Printable View
While playing this battle the advisor says Shimazu will not take part in the battle, but later on he made a foolish (but brave) charge into the enemy Naginata Samurai. Now my only source is Wikipedia, but Wikipedia sucks.
Could anyone explain why he did take part?
He basically was enjoying the view during the whole battle, because of a previous grudge against Mitsunai. When the battle is over, he was in a tough spot because now he's surrounded, and retreat is the only option. But since he did not participate in the battle at all, it would be an extreme dishonourable act if he just retreat. So he charged into Ieyasu's main camp(while retreating) to save his face.
He did escape, but most of his troop perished, including his nephew.
Seriously, Shimazu was a VERY powerful Daimyo, and he only brought 1500 troop to the field, don't know what the heck he was thinking