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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Kyogoku Tadataka
Kyogoku Tadataka (1593–1637) was a Japanese nobleman and the head of the Kyogoku clan during the early 17th century, a pivotal time marked by the Tokugawa consolidation of power. His childhood name was Kumamaro, and he hailed from a lineage claiming descent from Emperor Uda (868–897). Tadataka was the son of Kyogoku Takatsugu and one of his concubines, with his paternal grandfather being Kyogoku Takayoshi.
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Matsudaira Naomasa
The late Muromachi period, also known as the Sengoku period, was an era of continuous conflict and upheaval, often likened to periods of chaos in Chinese history. This turbulent era was brought to an end by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who, with the support of loyal retainers, established the Edo Shogunate and became the ruler of Japan. Among Ieyasu’s descendants, Naomasa Matsudaira, his grandson, played a significant role during the Osaka Siege. He earned praise from his adversary, Nobushige Sanada (Yukimura Sanada), for his valor as a young warrior and maintained strong relations with successive Tokugawa shoguns.
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Ishikawa Kazumasa
Ishikawa Kazumasa (1534–1609) was a prominent Japanese retainer who began serving Tokugawa Ieyasu during his youth. Their relationship began in 1551 when both were hostages under the Imagawa clan. Kazumasa remained a loyal companion to Ieyasu, participating in key events such as the Siege of Terabe in 1558 and the Siege of Marune in 1560. After Ieyasu broke away from the Imagawa following the latter event, Kazumasa became a trusted retainer and administrator in his service.
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Shimazu Toyohisa
Shimazu Toyohisa (July 1570 – October 21, 1600), also known as Shimazu Tadatoyo, was a samurai of the Shimazu clan and the son of Shimazu Iehisa. He was the nephew of Shimazu Yoshihiro and held command over Sadowara Castle. Known for his valor, Toyohisa participated in numerous key battles of the late Sengoku period, earning recognition for his bravery and tactical acumen.
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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.
