The Minamoto Destroy the Taira Fleet at Dan-no-ura

On April 25, 1185, naval squadrons of the rival Minamoto and Taira clans met in combat at Dan-no-ura, situated in the Kanmon Straits off the southern tip of Honshu. Japanese sources date the battle to the twenty-fourth day of the third lunar month, which modern conversions give as April 24 or 25. The confrontation formed the culminating struggle of the Genpei War, a protracted conflict that determined which military faction would dominate Japan. Minamoto no Yoshitsune commanded the attacking fleet, seeking to crush the remaining strength of the Taira house once and for all.

By the time the fleets converged, the Taira had already suffered significant territorial losses across previous campaigns. Despite their weakened position, they retained possession of the imperial regalia and kept the child sovereign, Emperor Antoku, in their camp to reinforce the perceived legitimacy of their cause. The young ruler, about six years of age (some sources say six or seven), was with the Taira court. Accounts differ on the numbers, but most credit the Minamoto with more ships, while the Taira knew the currents of the strait well, which gave their commanders confidence as they prepared for the clash.