Japan: Shibata Katsuie (1522 – 14 June 1583), samurai and military commander during the Sengoku Period. Hanging scroll painting, late 16th century. Katsuie, also known as Gonroku, was a samurai and retainer of Oda Nobuyuki, supporting his lord against his elder brother Oda Nobunaga. When Nobuyuki was executed in 1556, Katsuie was spared for his bravery and loyalty. He became renowned for his victories and martial skill, aiding in Nobunaga's unification of Japan. When his master died in 1582, Katsuie supported Nobunaga's grandson Oda Nobutaka and fought against Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Katsuie was the retainer of Oda Nobukatsu (Oda Nobuyuki). In 1575, after gaining control of Echizen, he took command of Kitanosho Castle (Hokujō) and was ordered to conquer the Hokuriku region. In a meeting in Kiyosu to determine the successor to Nobunaga, he supported Oda Nobutaka, the third son, for whom Katsuie had performed the genpuku ritual. He allied with Oda Nobutaka and Takigawa Kazumasu to battle Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However, his domain was sealed off in the winter by snowfalls and this limited his ability. He retreated to Kitanoshō castle but with the army destroyed, Katsuie had no option but to surrender. Katsuie committed seppuku and set the fire to the castle. He implored his wife Oichi to take their daughters and leave, but she decided to follow his death, while letting her daughters escape.
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Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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