Japan in the 16th century was dominated by a series of prolonged civil wars and included many battles fought from 1553-64 at Kawanakajima between the troops of Takeda Shingen of Kai province and Kenshin Tora of Echigo province. The first print shows the Uesugi general Amakasu Omi no kami in a dramatic pose wielding a naginata, with the battle raging in the distance behind him.

For another impression of the first and further reading see Robert Schaap, Heroes and Ghosts, (Amsterdam, 1998), p. 65 and 96.

The second print depcits Morozumi Masakiyo, Lord of Bungo and retainer of the Takeda is shown about to commit suicide with the point of his sword in his mouth, as a cannon ball explodes in front of him, killing all his followers.

Other impressions of the second design are in the collections of the British Museum (see www.britishmuseum.org/research museum number 2008,3037.15009) and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (see www.mfa.org/collections accession number 11.38040).