n enemy to a duel. After the duel another set of samurai would fight until both sides were fully engaged. Many battles were fought this way until the introduction of the musket. After the introduction of the musket, formations were used in battles. The musket greatly changed the art of war in Japan. The samurai were used only in certain formations that fought against units that did not use muskets. The Japanese had over 22 formations for samurai and each one had a particular name. The Hoshi (arrowhead) was a formation that is a fierce charge. A large force of foot soldiers headed a vanguard of samurai that softened up the enemy ranks. The Ganko (birds in flight) is a flexible arrangement of troops that could be changed as the battle changed. The Saku (keyhole) was the best formation for countering the Hoshi. The Koyaku (yoke) was considered a good defense against the Kakuyoku and the Hoshi formations. The Gyorin (fish scales) formation was used when the army was outnumbered. The Engetsu (half moon) formation was to be used as a final stand. The Choda (long snake) used the front, middle, and back divisions form to contest any enemy advance from the right or left. The Koto (tiger’s head) is considered to be good defensive formation when both armies are equal. The Garyu (lying dragon) formation was used when fighting on a hill. The Taimo (big illusion) is used to access the enemy’s strength on its flank. The Koran (dancing tiger) is used when the enemy is about to strike the flanks. The Kenran (dancing sword) is similar to the Koran. The Shogigashira (head of shogi piece) is useful formation for pursuing an enemy. The Matsukawa (pine trees skin) is unusual because the formation places the cavalry, missiles, and lances inside the formation. The Wachagai (interlaced circle) is used to fight a larger force in the woods. The Bette Naoshi (re-arranged) this is used when the enemy comes from behind. The Ryukei ...
