader social reforms. Hideyoshi, a former ashigaru himself, understood their significance and utilized their skills in his campaigns.

 

 

The Peaceful Times

With the establishment of peace by Tokugawa Ieyasu and the onset of the Edo period, the role of ashigaru changed, adapting to new peaceful conditions. However, their history and contribution to shaping feudal Japan remain integral to the country's military tradition. Ashigaru, often overshadowed by samurai, played a key role in Japan's military landscape, shaping its history.

 

 

 

Ashigaru's Weapons and Fighting Style

 

Basic Equipment of Ashigaru

Ashigaru were equipped with diverse weapons suited to their battlefield roles. The most common was the yari spear, allowing effective long-range attacks and cavalry defense due to its length and lightness. Another significant weapon was the yumi bow, used for enemy deterrence and own lines protection. The introduction of the Tanegashima, a Japanese version of the arquebus, revolutionized warfare, enabling effective defense against stronger adversaries.

 

 

Characteristics of Yari

The yari spear had various versions, including long pikes and shorter versions for hand-to-hand combat. Its length enabled maintaining distance from opponents, and its lightness allowed for quick maneuvers. Spear wielders often formed the first defense line, creating a barrier against attacking cavalry.

 

 

Yumi Bow and Its Application

The traditional Japanese yumi bow was exceptionally long, enhancing its range and shot power. Ashigaru used it to harass enemies from afar before direct engagement. Yumi arrows were effective against unarmored opponents, creating an initial line of fire in battles.

 

 

Tanegashima - A Revolution in Armament

Introduced to Japan in the 16th century, the Tanegashima was the first firearm to gain popularity among ashigaru. Its effectiveness came from the ability to penetrate samurai armor and inflict severe wounds from a safe distance. Although time-consuming to load, organized volleys by ashigaru ranks were devastating to attacking units.

 

 

Differences Between Ashigaru and Samurai

The main difference between ashigaru and samurai was in armament and social status. Samurai were heavily armored, equipped with high-quality weapons, including the famous katana swords. Ashigaru often had to make do with simpler, less expensive equipment. Additionally, samurai focused on individual skills and honor, while ashigaru were trained for formation fighting and acted more as organized units.

 

 

Tactics and Fighting Style of Ashigaru

Ashigaru distinguished themselves with disciplined and organized fighting, especially after introducing the Tanegashima. Their tactic involved creating dense formations of pikemen, supported by archers and arquebusiers. This mix of ranged and close-quarter weapons allowed for effective defense and attacking enemies at various distances. They also employed surprise maneuvers and quick attacks, leveraging their numbers and mobility.

 

 

 

Ashigaru in Modern Media

Ashigaru are often portrayed in popular culture as background characters to the more prominent samurai narratives, yet they play a vital role in many Japanese media representations. Here are five examples of their depiction in manga and anime, and five examples from video games.

 

Manga: "Sengoku" by Miyashita Hideki

This manga intricately portrays the Sengoku Jidai period, highlighting ashigaru as key warriors in the war, showcasing their life, battles, and sacrifices.

 

Anime: "Samurai 7," based on Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai"

In this anime, an adaptation of Kurosawa's classic film, ashigaru are depicted as peasants and ordinary people who fight alongside samurai to protect their village. They symbolize the courage and determination of common folk.

 

Manga: "Kingdom" by Yasuhisa Hara

Though set in ancient China, "Kingdom" often portrays soldiers akin to ashigaru. It depicts infantry warriors as key participants in battles, emphasizing their importance and interdependence with elite units.

 

Anime: "Oda Nobuna no Yabou"

Set in the Sengoku period, this anime frequently showcases ashigaru as an integral part of Oda Nobunaga’s army, emphasizing their significance in his campaigns and battles.

 

Manga: "Drifters" by Kouta Hirano

In "Drifters," ashigaru are portrayed as disciplined and formidable forces influencing the course of wars in an alternate universe, blending history with fantastical elements.

 

PC Game: "Total War: Shogun 2"

In this strategy video game, ashigaru are the basic infantry units that can be recruited and developed. The game emphasizes their role as the backbone of feudal Japan’s armies.

 

Video Game: "Nioh"

In "Nioh," players frequently encounter ashigaru as enemies or allies. The game showcases their diversity, armament, and tactics, along with their significant role in the military structure of the Sengoku era.

 

Game: "Samurai Warriors"

In the "Samurai Warriors" series, ashigaru appear as common enemy and ally units. Their presence on the battlefield is consistently evident, adding authenticity to the depiction of Japan’s civil war era.

 

Game: "Onimusha"

In the "Onimusha" series, ashigaru appear both as enemies and independent characters, adding depth to the game world that draws from Japanese history.

 

Game: "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice"

While set in a fantastical world, "Sekiro" includes historical elements, featuring ashigaru as basic adversaries, demonstrating variety in armament and tactics.

 

Through these various media, ashigaru are portrayed as a significant, albeit often underappreciated, part of Japanese military history. They often serve as the backdrop for "more interesting" things, as in "Samurai 7," but sometimes as the foundation of armies, as in "Total War: Shogun 2," where without ashigaru as the main, most numerous unit, many battles are hard to win.

 

 

 

The Story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi: From Ashigaru to Ruler of Japan

One example of important individuals who rose from the ranks of ashigaru was Toyotomi Hideyoshi, born around 1537. Initially, he was a simple infantry soldier in the army of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful daimyō (feudal lords) of the Sengoku period. His skills, intelligence, and charisma quickly led to his promotion, and in 1561, at the Battle of Inabayama, Hideyoshi achieved a significant victory that greatly contributed to his rising status.

 

Hideyoshi was known not only for his military capabilities but also as a skilled strategist and diplomat. After Nobunaga's death in 1582, Hideyoshi swiftly took control of most of his forces and began working towards unifying a divided Japan. His campaign, which included both diplomatic negotiations and military actions, led to his dominance over most of the country.

 

As a ruler, Hideyoshi implemented a series of social and military reforms. The most famous was the "Great Sword Hunt" (刀狩, Katanagari) in 1588, which involved confiscating weapons from peasants and lower classes to prevent uprisings and strengthen the samurai caste. This reform clearly separated the warrior class from the rest of society.

 

Hideyoshi also attempted to extend his influence beyond Japan, leading to two unsuccessful invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1597. Although these campaigns failed, they demonstrated Hideyoshi's military and political ambitions. After his death in 1598, the lack of a strong successor led to a series of conflicts that eventually allowed Ieyasu Tokugawa to establish the Edo period and a long-lasting peace.

 

An interesting fact about Hideyoshi is that he was known for numerous eccentric behaviors and decisions. One of the most extraordinary was the command to build the massive Osaka Castle in a record-short time of just five years. This castle became a symbol of his power and authority. Additionally, Hideyoshi introduced a class division system that lasted until the 19th century, deeply impacting Japan's social structure. His life and achievements are still the subject of many works of art and literature in Japan, highlighting his indelible place in the country's history.

 

 

 

Summary

Ashigaru, often overlooked in popular historical narratives, were key participants in the social and military transformations of feudal Japan. Their role extended beyond mere combat activities – they were active participants in the social and economic life of their times. Interestingly, ashigaru also significantly influenced the development of martial arts in Japan. Techniques and strategies developed by them were often adopted by samurais, testifying to their invaluable contribution to the country's military tradition.

 

Their history, though less spectacular than the tales of samurais, is an important part of Japan's heritage. Many Japanese festivals and folk traditions have roots in the daily life and culture of the ashigaru. Their impact on culture, society, and the way wars were conducted has endured through the ages, constituting a valuable contribution to the rich tapestry of Japanese history. Ashigaru, though overshadowed in our memory by samurais, forever changed the face of Japan through the social changes brought about by arming and then training large masses of people previously excluded from decision-making.

 

 

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