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.
Early Life and Family
Born as Houjumaru, Toyohisa was later named Shimazu Tadatoyo before adopting the name Toyohisa. His mother was the daughter of Shimazu Tadanaga, making him part of an extensive and influential samurai lineage. Despite his youth, he was regarded as a capable military commander even before his coming-of-age ceremony (genpuku). By age 14, he was already actively involved in military affairs, including hosting Uwai Satokane, a key vassal of the Shimazu clan, in his father's absence.
Military Career
Battle of Okitanawate (1584)
Toyohisa distinguished himself during the Battle of Okitanawate, where the Shimazu forces, led by his father Iehisa, triumphed over the Ryūzōji clan despite being heavily outnumbered. Shimazu Iehisa entrusted Toyohisa with significant responsibilities, even expressing pride in his son’s emerging warrior spirit.
Battle of Hetsugigawa (1587)
At 17, Toyohisa participated in the Battle of Hetsugigawa against Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s advancing forces. Despite being outnumbered, the Shimazu army achieved a decisive victory, killing prominent enemy commanders such as Chōsokabe Nobuchika and Sogō Masayasu. This marked Toyohisa as a rising star within the Shimazu clan.
Service Under Hideyoshi
Following the Shimazu clan's submission to Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, Toyohisa succeeded his father as lord of Sadowara Castle. He continued to serve in Hideyoshi's campaigns, including the 1590 Odawara Campaign and the Korean invasions (1592–1598), where his leadership and bravery in battle further enhanced his reputation. He was noted for his fearless combat, including a celebrated engagement during the Battle of Chilcheollyang, where he boarded and captured an enemy ship.
The Battle of Sekigahara (1600)
Toyohisa fought alongside his uncle Yoshihiro in the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara, aligning with the Western Army. During the battle’s chaos, the Shimazu forces found themselves isolated. As the situation deteriorated, Toyohisa urged Yoshihiro to retreat, declaring his intent to stay behind and cover their withdrawal. Toyohisa’s sacrificial stand ensured Yoshihiro's safe return to Satsuma but cost Toyohisa his life.
Accounts describe his final moments as heroic: leading a desperate charge against the pursuing Eastern Army, he inflicted significant losses before succumbing to injuries. Some records suggest that his remains were later buried at Ruriko-ji Temple, where his grave still stands.
Posthumous Legacy
After his death, Toyohisa's bravery and loyalty were celebrated in Shimazu clan lore. His absence left a leadership void, and his family line eventually became extinct in 1624. Artifacts, including his armor, are preserved in museums and temples as a testament to his legacy.
Historical accounts describe Toyohisa as a "beautiful and brave" warrior, embodying both physical grace and martial prowess. His decisiveness, courage, and loyalty made him a revered figure in Satsuma. His actions, particularly during Sekigahara, cemented his place as one of the most iconic samurai of his era.
Shimazu Toyohisa remains a symbol of unwavering loyalty and self-sacrifice, his life an enduring chapter in the storied history of the Shimazu clan.
See also
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Asano Nagaakira
Asano Nagaakira (March 18, 1586 – October 16, 1632) was a Japanese samurai and daimyō of the early Edo period. He initially ruled Wakayama Domain before being transferred to the Hiroshima Domain, where his family would remain until the Meiji Restoration.
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Takigawa Kazumasu
Takigawa Kazumasu (1525 – October 21, 1586), also known as Takikawa Sakon or Sakonshogen, was a prominent samurai and daimyō of the Sengoku period. He served as a loyal retainer and military commander under Oda Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His biological son, Toshimasu, was adopted by Maeda Toshihisa, the elder brother of Maeda Toshiie, and Kazumasu served alongside Toshiie in Nobunaga’s campaigns.
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Sanada Yukitaka
Sanada Yukitaka (c. 1512 – June 8, 1574) was a renowned samurai warrior of the Sengoku period, best known as one of the "Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda Shingen." He was the father of Sanada Nobutsuna and Sanada Masayuki, as well as the grandfather of the legendary Sanada Yukimura, who later served the Toyotomi clan.
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Torii Mototada
Torii Mototada (1539 – September 8, 1600) was a Japanese samurai and daimyo who lived through the Sengoku and late Azuchi–Momoyama periods. A loyal retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, he is best remembered for his heroic last stand at the Siege of Fushimi, an event that played a crucial role in shaping Japanese history.
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Toyotomi Hideyori
Toyotomi Hideyori (August 28, 1593 – June 4, 1615) was the son and designated successor of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the general who first unified Japan. His mother, Yodo-dono, was Oda Nobunaga's niece.
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Okubo Tadanori
Okubo Tadanori (January 13, 1842 – August 10, 1897) was the 9th daimyo of Odawara Domain in Sagami Province (modern-day Kanagawa Prefecture) during the late Edo period. Before the Meiji Restoration, he held the courtesy title of Kaga no Kami.
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Okubo Tadayo
Okubo Tadayo (1532 – October 28, 1594) was a samurai general who served Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Azuchi–Momoyama period and later became the daimyo of Odawara Domain in the early Edo period.
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Araki Murashige
Araki Murashige (1535 – June 20, 1586) was a samurai and retainer of Ikeda Katsumasa, the head of the powerful Settsu-Ikeda clan in Settsu Province. Initially serving under Katsumasa, he aligned himself with Oda Nobunaga after Nobunaga’s successful campaign to establish control over Kyoto.
