The Taira were weaker (despite having more ships), but they had the advantage over the Minamoto in understanding the tides of that particular area as well as naval combat tactics in general.

The Taira also brought the young emperor (who was around six years old at the time) and some of his retainers, dressed in their full court garb.

The Taira split their fleet into three squadrons, while the Minamoto arrived en masse, their ships abreast, and archers ready.

[2] The beginning of the battle consisted mainly of a long-range archery exchange, before the Taira took the initiative, using the tides to help them try to surround the enemy ships.

They engaged the Minamoto, and the archery from a distance eventually gave way to hand-to-hand combat with swords and daggers after the crews of the ships boarded each other.

[5] Apocryphally, the woman who attempted to toss the mirror looked into it and died instantly from its spiritual power.

According to legend, the heike crabs found in the Straits of Shimonoseki are considered by the Japanese to hold the spirits of the Taira warriors.