When people think of Japan’s Sengoku period, they often imagine powerful warlords engaging in fierce battles. However, behind every victory, countless warriors faced defeat and were forced to flee for their lives. These defeated samurai were known as Ochimusha, recognized for their disheveled hair and tragic fates.
Why did Ochimusha have such wild, unkempt hair? And what exactly was Ochimusha-gari, the hunt for these fallen warriors?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Ochimusha, their struggles, and the grim fate that awaited many of them.
What Is an Ochimusha?
Today’s topic is “Ochimusha”.
I want to try their hairstyle!
Lol.
The Fate of Defeated Samurai
Ochimusha refers to samurai who lost a battle and fled in an attempt to survive. During the Sengoku period, victory determined everything—defeat often meant death. If captured, a defeated samurai would be executed. To avoid this fate, many Ochimusha sought refuge in remote villages or deep within the mountains.
Why Did Ochimusha Have Messy Hair?
One of the most recognizable features of an Ochimusha is their disheveled hair. But how did their hair end up that way?
Samurai traditionally wore helmets (kabuto) in battle, which required them to keep their hair neatly tied. However, during their desperate escape, many discarded their helmets. Helmets were heavy and slowed them down, and more importantly, wearing one marked them as a high-ranking warrior, making them an easy target for pursuers. Without their helmets, their carefully styled hair became loose and unkempt, leading to the wild, tangled look associated with Ochimusha.
What Was Ochimusha-Gari?
There are many scary stories about Ochimusha-gari…
The Persecution of Fallen Warriors
During the early Sengoku period, not only defeated samurai but also fallen aristocrats and noble families were treated as Ochudo (fallen people). These individuals sought refuge wherever they could, but many were attacked by locals. It was also common for the homes of defeated samurai to be looted after they lost their status and protection.
Revenge by Farmers
Ochimusha-gari, or the hunting of fallen warriors, was largely carried out by farmers. Battles often devastated the land, leaving fields trampled and crops destroyed. As a result, many farmers faced starvation. In response to this hardship, they saw attacking and looting fleeing samurai as a way to take revenge and survive. Defeated warriors who crossed their paths were often met with violent deaths at the hands of angry villagers.
The Tragic End of Akechi Mitsuhide
One of the most famous victims of Ochimusha-gari was Akechi Mitsuhide.
After successfully overthrowing Oda Nobunaga, Mitsuhide found himself on the run when Toyotomi Hideyoshi (then known as Hashiba Hideyoshi) launched a counterattack. During his retreat, Mitsuhide was ambushed by local farmers, who speared him to death using bamboo lances. Even a powerful warlord was not spared from the harsh reality of being an Ochimusha.
There’s a game about Akechi Mitsuhide.
Game “The Ochimusha”
THE Ochimusha (The Ochimusha: The Furious Samurai Appears) is an action game released in 2007 for PlayStation 2 as part of D3 Publisher’s SIMPLE2000 series (Vol. 118).
The game follows Akechi Mitsuhide, the historical figure known for betraying Oda Nobunaga, as he sets out to uncover the truth behind the Honnō-ji Incident. Accompanied by his kunoichi subordinate Kei, Mitsuhide fights his way through various enemies in this dramatic retelling of history.
If you’re interested in experiencing this samurai action firsthand, check out gameplay videos online!
Ochimush Q&A
- QWhere Did Ochimusha Escape To?
- A
Many fled to remote mountain areas or hidden villages. Some regions still have legends about former Ochimusha who lived in secrecy.
- QWhere Did Ochimusha-Gari Take Place?
- A
It was most common in areas surrounding battlefields or along escape routes where fleeing warriors passed through.
Final thoughts
Ochimusha were the tragic remnants of the Sengoku period’s violent battles. Forced to flee for their lives, they abandoned their helmets, leading to their signature disheveled appearance. Unfortunately, their struggle for survival often ended in brutal deaths at the hands of vengeful farmers.
Even a renowned general like Akechi Mitsuhide was not spared, proving that in the chaos of the Sengoku period, even the mightiest warriors could become helpless fugitives. The tale of the Ochimusha serves as a reminder of the brutal reality behind Japan’s legendary battles.
If you are interested in Japanese culture, and you love gaming, you may love these games! Let’s play!
Yes! Let’s play!
Comments