| Ishiyama Hongan-ji | |
|---|---|
石山本願寺 | |
| Osaka, Japan | |
 Model of the Ishiyama Hongan-ji.Osaka castle now stands on the site | |
| Site information | |
| Type | FortifiedBuddhist temple |
| Controlled by | Ikkō-ikki |
| Condition | Not extant |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 34°41′03″N135°31′30″E / 34.684295°N 135.524889°E /34.684295; 135.524889 |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1496 |
| Built by | Ikkō sect |
| In use | 1532-1580 |
| Materials | Wood, stone |
| Demolished | 1580, byOda Nobunaga |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji (1576-1580) |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders | Rennyo (founder),Kōsa (last abbot) |
TheIshiyama Hongan-ji (石山本願寺) was the primary fortress of theIkkō-ikki, leagues of warrior priests and commoners who opposed samurai rule during theSengoku period. It was established in 1496, at the mouth of theYodo River, on the coast of theSeto Inland Sea. At the time, this was just outside the remains of the ancient capital ofNaniwa, inSettsu Province. In fact, recent archaeological research has determined that the temple was established atop the ruins of the old imperial palace. The city (now calledOsaka) has since grown around the site, incorporating the Ishiyama (stone mountain).
Rennyo, the great revivalist abbott ofJōdo Shinshū (Ikkō-shū), retired to the area in 1496, initiating the series of events that would end in the formation of Japan's second-largest city. Contemporary documents describing his retirement site as being on a "long slope" (大坂, Ōzaka) are the first to call the area by that name, which has changed only slightly over time toOsaka (大阪), and become Japan's second largest city. Although Rennyo sought isolation in retiring to this quiet place, he very quickly attracted a great number of devotees and followers. The tiny temple Rennyo built for his own personal devotions was expanded, and many homes and other buildings were erected to accommodate the new residents. By the time of Rennyo's death, three years later, the general shape and size of the Ishiyama Hongan-ji was already in place.
After the 1532 destruction ofYamashina Mido inKyoto, the Ishiyama Hongan-ji acted as the primary temple for the Ikkō sect, from which the Ikkō-ikki had sprouted. Contributions from devotees were collected through a system of brokers, primarily those based inSakai in nearbyIzumi Province.
The temple-fortress was considered impenetrable, due largely to its location and orientation. In addition, roughly a hundred priests were on patrol at any given time, and upwards of ten thousand could be summoned to battle simply by ringing a bell. The priests of the fortress came not only from Osaka and the surrounding areas, but also from the Ikko sect's home provinces ofKaga andEchizen. The priests also had many allies, including theMōri clan, who supplied the fortress when it was under siege. BothUesugi Kenshin andTakeda Shingen, both of whom were rivals ofOda Nobunaga, simply by keeping Nobunaga and each other occupied, did the Ikki a great service.[1]
The Hongan-ji came under siege from the forces of Oda Nobunaga in 1570, but, due in part to its position on the coast, managed to hold out for 11 years, making this the longest siege in Japanese history. In August 1580, the AbbotKōsa (Kennyo) was persuaded to surrender, ending the 11-year-longsiege.[1]
At the time of the surrender, the entire temple complex was set aflame. According to some sources, this was done from within, to deny Nobunaga any true material gains from having defeated the Ikki. Though some members of the group fled to Kaga Province to make a final stand, the destruction of the Ishiyama Hongan-ji was truly the killing blow which marked the destruction of the sect as a militant force.
Three years later,Toyotomi Hideyoshi began the construction ofOsaka Castle on the same site.
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