The 1548 battle of Shiojiritoge was one of many battles fought by Takeda Shingen

Takeda Shingen

, of Kai Province, was a preeminent daimyo in feudal Japan with exceptional military prestige in the late stage of the Sengoku period.-Name:Shingen was called "Tarō" or "Katsuchiyo" during his childhood...

 in his bid to conquer Japan's Shinano Province

Shinano Province

or is an old province of Japan that is now present day Nagano Prefecture.Shinano bordered on Echigo, Etchū, Hida, Kai, Kōzuke, Mikawa, Mino, Musashi, Suruga, and Tōtōmi Provinces...

. It took place soon after Shingen suffered a devastating loss in the battle of Uedahara

Battle of Uedahara

The was the first defeat suffered by Takeda Shingen, and the first field battle in Japan at which firearms were used.Takeda Shingen met up with his force that had taken Shika castle, and led 7000 men north to face the threat posed by Murakami Yoshikiyo...

; he sought revenge, and to return to a string of victories.

Shingen launched a surprise attack upon Ogasawara Nagatoki

Ogasawara Nagatoki

' was a daimyo of Shinano Province during the Sengoku Period in Japan. In 1542, Shinano Province was invaded by Takeda Shingen, and Ogasawara allied with Murakami Yoshikiyo, Suwa Yorishige, and Kiso Yoshiyasu in an attempt to stop him...

's camp, using only a small rapid strike mounted force. Approaching in the night and attacking at dawn, Shingen caught his enemy unprepared, taking the camp as Ogasawara's men grabbed their armor and swords.

This battle was one of many which serve as examples of Takeda Shingen's expertise and specialty in using cavalry to maximum effect.