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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Uesugi Kagetora
Uesugi Kagetora (1552 – April 19, 1579) was the seventh son of Hojo Ujiyasu and was originally known as Hojo Saburo. He was adopted by Uesugi Kenshin and intended to be Kenshin's heir. However, in 1578, he was attacked in his Otate Castle by Uesugi Kagekatsu, his brother-in-law, and was ultimately defeated. Kagetora committed suicide the following year at Samegao Castle.
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Hojo Ujinao
Hojo Ujinao (1562 – December 19, 1591) was a Japanese daimyo of the late Sengoku period and the last leader of the Later Hojo clan. An important figure in Azuchi-Momoyama politics, he lost his entire domain following the Siege of Odawara (1590). Despite this, he survived, and his family continued as minor daimyo during the Edo period.
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Takeda Katsuyori
Takeda Katsuyori (1546 – April 3, 1582) was a Japanese daimyo of the Sengoku period, renowned as the head of the Takeda clan and successor to the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen. He was also the son-in-law of Hojo Ujiyasu. Katsuyori was born to Shingen and the daughter of Suwa Yorishige, known posthumously as Suwa-goryonin and by her real name, Koihime. His children included Takeda Nobukatsu and Takeda Katsuchika.
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Yasuke
Yasuke, an African page, arrived in Japan in 1579 as the attendant of the Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano. Before the arrival of the Englishman William Adams, it is thought that Yasuke was possibly the inaugural non-Japanese samurai, arriving about twenty years earlier.
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Yamanami Keisuke
Yamanami Keisuke, the second in command of the Shinsengumi, a special police force during the late Edo period, shocked many when he performed seppuku on March 20, 1865, at the age of 32.
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Yamamoto Kansuke
Yamamoto Kansuke, renowned as a samurai strategist and one of Takeda Shingen's esteemed 24 Generals, hailed from the Mikawa region, known for breeding formidable warriors. Despite physical challenges—blindness in one eye, lameness in one leg, and a malformed hand—Kansuke embarked on a warrior's pilgrimage in his twenties. Traveling across the land, he honed his skills in strategy, tactics, castle construction, and warfare, engaging in various swordsmanship schools and forms.
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Yamaga Soko
Yamaga Soko was a multifaceted figure in Japanese history, renowned as a strategist, philosopher, and scholar. Later in life, he became a ronin, leaving a significant mark on the understanding of the Tokugawa period samurai.
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William Adams - Miura Anjin
William Adams, also known as Miura Anjin, holds the distinction of being one of the few non-Japanese individuals granted samurai status. Born in Gillingham, Kent, England in 1564, Adams embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become an influential figure in Japanese history.
