What is the Kaga Ikko Ikki?

Summary

The Kaga Ikko Ikki was a series of revolts that occurred from 1474 to 1580 in the area of Kaga, where everyday people – “peasants” – controlled the land. The “peasants” were made up of monks and their followers. While revolts of this kind occurred throughout Japan, the extent of revolts here was unprecedented in Japan. This area, with peasant control lasting about 100 years, came to be known as the Kingdom of Peasants. 

Kaga Ikko Ikki Overview

The Kaga Ikko Ikki story begins in 1471, when Rennyo, the 8th Head Priest of Honganji Temple, was evicted from Kyoto. He fled to the island of Yoshizaki (Awara City, Fukui Prefecture), and formed his own temple where he began spreading his faith (the Jōdo Shinshū Sect of Buddhism). Through the following years, Rennyo’s teachings became incredibly popular, with him gaining many followers throughout the region. 

In 1474, a power struggle occurred between the two Togashi brothers, Masachika and Kōchiyo, who were in control of the Kaga area. Masachika was a follower of Jōdo Shinshū, and was able to ask the followers of Rennyo to aid him in battle, leading to his successful win, and the beginning of the Kaga Ikko Ikki. However, in 1488, the local followers rebelled against him, resulting in his death, and the beginning of the “Kingdom of Peasants” – where the area was ruled not by feudal lords, but by the followers of Honganji Temple. 

Over the following decades, these uprisings continued to grow, with the Kaga Ikko Ikki coming to encompass almost the entire Hokuriku area (Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama Prefectures). Three of Rennyo’s sons ruled three prominent temples (Kaga Three Temples) which took control over the area throughout this time. 

However, in 1531, conflicts between the three brothers and their other brother broke out, and the Kaga Three Temples lost. As a result, Honganji Temple sent representatives to Kanazawa Gobō Temple (present location of Kanazawa Castle) to control the area. Finally, Kanazawa was invaded by the forces of Oda Nobunaga, who overtook the Temple, leading to the fall of the Kingdom of Peasants and the end of the Kaga Ikko Ikki. 

After Oda Nobunaga ended the uprisings in Kanazawa, there were still some groups of Honganji Temple followers who opposed him. The last known remaining group was located at Torigoe Castle, where a battle with Oda Nobunaga’s army later ensued. Therefore, making Torigoe the last stronghold of the Kaga Ikko Ikki uprisings.