Nagashima, in Owari Province along Japan's Pacific coast, was the location of a string of river island fortresses and defensive works controlled by the Ikkō-ikki, which surrounded their Ganshō-ji monastery.

[1] Nobunaga returned to the matter of Nagashima in July 1573 with a sizable force, largely recruited from Ise Province and containing a good number of arquebusiers.

[1]: 223–224 Another diversionary force, led by Takigawa Kazumasu, captured Yata castle, at the southern tip of the Nagashima complex.

[1]: 223–224 In 1574, Oda Nobunaga finally succeeded in destroying Nagashima, one of the primary fortresses of the Ikkō-ikki, who numbered among his most bitter enemies.

[1]: 224–225 A fleet of ships led by Kuki Yoshitaka blockaded and bombarded the area, using cannon and fire arrows against the Ikki's wooden watchtowers.

A large wooden palisade was constructed and then set aflame, resulting in the complete destruction of the entire fortress complex; no one escaped or survived.