Historical Figures from Sengoku Period Japan #1

1

1534-1582

Daimyō of Owari. Began a campaign to unify Japan. Successfully gained control of most of Honshū through conquest, however he was not able to finish his campaign. He committed seppuku when one of his retainers rebelled against him and trapped him in Honnō-ji.

2

1537-1598

Imperial Regent (Kampaku) of Japan. Formerly a retainer of (1). He seized power after the death of (1) in the incident at Honnō-ji and finished the campaign to unite Japan.

3

1543-1616

Daimyō of Mikawa. Formerly a retainer of (1), he emerged victorious in the battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and went on to establish and become the 1st shōgun of the Edo shogunate.

4

1521-1573

Daimyō of Kai. Nicknamed "the Tiger of Kai". Known for his effective use of cavalry and the deadly cavalry charge tactic. Had a famous rivalry with (5).

5

1530-1578

Daimyō of Echigo. Nicknamed "the Dragon of Echigo". Many had believed him to be the Avatar of Bishamonten, the God of War. Had a famous rivalry with (4).

6

1519-1560

Daimyō of Suruga. He was one of the pre-eminent daimyō of the Tōkaidō region. Killed by (1) during an ambush in the Battle of Okehazama.

7

1548-1610

Famous samurai and loyal retainer of (3). Famed for his martial prowess and skill in battle. He was said to have never sustained a significant injury despite being a veteran of over 100 battles.

8

1567-1615

Famous samurai called the "number one warrior in Japan" and "The Last Sengoku Hero". Especially known as the leading general on the defending side of the Siege of Ōsaka, where he was killed in action.

9

1567-1636

Daimyō from the Tōhoku region. Nicknamed "the One-Eyed Dragon of Ōshū". Founded the modern-day city of Sendai.

10

1559-1600

Retainer of (2). He was a leader of bureaucrats in the government of (2). He is most famously known as the commander of the Western Army in the Battle of Sekigahara, where he lost to (3) and was captured and executed after the battle.

11

1522-1583

Retainer and one of the most trusted generals of (1). After his death in the Honnō-ji incident, he faced (2) in the Battle of Shizugatake to determine the rightful successor of (1). He was defeated and commited seppuku after killing his wife and other members of his household.

12

1537-1597

15th and final shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Installed as a puppet shōgun by (1). His reign marked the end of the Muromachi period.

13

1497-1571

Prominent daimyō from the Chūgoku region. Began as a small local warlord from Aki province. He greatly expanded the power of his clan through through war, marriage, adoption and assassination, and eventually succeeded in controlling the entire Chūgoku region.

14

1533-1597

Son of (13) and known as a brilliant strategist. He was appointed to the Council of Five Elders by (2), but died before assuming his post. He was later replaced in the council by his nephew.

15

1545-1573

Daimyō from the northern part of Ōmi province. Brother-in-law of (1). He eventually became his enemy and chose to commit seppuku after being defeated in the Siege of Ōdani Castle.