Tokugawa Ieyasu
The victor of Sekigahara whose shogunate defined Japan's political order for centuries.
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the leader of the Eastern Army at the Battle of Sekigahara, which occurred on October 21, 1600. His victory over the Western Army, led by Ishida Mitsunari, is often regarded as the most important battle in Japanese history. Mitsunari's defeat is generally considered the beginning point of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for another two and a half centuries until 1868. Ieyasu's forces fought against a coalition loyal to the Toyotomi clan, and several commanders defected before or during the battle, leading to his victory.
Quick Facts
- Conflict
- Battle of Sekigahara
- Part of
- the Sekigahara Campaign during the Sengoku period
- Date
- October 21, 1600
- Territory
- Tokugawa clan gains nominal control of all Japan
- Result
- Eastern army victory
Lore & Background
In the years following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death, factional disputes arose between Ishida Mitsunari and seven former Toyotomi generals. Tokugawa Ieyasu gathered both Katō Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori to his cause in a bid to challenge the opposition from Mitsunari, who claimed to fight on behalf of the Toyotomi clan. During the battle, Ii Naomasa commanded his famed unit of 3,600 crimson-clad Ii no Akazonae to attack the center of the Western Army.
Reader's Guide
Tokugawa Ieyasu is the historical figure whose victory at Sekigahara established the Tokugawa shogunate. He gathered former Toyotomi generals to his cause and prepared for battle by purchasing matchlocks and using cannons from a Dutch trading ship. During the battle, he appointed Ii Naomasa as supreme field commander, responsible for all commands and strategies. The defection of Kobayakawa Hideaki, who turned on the Western Army with over 15,000 men, changed the course of the battle.
Did You Know?
- Ii Naomasa commanded 3,600 crimson-clad soldiers known as Ii no Akazonae ('Ii's red devils') during the battle.
- Kobayakawa Hideaki's defection with over 15,000 men turned the tide of the battle against the Western Army.
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