Tokugawa Ieyasu

Tokugawa Ieyasu was born to Matsudaira Hirotada and Odai-no-kata in Okazaki Castle, Mikawa Province. His birth name was Matsudaira Takechiyo.

Ieyasu was taken as a hostage by the Imagawa clan and sent to Sunpu Castle. This experience shaped his early political and military acumen.

Ieyasu began his formal education, learning military strategy, the arts, and the ways of a samurai. His education was rigorous and comprehensive.

Ieyasu fought his first major battle against the Imagawa clan at Okehazama, where he aligned with Oda Nobunaga. This marked the beginning of his military career.

Ieyasu married Tsukiyama-dono, a political alliance that strengthened his position in Mikawa. The marriage was strategic and politically significant.

Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi clashed in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute. Despite initial setbacks, Ieyasu emerged with a significant victory, enhancing his reputation.

Ieyasu led a successful campaign against the Hōjō clan, capturing Odawara Castle. This victory solidified his power and influence in eastern Japan.

Upon the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ieyasu became the most powerful daimyo in Japan, leading to a period of consolidation and preparation for his eventual rise to shogun.

Ieyasu decisively defeated the western daimyo at the Battle of Sekigahara, becoming the de facto ruler of Japan. This battle is considered one of the most important in Japanese history.

Ieyasu was appointed shogun by the Emperor Go-Yōzei, officially establishing the Tokugawa Shogunate. This marked the beginning of the Edo period, which lasted until 1868.

Tokugawa Ieyasu died at Sumpu Castle, leaving behind a legacy of political and military achievements that shaped Japan for over 250 years. His death marked the end of an era.