Stories of the Japanese 00467 [Late Heian Period] The Battle of Fujigawa: The Sound of Waterfowl Wings*

On October 16, 1180 (Jisho 4), the Taira army led by Taira no Koremori deployed at the Fujigawa River, and subsequently, local powerful clans such as Oba Kagechika joined them to support the Taira. Similarly, the father-son duo of Ito Sukechika and Sukekiyo attempted to join them by traveling west through Suruga Province, but on October 19, while on their way, they were captured by Yoritomo's army. The two remained prisoners and were unable to participate in the Battle of Fujigawa.
The following day, October 20, both armies faced each other across the Fujigawa River, and the battle was about to begin.
When night fell, Takeda Nobuyoshi's unit attempted a surprise attack on the Taira and quietly led their horses into the shallows of the Fujigawa. The waterfowl reacted to this, and a massive flock took flight all at once. The sound of their wings was as if a large army had launched a sudden surprise attack.
Startled by this, the Taira side fell into total chaos. Soldiers fled without even remembering to put on their armor or take their bows and arrows; some fled on other people's horses, while others rode in circles on horses still tied to stakes (it sounds like something out of a manga), and it is said that many were tragically trampled to death or injured by the horses trying to escape.
Yoritomo entered the now-deserted enemy camp and rejoiced, saying, "This is thanks to Hachiman Daibosatsu." Since the Genji side had not fought a single battle yet the Taira side had suffered numerous casualties, it was truly a great victory.
This is the account of the Battle of Fujigawa as told in "The Tale of the Heike" and "Azuma Kagami," but it is hard to believe this is historical fact. The sound of the waterfowl's wings is likely a later invention to emphasize the weakness of the Taira.
As a historical fact, it is certain that the Taira army deployed at the Fujigawa fled without fighting. It is likely that soldiers from the low-morale Taira army were deserting one after another, and since there was no chance of winning, they had no choice but to retreat. Although it is called the "Battle of Fujigawa," there was likely no real battle to speak of.
At this time, Oba Kagechika, who had been on the Taira side, was discovered by Yoritomo's army while fleeing and was taken prisoner. For Yoritomo, he was a fated opponent who had dealt him a crushing defeat at Ishibashiyama. Oba Kagechika was executed on October 26.
As for the father-son duo of Ito Sukechika and Sukekiyo, who were also taken prisoner, for some reason more than a year passed without them being executed. On February 14, 1182 (Yowa 2), Yoritomo issued a pardon to spare the two, but Sukechika chose to commit suicide with dignity, stating he was "ashamed of his past actions." This likely refers to his killing of Yoritomo's first child (Chizumaru). Currently, a bronze statue of Ito Sukechika on horseback is installed at Monomizuka Park in Ohara, Ito City, to commemorate his memory.
On the other hand, Sukechika's son, Sukekiyo, had originally been friendly toward Yoritomo. It was Sukekiyo who helped Yoritomo escape to Hojo Tokimasa's side when Sukechika tried to kill him. Yoritomo would have wanted to save Sukekiyo, but because Sukekiyo himself strongly desired execution, he was executed against Yoritomo's wishes. It was a truly samurai-like end.