Matsunaga clan crest Matsunaga Hisamichi (February 8, 1543?—November 19, 1577) was the illegitimate son of Matsunaga Hisahide and the heir to the Matsunaga clan. Little is known about him and tends to be overshadowed by his more famous father; however, he was the one that was present at the assassination of the thirteenth Ashikaga shōgun, … Continue reading Matsunaga Hisamichi
Samurai and Daimyō
Kobayakawa Hideaki
Kobayakawa Hideaki Kobayakawa Hideaki is probably one of the most infamous figures in Japanese history, mainly remembered for his betrayal at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Yet, he is more of a tragic figure in Japanese history than one would expect, mainly because his life was not his own. He was a figure I … Continue reading Kobayakawa Hideaki
Fujita Nobuyoshi: The Catalyst of Sekigahara
Fujita Nobuyoshi When it comes to wars, people always look for the “how” and “why”. Most believe it is simple to pinpoint one exact thing that lit the first spark of war, and sometimes we are given a short explanation while in school, or just reading a history book that briefly touches on the subject. … Continue reading Fujita Nobuyoshi: The Catalyst of Sekigahara
Sanada Masayuki
Portrait of Sanada Masayuki Sanada Masayuki (1547—July 13, 1611) was a damiyō who controlled Ueda Castle in Shinano Province and is famous for being the father of Sanada Nobuyuki and Sanada Yukimura. He started out being a vassal to the Takeda, however, after the clan fell in 1582, he managed to work his way through … Continue reading Sanada Masayuki
Naitō Joan
Naitō Joan Naitō Joan (c.1549-1626) was a Kirishitan samurai during the Sengoku Jidai and is famous for his role in the failed peace negotiations between the Japanese and the Chinese during the Imjin Wars (1592-1598). Little is known about Joan, for his sister, Julia, is more famous. He is also known by many different names, … Continue reading Naitō Joan
Ashikaga Yoshiteru
Kanji: 足利 義輝 Date(s): March 31, 1536-June 17, 1565 Other Known Names: Ashikaga Yoshifuji (or Yoshifishi), “The Sword Shogun” (“Kengo shōgun”) Ashikaga clan mon Ashikaga Yoshiteru was the thirteenth shōgun in the Ashikaga Shogunate. Reigning from 1546 to 1565, Ashikaga Yoshiteru has been claimed by historians as the last effective shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate. … Continue reading Ashikaga Yoshiteru
Maeda Keiji
Date(s): c. 1543-1612? Kanji: 前田慶次 Other Known Names: Soubei (young adult), Keijirō (young adult), Toshihiro (adult), Toshioki (adult), Toshisada (adult), Toshitaka (adult), Takuto (adult), Gokuzou-In Hyosai (senior), Ryuzaiken Fubensai (senior) Maeda clan mon Maeda Keiji, also known as Maeda Toshimasu, was the adopted nephew of Maeda Toshiie and a samurai of great mystery to … Continue reading Maeda Keiji
Naoe Kanetsugu: Defender of the Uesugi
Painting of Naoe Kanetsugu Naoe Kanetsugu was a retainer to the Uesugi clan, who served both Kenshin and his adopted son, Kagekatsu. He is well-known for fighting against Date Masamune in the north during the Sekigahara Campaign and writing a letter to Tokugawa Ieyasu just shortly before one of the last campaigns of the era. … Continue reading Naoe Kanetsugu: Defender of the Uesugi
Shima Sakon
Woodblock painting of Shima Sakon Shima Sakon (June 9, 1540-October 21, 1600?) is most famous for being a strategist serving under Ishida Mitsunari and was present at the Battle of Sekigahara, His life is a bit of a mystery, especially since he spent most of his life as a rōnin. He was born in Yamato … Continue reading Shima Sakon
Blessed Takayama Ukon
Kanji: 高山右近 Date(s): c.1552-Feburary 3, 1615 Other Known Names: Dom Justo Takayama, Iustus Takayama Ukon, Hikogorō Shigetomo Beatified: February 7, 2017 Feast Day: February 3 Attributes: Sword, Crucifix, Samurai robes Patronage: Persecuted Christians, Japanese immigrants, University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Takayama Clan Mon Blessed Takayama Ukon was a Roman Catholic kirishitan daimyō, martyr, and … Continue reading Blessed Takayama Ukon