Inamura Promontory moon at daybreak

Nitta no Yoshisada (1301-1338) wa a former Hōjō general who supported the Emperor Go-Daigo. He received an order in 1333 to attack the Hōjō stronghold in Kamakura. The approach to Kamakura was extremely difficult. The city was protected on three sides by steep hills, and on the fourth side by the sea. Yoshisada initially tried a land approach through one of the so-called historical "Seven Entrances" to the city, at the Gokuraku and Kewaizaka passes. He was repelled, and then attempted an approach by seashore. According to the Taiheiki, he ran into trouble with well-placed enemy archers. In this print, he prays to the sea dragon god, Ryūjin. He casts his sword into the surf as an offering. The tide ebbs, and Yoshisada's army is able to pass and capture Kamakura.