Chosokabe Motochika (1539 – July 11, 1599) was a prominent daimyo during Japan's Sengoku period. He held the position of the 21st chief of the Chosokabe clan in Tosa Province (present-day Kochi Prefecture), establishing his rule over the Shikoku region.
Early Life and Ascension
Motochika was born to Chosokabe Kunichika and a daughter of the Saito clan of Mino Province. His childhood name was Yasaburo. Although he started as a quiet and gentle youth, he later revealed himself as a skilled and courageous warrior. His first significant battle was at the Battle of Tonomoto in 1560, where he fought valiantly, earning admiration from his father and retainers.
In 1562, he launched an attack on Asakura castle, defeating Motoyama Shigetoki and consolidating his power base on the Kochi plain through alliances with local families.
Unification of Shikoku
By 1573, Motochika's power had grown significantly. Seizing an opportunity, he marched on the Ichijo's headquarters at Nakamura, forcing Ichijo Kanesada to flee.
In 1575, at the Battle of Shimantogawa, Motochika emerged victorious, solidifying his control over Tosa Province. He then set his sights on Iyo province, facing resistance from Kono Michinao.
In 1579, Motochika's army, led by Kumu Yorinobu, clashed with Doi Kiyonaga's forces at the Battle of Mimaomote, resulting in Kumu's death. The following year, Motochika led a substantial force into Iyo Province, compelling Kono to flee.
Over the next decade, Motochika extended his power to all of Shikoku island, achieving his goal of ruling the entire region.
Conflict with Hideyoshi
In 1585, Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched an invasion of Shikoku, leading to Motochika's surrender and the loss of Awa, Sanuki, and Iyo Provinces.
Under Hideyoshi's rule, Motochika participated in various military campaigns, including the invasions of Kyushu and Korea. In 1596, a Spanish ship incident escalated into a conflict leading to the persecution of Christians in Japan.
Motochika passed away in 1599 at the age of 60. His successor was Chosokabe Morichika. In addition to his military leadership, Motochika is remembered for creating the '100-Article Code of the Chosokabe' and for his efforts in establishing economically prosperous castle towns. He transitioned from Oko to Otazaka and ultimately to Urado during his career.
See also
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Ikeda Terumasa
Ikeda Terumasa (January 31, 1565 – March 16, 1613) was a Japanese daimyo of the early Edo period, recognized by his court title, "Musashi no Kami," and known as the "Shogun of Western Japan." Terumasa, a distinguished military leader, participated in numerous significant battles during the late Azuchi-Momoyama period. His service at the Battle of Sekigahara earned him control over the Himeji domain. Originally named Araokojimaru, he was the son of Ikeda Tsuneoki and the brother of Ikeda Sen. He later became the heir to Ikeda Nobuteru and held Ikejiri Castle in Mino Province.
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Mori Tadamasa
Mori Tadamasa (1570 - July 31, 1634) was a notable military commander during Japan’s Warring States period and an early Edo-period daimyo. Initially, he governed Kawanakajima Domain in Shinano Province (modern-day Nagano Prefecture) and later became the first lord of Tsuyama Domain in Mimasaka Province (now northern Okayama Prefecture). He founded the Mori family line of the Ako Domain. Tadamasa’s family origins trace back to the Genji (Minamoto) clan, specifically the Kawachi-Genji branch from Kawachi Province (in present-day southeastern Osaka Prefecture), a lineage tied to Emperor Seiwa through his ancestor Yorisada Mori, a great-grandson of the famed Minamoto no Yoshiie.
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Sanada Masayuki
Sanada Masayuki (1547 – July 13, 1611) was a daimyo and prominent lord of Japan's Sengoku period. Head of the Sanada clan from Shinano Province, he served the powerful Takeda clan of Kai Province alongside his father and brothers during Takeda Shingen’s leadership. Following the Takeda clan's decline, Masayuki took charge of the Sanada, and despite limited resources, he established his clan as an independent power under the Toyotomi regime by navigating alliances with dominant clans such as the Tokugawa, Hojo, and Uesugi. Renowned as one of his era's greatest strategists, Masayuki achieved notable victories against the Tokugawa forces in the Battle of Kami River and the Siege of Ueda.
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Sanada Nobuyuki
Sanada Nobuyuki was a renowned samurai of the Sengoku period and the eldest son of daimyō Sanada Masayuki. He was the elder brother of the famous warrior Sanada Yukimura. Nobuyuki’s mother was Kansho-in, Masayuki's wife, and he was married to Komatsuhime (Inahime), the daughter of Honda Tadakatsu and the adopted daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nobuyuki also had two other wives: Seiin-in, his cousin, and Ukyo, the daughter of Tamagawa Hidemasa.
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Date Hidemune
Date Hidemune was a Japanese daimyō during the early Edo period, born in 1591 as the eldest son of Date Masamune, one of Japan’s most prominent feudal lords. His mother was Shinzo no Kata, a concubine, which affected his future prospects. As a young man, Hidemune lived under the care of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was given the adult name "Hidemune," adopting one character from Hideyoshi's own name. Hideyoshi granted Hidemune the court rank of junior 5th, lower grade, along with the title of ji-jū, and appointed him as a page to his son, Toyotomi Hideyori.
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Tsutsui Junkei
Tsutsui Junkei (March 31, 1549 – September 15, 1584), the son of Tsutsui Junsho, was a daimyo who ruled over Yamato Province. In 1571, through the mediation of Akechi Mitsuhide, Junkei pledged his service to Oda Nobunaga.
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Oda Nobutada
Oda Nobutada (1557 – June 21, 1582) was a samurai and the eldest son of Oda Nobunaga, known for his active role in several battles during Japan's Sengoku period. He led armies under his father's command in campaigns against Matsunaga Hisahide and the Takeda clan.
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Imagawa Ujizane
Imagawa Ujizane (1538 – January 27, 1615) was a Japanese daimyō who lived through the Sengoku and early Edo periods. He became the tenth head of the Imagawa clan, following in the footsteps of his father, Imagawa Yoshimoto. Ujizane was the father of Imagawa Norimochi and Shinagawa Takahisa.
