Under the command of Nobunaga, the debate took place between the Jodoshu sect monks Teian (also known as Joan), Reiyo, and others, and the Nichirenshu sect monks Nichiko, Nittai, and Nichiyu (later renamed Nichien).
信長の命により、浄土宗の僧貞安・霊誉らと、日蓮僧日珖・日諦・日雄（後に日淵と改名）らの間で行われた。