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Wakisaka Yasuharu held the position of daimyo over Awaji Island before ruling over Ozu in Iyo Province. His significance in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 cannot be overstated.

Initially, Wakisaka served under Akechi Mitsuhide as part of Oda Nobunaga's forces. During the siege of Hijiyama in 1581, he led Nobunaga's troops. However, after Mitsuhide's betrayal and Nobunaga's demise in 1582, Wakisaka became a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Distinguished as one of the "Seven Spears of Shizugatake" after the battle in 1583, Wakisaka earned a place among Hideyoshi's most trusted generals. With expertise in naval tactics, he was granted control over Awaji Island and later became a commander in Hideyoshi's navy. Wakisaka played a crucial role in Hideyoshi's military campaigns, including the Kyushu Campaign (1587), the Siege of Odawara (1590), and the Korean invasions (1592–1598), leading 1,500 warriors. However, the Korean expeditions proved challenging, as Wakisaka's fleet suffered defeats at the hands of the Korean hero, Admiral Yi Sun-Sin.

During the Battle of Sekigahara, Wakisaka initially intended to support the Tokugawa forces. However, he felt compelled to join Ishida Mitsunari's side as Mitsunari had raised Wakisaka's troops during a stay in Osaka. Positioned below the Kobayakawa forces on Mt. Matsuo, Wakisaka and his samurai ultimately sided with the Eastern forces at the crucial moment, contributing to their victory. His direct attack on the Otani garrison played a significant role in securing victory for the Tokugawa side.

In recognition of his contributions, Wakisaka was granted his lands at Awaji and later received a domain at Ozu in Iyo Province. He passed away on September 26, 1626, at the age of 72.

 


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