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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.

In 1562, during the Siege of Kaminogo Castle, Kazumasa played a crucial role as Ieyasu successfully negotiated the release of his family from Imagawa Ujizane. Acting as their guardian, Kazumasa undertook this perilous duty with great responsibility. By 1567, Tokugawa forces were divided into two major divisions. Kazumasa was appointed commander of 13 Tokugawa daimyo-vassals, while Sakai Tadatsugu oversaw 18 daimyo-vassals.

Kazumasa fought in several critical battles, including the Battle of Mikatagahara in 1573 and the Battle of Nagashino in 1575. Following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's victory over Shibata Katsuie in 1583, Ieyasu conveyed his congratulations through Kazumasa. However, under Tokugawa orders, Kazumasa and Sakakibara Yasumasa later issued statements denouncing Hideyoshi. Kazumasa served at the Tokugawa headquarters in Komaki during the Komaki-Nagakute Campaign of 1584.

In 1585, Kazumasa became increasingly disillusioned with Ieyasu's defiance of Hideyoshi. Viewing this resistance as reckless, he defected to Hideyoshi’s side. This betrayal forced Ieyasu to overhaul his military organization and defense strategies, as Kazumasa had deep insights into Tokugawa operations.

After Hideyoshi's death and the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Kazumasa and his family faced punitive measures, losing their fief. Kazumasa eventually retired and spent his remaining years with his son, Ishikawa Yasunaga, until his death in 1609.

 

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