This was the site of the final fierce battle between the Satsuma and Imperial forces. The Satsuma forces of approximately 3,500 men, led by Saigo Takamori, challenged the Imperial forces of approximately 50,000 men, commanded by Lieutenant General Yamagata Aritomo, to a decisive battle, but were unable to withstand the attacks of the Imperial forces, who had superior numbers, and were defeated and fled towards Kitagawa. The Satsuma forces then returned to Kagoshima via Takachiho, Kamikado, and other places, but Saigo and his men committed suicide on Shiroyama in Kagoshima, bringing the Satsuma Rebellion to an end.