The Battle of Ichi no Tani Its Influences on the Genpei War and Japanese Culture

Abstract

In year 1184, the Battle of Ichi no Tani broke out between the two major samurai clans in late Heian Period, the Minamoto Clan and the Taira Clan. In this paper, the impact of this battle is examined from the aspects of its military significance in the Genpei War and its influences on the Japanese Culture. The author would argue that from these two aspects, the influence of the Battle of Ichi no Tani could be shown on its heavy blow to the Taira Clan, leading to their final defeat and the heroic figures like Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Taira no Atsumori who fought in it. Through studying this topic, a better understanding towards the military history of medieval Japan and the Japanese culture of sympathy towards the failed side can be developed.