Todo Takatora hailed from Todo Village in Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture). Beginning his military journey as a humble ashigaru foot soldier, he ascended to the esteemed rank of daimyo, displaying remarkable flexibility by changing allegiances seven times and serving under ten different warlords.
Standing at an impressive height of 190cm, Todo Takatora towered over his contemporaries in an era when the average height ranged from 160 to 170cm. Beyond his prowess on the battlefield, Takatora demonstrated aptitude in administration and harbored a deep interest in culture, literature, Noh theater, and the tea ceremony. His enduring legacy in castle design and architecture remains unparalleled in samurai history.
Born in 1556 to Todo Torataka, a samurai in the service of the Azai clan of Omi, Takatora's military journey commenced with his participation in the Battle of Anegawa in 1570, fighting under Isono Kazumasa against Oda Nobunaga. Subsequently, he served under Nobunaga himself before becoming the Chief Retainer of Hashiba Hidenaga, half-brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and engaging in campaigns against the Mori clan in the Chugoku Region.
He continued his military endeavors, participating in the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583 and later contributing to Hideyoshi’s Kyushu Campaign. His invaluable assistance in pacifying Kyushu led to a significant increase in his revenues, raising them to 30,000 koku.
During Hideyoshi’s Korean Campaigns, Todo Takatora demonstrated his prowess in both land and sea operations, earning him the prestigious 80,000 koku fief of Osu in Iyo Province in 1594. While stationed in Korea, he constructed Suncheon Castle, which remains the sole surviving Japanese castle in the southwestern districts of the peninsula.
Renowned for his architectural skills, Todo Takatora played a pivotal role in the construction of Jurakudai, Hideyoshi’s opulent palace in Kyoto. In 1598, prior to Hideyoshi’s passing, Takatora shifted his allegiance to Tokugawa Ieyasu. His allegiance proved instrumental in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, where he commanded 2,500 men, resulting in a substantial increase in his stipend to 200,000 koku at Iyo.
In 1608, Todo Takatora was transferred to Ise Province, where his stipend was further augmented to 333,950 koku. Assigned with the task of reconstructing Iga Ueno Castle in preparation for Ieyasu’s impending assault on the Toyotomi stronghold in Osaka, Takatora faced a setback when a severe typhoon demolished the unfinished keep, resulting in casualties. Urged by Ieyasu to prioritize other sections of the castle in light of the impending conflict, Takatora redirected resources accordingly.
Takatora played a pivotal role in the Siege of Osaka, Summer Campaign, achieving a significant victory at the Battle of Yao by defeating Chosokabe Morichika. Tragically, his two sons, Takanori and Ujikatsu, lost their lives in the heat of battle.
Highly esteemed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Takatora remained a steadfast companion and trusted advisor during the retired shogun’s final years. Following Ieyasu's passing, Takatora continued his service under the shoguns Hidetada and Iemitsu. Under Iemitsu's reign, he oversaw the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine in honor of Ieyasu's legacy.
In 1620, Takatora took charge of the extensive reconstruction of Osaka Castle, a project completed just a year before his passing in Edo at the age of 74 in 1630. His architectural prowess extended beyond Osaka Castle, as he was also involved in the renovations of nearby Takatsuki Castle, Amasaki Castle, and Akashi Castle.
Renowned for his innovative architectural techniques, Takatora revolutionized castle construction by introducing the cost-effective Sotogata type tenshu keeps, which were quicker and more economical to build compared to the traditional Borogata style. His castles were distinguished by their imposing walls, notably exemplified by the formidable defenses of Iga Ueno Castle. Additionally, he refined the Masugata type gate systems, enhancing the defensive capabilities of the castles he designed.
See also
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Oishi Yoshio
Oishi Yoshio (April 24, 1659 – March 20, 1703) served as the chamberlain of the Ako Domain in Harima Province, now part of modern-day Hyogo Prefecture, from 1679 to 1701. He is best known as the leader of the Forty-seven Rōnin in their 1703 vendetta and is honored as the central figure in the legendary tale of Chūshingura.
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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.
