It was one of several actions taken in a series of campaigns against the Asakura and Azai clans, which opposed his growing power.

[1] Nobunaga led an army of 30,000 soldiers, departing from Gifu Castle to invade Ōmi Province.

In the mean time, Asakura Yoshikage, leading a 20,000 forces to relieve and reinforce the Azai garrison.

[2] Hikida castle fell on August 10, and Asakura fled back to his home province of Echizen.

[3][4] Nobunaga pursued Yoshikage and attacked the town of Ichijōdani, seizing control from the Asakura clan and burning it down.