Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second of the Three Great Unifiers of Japan, commenced his journey as a foot-soldier and ascended through the ranks to become a samurai, military leader, statesman, and eventually the ruler of Japan.
Born in 1536 in Nakamura village (now part of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture), Hideyoshi faced adversity from a young age. His father passed away shortly after his birth, and his mother remarried a low-ranking samurai who treated him harshly. Despite being sent to a nearby temple to train as a priest, Hideyoshi fled at the age of 15 to join Matsushita Yukitsuna's army as an ashigaru foot soldier. In 1558, he received funds to purchase armor for his master but instead bought equipment for himself, showcasing his independent spirit and resourcefulness. Back in Owari (Aichi Prefecture), he joined Oda Nobunaga's service as a sandal carrier.
Hideyoshi's ingenuity and dedication caught Nobunaga's attention. He participated in key battles such as Okehazama, Inabayama, and Anegawa, distinguishing himself as a capable warrior. When news of Nobunaga's assassination reached him during the siege of Takamatsu Castle, Hideyoshi swiftly intervened, negotiating peace and turning his forces against the traitorous Akechi Mitsuhide. He defeated Mitsuhide's army at Yamazaki and returned to Kiyosu Castle to ensure the continuity of the Oda clan's leadership.
As he governed on behalf of Nobunaga's infant grandson, Samboshi, Hideyoshi faced challenges from within the clan, notably from Nobutaka and Shibata Katsuie. However, he skillfully navigated these conflicts, consolidating his power through strategic alliances and military victories. His campaigns extended across southern Japan, standardizing currency and implementing social reforms to maintain stability.
Hideyoshi's ambitions extended beyond Japan's borders, leading to two significant campaigns in Korea. Upon his return, he found political dynamics shifting. Despite appointing regents to oversee his son Hideyori's rule, internal strife emerged, ultimately leading to civil war.
He passed away in 1598 at Fushimi Castle, leaving behind a legacy of unification and governance. Despite his modest physical stature and alleged birth defects, Hideyoshi's intellect and strategic prowess propelled him from humble beginnings to a revered figure in Japanese history.
See also
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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.
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Date Hidemune
Date Hidemune was a Japanese daimyō during the early Edo period, born in 1591 as the eldest son of Date Masamune, one of Japan’s most prominent feudal lords. His mother was Shinzo no Kata, a concubine, which affected his future prospects. As a young man, Hidemune lived under the care of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was given the adult name "Hidemune," adopting one character from Hideyoshi's own name. Hideyoshi granted Hidemune the court rank of junior 5th, lower grade, along with the title of ji-jū, and appointed him as a page to his son, Toyotomi Hideyori.
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Tsutsui Junkei
Tsutsui Junkei (March 31, 1549 – September 15, 1584), the son of Tsutsui Junsho, was a daimyo who ruled over Yamato Province. In 1571, through the mediation of Akechi Mitsuhide, Junkei pledged his service to Oda Nobunaga.
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Oda Nobutada
Oda Nobutada (1557 – June 21, 1582) was a samurai and the eldest son of Oda Nobunaga, known for his active role in several battles during Japan's Sengoku period. He led armies under his father's command in campaigns against Matsunaga Hisahide and the Takeda clan.
