character/index

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Historical Figures

Browse 817 figures who shaped Japanese history, grouped by period. Trace the shrines, temples and historic sites connected to each of them.

Asuka & Nara

ANCIENT

— 58

Emperor Jinmu

First Emperor of Japan

The legendary first Emperor of Japan, recorded in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki as

Yamato Takeru no Mikoto

Legendary Hero Prince

A prince of Emperor Keikō (the 12th reign) recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shok

Himiko

Queen of Yamatai

Queen of the Yamatai kingdom who ruled 3rd-century Japan. Recorded in the Chines

Ōtomo no Kanamura

Ōmuraji who enthroned Emperor Keitai

Head of the Ōtomo in the early 6th century. During the succession crisis after E

Mononobe no Okoshi

Mononobe head opposed to Buddhism

Head of the Mononobe in the mid-6th century. Together with the Nakatomi he oppos

Mononobe no Moriya

Last head of the Mononobe

Son of Okoshi. Clashed with Soga no Umako over the acceptance of Buddhism and wa

Soga no Umako

Champion of early Buddhism in Asuka

Son of Soga no Iname. He defeated Mononobe no Moriya, established Buddhism as a

Empress Suiko

Japan's First Empress Regnant

Japan's first empress regnant (r. 593–628), born as a princess of Emperor Kinmei

Ono no Imoko

Envoy to Sui China

Born into the Ono clan, a powerful family of Omi Province. In 607, dispatched as

Prince Shotoku

Saint of the Seventeen-Article Constitution

Born in 574 as the second son of Emperor Yomei, his personal name was Umayado no

Soga no Emishi

Ōomi at the height of Soga power

Son of Soga no Umako. As Ōomi he wielded effective power after Suiko's reign, an

Abe no Hirafu

7th-century commander of the Emishi and Mishihase campaigns

Governor of Koshi under Empress Saimei. Between 658 and 660 he led a fleet to su

Soga no Iruka

Soga Clan Tyrant

Born to Soga no Emishi and heir to three generations of Soga power built since h

Prince Naka no Oe (Emperor Tenji)

Architect of the Taika Reform / Emperor Tenji

Born in 626, son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kogyoku. Growing alarmed at Soga t

Nukata no Okimi

Poet of the Man'yōshū

Born around 630, she became the foremost female poet of the 7th century. In her

Prince Oama (Emperor Tenmu)

Victor of Jinshin War / Emperor Tenmu

Born around 631 as younger brother of Emperor Tenji. After Tenji's death he reti

Emperor Tenmu

Victor of the Jinshin War, Builder of the Ritsuryo State

His birth year is uncertain, estimated around the 630s. Known as Prince Oama, he

En no Gyōja

Founder of Shugendō, En no Ozunu

Born in 634 in Chihara, Katsuragi, Yamato Province, his secular name was En no O

Empress Jitō

Empress Who Built Fujiwara-kyō

A female ruler of the Asuka period (r. 686–697), daughter of Emperor Tenji and c

Ono no Azumahito

Founder of Taga Castle, Mutsu Chinju Shogun

Ono no Azumahito was a Nara-period military commander and court noble. In 724, w

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro

Saint of Poetry; Greatest Poet of the Manyoshu

The representative poet of the Asuka period. With 133 poems in the "Manyoshu," h

Ōtomo no Tabito

Governor-General of Dazaifu, Man'yōshū poet

Son of Yasumaro and father of Yakamochi. As Governor-General of Dazaifu in Kyush

Gyōki

Monk of the People & Archbishop

A Buddhist monk of the Nara period, born in Kawachi Province (present-day Osaka)

Taichō

Opener of Hakusan, Great Sage of Koshi

Born in 682 in Asōzu, Echizen Province. He left home at eleven and trained on Mt

Ganjin

Founder of Toshodaiji

An eminent Tang Chinese monk. At the request of Japanese monks Eiei and Fusho, h

Kibi no Makibi

Scholar-Statesman Who Traveled to Tang China Twice, Builder of Ito Castle

Born in 695 into a provincial noble family of Kibi Province (present-day Okayama

Dōkyō

Favored monk of Empress Shōtoku

Of the Yuge clan. Serving as healing monk to retired Empress Kōken, he rose to D

Otomo no Yakamochi

Final Editor of the Manyoshu

A poet and official of the Nara period. He is considered the final editor of the

Wake no Kiyomaro

Loyal Retainer; Enshrined at Goo Shrine

A court noble of the late Nara to early Heian period. He is famous as the loyal

Emperor Kammu

50th Emperor, founder of Heian-kyō

Son of Emperor Kōnin. Ascended in 781 and moved the capital to Nagaoka-kyō (784)

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro

Sei-i Taishōgun renowned for the conquest of the Emishi

Born to the Sakanoue clan, of continental immigrant descent, as son of Sakanoue

Funya no Watamaro

Sei-i Shōgun who relocated Shiwa Castle to Tokutan

Son of Bizen governor Morotsune no Ōhara. He entered court service in 795, and i

Saichō

Founder of Tendai Buddhism / Dengyo Daishi

Born in Omi Province (Shiga). He trained on Mt. Hiei and traveled to Tang China

Kūkai

Founder of Shingon Buddhism / Kobo Daishi

Born in Sanuki Province (Kagawa). In 804, he traveled to Tang China as an envoy

Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu

Founder of the Fujiwara Hokke ascendancy

Son of Uchimaro. Trusted by Emperor Saga, he rose to Kurōdo no Tō and Minister o

Emperor Saga

52nd Emperor, patron of Kōnin culture

Son of Kammu, ascended in 809. Suppressed the Kusuko Incident and established th

Emperor Junna

53rd Emperor

Son of Kammu, ascended in 823 by abdication from his brother Saga. Sponsored the

Nikaido Yukimasa

Executive of the Mandokoro and Founder of the Nikaido

A bureaucrat descended from the Kudo family, he entered shogunal service through

Hojo Tokitsugu

Hojo Clansman

A member of a collateral Hojo line who served as a retainer of the Kamakura shog

Kudo Suketsune

Retainer of Yoritomo

A powerful Izu clan leader and close retainer of Minamoto no Yoritomo. His assas

Okazaki Yoshizane

Gokenin of Sagami

A powerful clan leader of Sagami who joined Minamoto no Yoritomo's cause from th

Minamoto no Yorimochi

Kinsman of the Minamoto

A Minamoto kinsman who served as Right Division Stable Master, responsible for g

Akashi Teruzumi

Christian General

Birth year unknown. A warrior of Bizen Province who served as a senior retainer

Sasaki Kojiro

Swordsman of Ganryu

Birth year unknown. Believed to be from Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Pref

Fuma Kotaro

Ninja Chief Who Led the Shadow Army of the Later Hojo

Birth year unknown. The fifth-generation head of the Fuma ninja clan, he led the

Kuruma Tsunatada

Satake Retainer, Kuruma Tanba

Born to Kuruma Hyobu-no-Taifu Yoshihide, lord of Kuruma Castle in Hitachi (birth

Ushioda Suketada

The Ota Retainer Who Built Juno Castle

His birth year is unknown. As the fourth son (some say fifth) of Iwatsuki Castle

Kondo Tsunahide

Lord of Enomoto Castle

His birth year is unknown. Tsunahide served the Hojo clan warlord Hojo Ujiteru,

Oda Toshihiro

Founder of the Iwakura Oda Line, Lord of Orizu Castle

A member of the Oda clan who served as shugodai (deputy governor) of the upper f

Suganuma Sadatada

Lord of Damine Castle Behind the Damine Massacre

Lord of Damine Castle in Mikawa Province and fifth head of the Damine Suganuma c

Saigo Masakatsu

Head of the Mikawa Saigo Clan at Wachigaya Castle

Lord of Wachigaya Castle in Atsumi District, Mikawa Province, and head of the Mi

Toyama Tomoshige

Naegi Toyama Warrior Who Fell Defending Adera Castle

Second son of Toyama Tomotada, head of the Naegi Toyama clan. In 1574, when Kiso

Ashikaga Yoshiaki (Oyumi Kubo)

Self-Proclaimed Oyumi Kubo, Fallen at the Battle of Konodai

Born as a son of Koga Kubo Ashikaga Masauji, he entered the priesthood early and

Hara Tanekiyo

Senior Chiba Retainer, Builder of Oyumi (Shomu) Castle

Born as a son of Hara Tanetaka, senior retainer of the Chiba clan. In 1518 he in

Toki Yoriharu

Lord of Mangi Castle, Head of the Kazusa Toki Clan at Its Height

Birth and death dates unknown. Son of Toki Tameyori, lord of Mangi Castle. His f

Uesugi Norinao

Lord of Enoshita Castle, Died Fighting for Ashikaga Mochiuji in the Eikyo Disturbance

Son of Uesugi Norikiyo, a retainer of the Ogigayatsu Uesugi. A close aide to Kam

Fuchibe Yoshihiro

Jito of Fuchinobe, the Warrior Who Killed Prince Moriyoshi

Jito of Fuchinobe village (present-day Sagamihara) during the Nanboku-cho period

Kira Yoriyasu

Lord of Both Setagaya and Maita Castles, an Ashikaga-Branch Kinsman of the Later Hojo

Son of Kira Naritaka, lord of Setagaya Castle. He resided at both Setagaya and M

Heian

HEIAN

— 133

Ennin

Third Tendai Patriarch, Jikaku Daishi

Born in 794 in Shimotsuke Province, Ennin entered Mt. Hiei at fifteen and studie

Ono no Takamura

Heian scholar said to serve in the netherworld

Of the Ono clan. Outstanding in Chinese poetry and waka, he rose to Sangi but wa

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa

First non-imperial regent

Son of Fuyutsugu. After purging rivals in the Jōwa Incident, he made his daughte

Emperor Ninmyō

54th Emperor

Son of Saga, ascended in 833. His reign saw the Jōwa Incident through which Fuji

Enchin

Chishō Daishi, Founder of Tendai Jimon

Born in 814 in Sanuki Province (Kagawa Prefecture), his mother was a niece of Kū

Ono no Komachi

Six Poetic Immortals / Legendary Beauty

An early Heian female poet of unknown dates, traditionally said to have been bor

Ariwara no Narihira

Prince of Poetry

A leading poet-aristocrat of the early Heian period, born a grandson of Emperor

Fujiwara no Mototsune

First Kampaku

Adopted son (actually nephew) of Yoshifusa. He deposed Emperor Yōzei and enthron

Sugawara no Michizane

God of Learning & Minister of the Right

A nobleman, scholar, and Chinese-verse poet of the mid-Heian period. Hailed as a

Ki no Haseo

Master of Chinese poetry and prose in early Heian

Uncle of Ki no Tsurayuki. A disciple of Sugawara no Michizane and master of Chin

Emperor Seiwa

56th Emperor, ancestor of the Seiwa Genji

Son of Emperor Montoku, enthroned at age 9 through the maneuvering of his matern

Emperor Uda

59th Emperor, Kampyō era reformer

Son of Emperor Kōkō, ascended in 887. Pushed back against Fujiwara in-laws and e

Fujiwara no Tokihira

Minister of the Left who exiled Michizane

Eldest son of Mototsune. Known for the Shōtai Incident of 901 in which he had Su

Ki no Tsurayuki

Compiler of Kokinshu; Author of Tosa Diary

A poet and official of the early Heian period. In 905, by command of Emperor Dai

Fujiwara no Tadahira

Minister supporting the Engi–Tenryaku era

Fourth son of Mototsune and brother of Tokihira. After his brother's death he se

Emperor Daigo

60th Emperor, the Engi era ruler

Son of Uda, ascended in 897. His "Engi reign" produced the Engi Code, commission

Fujiwara no Sumitomo

Pirate King of the Seto Inland Sea

A court noble and warrior of the mid-Heian period. Born into the Fujiwara clan,

Taira no Masakado

New Emperor (Shinkō)

A warrior of the mid-Heian period, a great-great-grandson of Emperor Kanmu and a

Kūya

Saint of the Market, Itinerant Nenbutsu Pioneer

Born around 903, his origins are debated — one theory claims he was an imperial

Taira no Sadamori

Warrior who slew Masakado

Son of Taira no Kunika. In 940, with Fujiwara no Hidesato, he killed his cousin

Tanba Yasuyori

Heian Physician, Author of Ishinpō

Born in 912. A mid-Heian court physician and founder of the Tanba clan of imperi

Minamoto no Mitsunaka

Founder of the Seiwa Genji rise

Son of Tsunemoto. He built his stronghold at Tada in Settsu, founding the Tada G

Ryōgen

Ganzan Daishi, restorer of Tendai

Born in Ōmi. As Zasu of Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei he rebuilt the temple compound af

Abe no Seimei

Supreme Master of Onmyōdō

An onmyōji (yin-yang master) and Court Astronomer of the mid-Heian period. He se

Emperor Murakami

62nd Emperor, the Tenryaku era ruler

Son of Daigo, ascended in 946. Ruled directly without appointing a regent or cha

Genshin

Eshin Sōzu, Pioneer of Pure Land Buddhism

Born in 942 in Yamato Province, he entered Mt. Hiei as a child and studied under

Minamoto no Raiko

Demon Slayer of Mount Ōe

Born in 948 as the eldest son of Minamoto no Mitsunaka, head of the Seiwa Genji

Fujiwara no Michitaka

Founder of the Naka no Kampaku house

Eldest son of Kaneie. Became Kampaku in 990 and made his daughter Teishi consort

Akazome Emon

Heian Woman Poet; Author of Eiga Monogatari

A woman poet and writer of the mid-Heian period. A lady-in-waiting serving Fujiw

Fujiwara no Sanesuke

Author of the Shōyūki, "Sage Minister of the Right"

Of the Ono no Miya line. A master of court ritual, he stood his ground against M

Fujiwara no Michikane

"Seven-Day Kampaku"

Third son of Kaneie and brother of Michitaka. He engineered the abdication of Em

Sei Shōnagon

Author of The Pillow Book

Daughter of Kiyowara no Motosuke. Served as lady-in-waiting to Empress Teishi, c

Fujiwara no Michinaga

Apex of Regency Politics, Poet of the Full Moon

A court noble and statesman of the mid-Heian period. Though born the fifth son o

Minamoto no Yorinobu

Founder of the Kawachi Genji

Third son of Mitsunaka. Based at Tsuboi in Kawachi, he founded the Kawachi Genji

Fujiwara no Korechika

Heir of the Naka no Kampaku house

Eldest son of Michitaka. After his father's death he contested power with his un

Murasaki Shikibu

Author of The Tale of Genji

Born the daughter of Fujiwara no Tametoki. Her exact birth and death years are u

Izumi Shikibu

Poet of Passionate Love

A female poet of the mid-Heian period. She is known by the sobriquet "Izumi Shik

Emperor Ichijō

66th Emperor, cultural sovereign of the regency era

Son of Emperor En'yū, enthroned in 986. While Fujiwara no Michitaka and Michinag

Minamoto no Yoriyoshi

Pacifier of the Earlier Nine Years' War

Son of Yorinobu. As governor of Mutsu he fought the Earlier Nine Years' War (105

Fujiwara no Yorimichi

Kampaku, builder of Byōdō-in Phoenix Hall

Eldest son of Michinaga. For over 50 years he served three emperors as Kampaku a

Abe no Yoritoki

Chief of the Mutsu Emishi

Chief of the Six Districts in Mutsu and head of the Emishi descendants. Initiall

Sugawara no Takasue no Musume (Lady Sarashina)

Author of the Sarashina Diary

A woman writer of the mid-Heian period. A descendant of Sugawara Michizane, she

Abe no Sadatō

Tragic warrior of the Earlier Nine Years' War

Eldest son of Yoritoki. After his father's death he continued the fight against

Abe no Muneto

Lord of Tonomi Palisade, the refined warrior of the Earlier Nine Years' War

Third son of Abe no Yoritoki. Based at Tonomi Palisade, he was known as "Toriumi

Minamoto no Yoshiie

Hachimantarō, hero of the Later Three Years' War

Eldest son of Yoriyoshi. After his coming-of-age at Iwashimizu Hachimangū he was

Emperor Shirakawa

72nd Emperor, founder of cloistered rule

Son of Emperor Go-Sanjō, enthroned 1072. In 1086 he abdicated in favor of the ch

Kakuyū

Toba Sōjō, legendary author of the Chōjū-giga

Son of Minamoto no Takakuni. A Tendai monk based at Onjō-ji and Shitennō-ji who

Kiyohara no Iehira

Central figure in the Later Three Years' War

A scion of the Kiyohara of Dewa. The internal feud with his elder brother Sanehi

Ryōnin

Founder of Yūzū Nenbutsu-shū

Born in 1072 in Chita District, Owari Province. He ascended Mt. Hiei, mastered T

Emperor Toba

74th Emperor, central figure of insei era

Son of Horikawa, enthroned 1107. After the death of Shirakawa he ruled as cloist

Minamoto no Yorimasa

Instigator of the Prince Mochihito Rising

Born in 1104 into the distinguished Settsu-Minamoto line, Yorimasa excelled in w

Fujiwara no Shunzei

Compiler of Senzai Wakashū, founder of yūgen aesthetics

Poet of the Mikohidari line. Compiled the Senzai Wakashū at the order of Go-Shir

Chiba Tsunetane

Great Vassal of Shimosa

Born in 1118 as head of the powerful Chiba clan of Shimosa Province. In August 1

Saigyo

Poet-Monk, Sage of Cherry Blossoms & Moon

Born Sato Norikiyo, he served Emperor Toba as a guard (hokumen no bushi) but abr

Taira no Kiyomori

Head of the Taira Clan, Grand Minister of State

Born the eldest son of Taira no Tadamori, Kiyomori became the greatest power of

Saigyō Hōshi

Wandering poet-monk

Born Satō Norikiyo. A guard of the Hokumen, he took Buddhist vows at 23 and wand

Yuasa Munesige

Founder of the Yuasa Clan, Lord of Yuasa Castle

Traditionally said to have been born around 1118 (though his exact dates are deb

Chogen

Great Fundraiser for Todai-ji Reconstruction

Born in 1121 (dates disputed), from Kii Province. He entered the monastery young

Fujiwara no Hidehira

Third lord of the Northern Fujiwara

Son of Motohira. As governor of Mutsu and chinjufu shōgun he brought to flower t

Minamoto no Yoshitomo

Head of Minamoto Clan, Governor of Shimotsuke

Born the eldest son of Minamoto no Tameyoshi, Yoshitomo emerged early as the lea

Miura Yoshizumi

Great Vassal of Sagami

Born in 1127 as head of the Miura clan on the Miura Peninsula. His father Yoshia

Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa

The Greatest Tengu of Japan

Born in 1127, fourth son of Emperor Toba. With little prospect of succession, he

Emperor Go-Shirakawa

77th Emperor, master of insei rule

Son of Toba, enthroned 1155. After abdicating just three years later, he conduct

Date Tomomune (Fujiwara no Tomomune)

Founder of the Date Clan

Born in 1129 into the Yamakage branch of the Fujiwara Hokke, Tomomune settled in

Adachi Toomoto

Vassal of Musashi

A vassal based in Adachi District of Musashi Province who joined Yoritomo's upri

Kazusa Hirotsune

Most Powerful Lord in Kanto

The most powerful lord of Kazusa Province, said to command 20,000 horsemen—the l

Doi Sanehira

The Loyal Retainer Who Saved Yoritomo

A vassal based in Doi, Sagami Province (present-day Yugawara, Kanagawa). An esta

Hizume Toshihira

Northern Fujiwara kinsman and lord of Hizume Manor

A kinsman of the Northern Fujiwara who, together with his brother Sueira, govern

Honen

Founder of Jodo Shu

Born in 1133 in Mimasaka Province (present-day Okayama), son of a military offic

Taira no Yorimori

Kiyomori's Half-Brother, Son of Ike no Zenni

Son of Taira no Tadamori and half-brother of Kiyomori. His mother was Ike no Zen

Tokiwa Gozen

Mother of Yoshitsune, One of Three Beauties

Her dates are uncertain, but she was celebrated as the most beautiful woman in t

Hojo Tokimasa

First Regent

Born in 1138, a local strongman of Izu Province. His life changed when his daugh

Taira no Shigemori

Taira Heir, Minister of the Interior

Born the eldest son of Taira no Kiyomori, Shigemori lived through the zenith of

Mongaku

The Radical Monk Who Spurred Yoritomo

Born in 1139 as Endo Morito, a warrior of the hokumen no bushi (palace guards).

Jakuren

Shinkokin-era poet-monk

Nephew of Shunzei. He took Buddhist vows to devote himself to poetry and was nam

Miyoshi Yasunobu

Monchujo Director, One of the Thirteen

First director of the Monchujo (Board of Inquiry) of the Kamakura shogunate and

Kajiwara Kagetoki

Yoritomo's Right Hand

A warrior of the Kajiwara branch of the Kanmu Heishi Kamakura clan, based in Sag

Hirayama Sueshige

Valiant Warrior of the Musashi Shichito

Believed to have been born around 1140 in Hirayama, Musashi Province (present-da

Eisai

Father of Rinzai Zen & Japanese Tea

Born to a Shinto priestly family in Bitchu. Studied Tendai on Mt. Hiei, then tra

Hatta Tomoie

Governor of Hitachi and Founder of the Oda Clan

A member of the Utsunomiya clan of Shimotsuke (son of Hatta Munetsuna), he estab

Nakahara Chikayoshi

Kyoto Deputy Who Handled Relations with the Court

Born into the Nakahara, a lower Kyoto aristocratic family, he was the elder brot

Hiki Yoshikazu

Powerful Vassal of Kamakura Shogunate

A powerful vassal of the early Kamakura Shogunate. Adopted son of Yoritomo's wet

Wada Yoshimori

Master Archer and First Head of the Samurai-dokoro

A warrior of the Miura clan, grandson of Miura Yoshiaki and son of Sugimoto Yosh

Taira no Munemori

Head of the Taira after Kiyomori

Third son of Taira no Kiyomori who became de facto head of the Taira after the d

Yabe Yoshikane

Warrior of the Yokoyama Party Who Built Yabe Castle and Died in the Battle of Wada

A Kamakura-period warrior of the Yokoyama Party, one of the Musashi Seven Partie

Minamoto no Yoritomo

First Shogun of Kamakura

Born in 1147 in Owari Province as the third son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo. After

Oe no Hiromoto

First Head of the Mandokoro Who Designed the Shogunate

Born into the lower Kyoto aristocracy, he originally bore the surname Nakahara.

Kujo Kanezane

Regent & Author of "Gyokuyo"

Born in 1149 as the sixth son of Fujiwara no Tadamichi, he was raised in the pre

Unkei

Genius Sculptor & Master of the Kei School

Born around 1150 (dates uncertain), eldest son of the sculptor Kokei, from the p

Prince Mochihito

Catalyst of the Minamoto Uprising

Third son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Brilliant and gifted in poetry, he was a stro

Taira no Tomomori

Last Pillar of the Taira

Born in 1152, fourth son of Taira no Kiyomori. Among the Taira clan, he was espe

Ano Zensho

Yoritomo's Half-Brother & Monk

Born in 1153, the seventh son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo and a half-brother of Yor

Kiso Yoshinaka

The Rising Sun General

Born in 1154, son of Minamoto no Yoshikata and cousin of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune

Kame no Mae

Yoritomo's Beloved Concubine

Said to be the daughter of Ryobashi Taro, she was Yoritomo's beloved concubine.

Kamo no Chomei

Author of Hojoki & Poet

Born around 1155 into a family of Shinto priests at Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo no Mi

Musashibo Benkei

Yoshitsune's Loyal Retainer & Warrior Monk

A legendary warrior monk who served Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Tradition says he wa

Jien

Tendai Head Priest, Author of Gukansho

A prominent Tendai monk and historian of the early Kamakura period. Born into co

Minamoto no Noriyori

Kamakura Warrior, Lord of Kamo

Said to have been born the sixth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo in Kamo-no-mikuriy

Hojo Masako

Nun Shogun

Eldest daughter of Izu warlord Hojo Tokimasa. As the wife of Minamoto no Yoritom

Tomoe Gozen

Female Warrior, Concubine of Kiso Yoshinaka

A female warrior of the late Heian and early Kamakura period, known as the concu

Taira no Koremori

The Beautiful General, Compared to Hikaru Genji

Eldest son of Taira no Shigemori and grandson of Kiyomori. His beauty earned him

Minamoto no Yoshitsune

Tragic Hero Who Destroyed the Taira Clan

Born in Kyoto as the ninth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo and known in childhood a

Sasaki Takatsuna

Hero of the Uji River Crossing

Born in 1160 as the fourth son of Sasaki Hideyoshi, a vassal from Omi Province (

Taira no Noritsune

Mightiest Warrior of the Taira

Born in 1160, eldest son of Taira no Norimori, a nephew of Kiyomori. Celebrated

Mamiya Nobushige

Loyal Retainer of the Hiki Clan

A Kamakura-period warrior who served as a loyal retainer of Hiki Yoshikazu. In 1

Kajiwara Kagesue

Rival at the Uji River

Born in 1162, eldest son of Kajiwara Kagetoki. Like his father, he served Yorito

Naganuma Munemasa

Founder of the Naganuma Clan

Born in 1162, Munemasa was the second son of Oyama Masamitsu, a powerful clan le

Shōkō

Chinzei Shōnin, Founder of Chinzei Jōdo-shū

Born in 1162 in Chikuzen Province (Fukuoka Prefecture), his courtesy name was Be

Fujiwara no Teika

Compiler of Shinkokin Wakashū and Hyakunin Isshu

Son of Shunzei. Favored by Retired Emperor Go-Toba, he helped compile the Shinko

Hojo Yoshitoki

Second Regent

Second son of Hojo Tokimasa, born in 1163 in Izu. He served Yoritomo from the ve

Hatakeyama Shigetada

The Model of Bando Warriors

Born in 1164 in Obusuma District, Musashi Province (present-day Fukaya, Saitama)

Nanbu Mitsuyuki

Founding Ancestor of the Nanbu Clan

According to Nanbu clan tradition, Mitsuyuki was born as the third son of Kagami

Miura Yoshimura

The Scheming Vassal

Born in 1168, eldest son of Miura Yoshizumi, he inherited leadership of the powe

Awa no Tsubone (Miyoi)

Powerful Woman of the Shogunate

Daughter of Hojo Tokimasa and close younger sister of Masako, she grew up with h

Taira no Atsumori

Flute Master & Tragic Young Warrior

Born in 1169, youngest son of Taira no Tsunemori—a younger brother of Kiyomori.

Nasu no Yoichi

The Archer of the Fan Target

A warrior from Nasu in Shimotsuke Province (present-day Nasu County, Tochigi), b

Kaikei

An-Amidabutsu: The Delicate Sculptor

Born around 1170 (dates uncertain), he trained under Kokei—the same master as Un

Asonuma Chikatsuna

Founder of the Tōno Asonuma line, builder of Yokota Castle

Son of Asonuma Hirotsuna, of the Fujiwara-branch Ashikaga lineage. His father wa

Saionji Kintsune

Court-Shogunate Mediator, Grand Minister

A Kamakura-period court noble and effective founder of the Saionji family. He ro

Soga Sukenari (Juro)

Elder Soga Brother (Juro)

Eldest son of Kawazu Sukeyasu. After his father was assassinated by Kudo Suketsu

Shinran

Founder of Jōdo Shinshū

Born in 1173 as the son of the minor aristocrat Fujiwara no Arinori in Kyoto. He

Myōe

Kegon Practitioner, the Dream-Keeping Monk

Born in 1173 in Kii Province, his dharma name was Kōben; he is also known as Myō

Soga Tokimune (Goro)

Younger Soga Brother (Goro)

Second son of Kawazu Sukeyasu. Placed at Hakone Gongen as a child to become a mo

Hojo Tokifusa

First Cosigner

Born in 1175, son of Hojo Tokimasa and half-brother (by a different mother) of Y

Tora Gozen

Lover of Soga Juro

A courtesan of Oiso and lover of Soga Juro Sukenari. She shared a deep bond with

Shōkū

Seizan Shōnin, Founder of Seizan Jōdo-shū

Born in 1177, he was the eldest son of Minamoto no Chikasue and became the adopt

Ohime

Princess of Tragic Love

Born in 1178 as the eldest daughter of Yoritomo and Masako. Around 1182, as part

Emperor Antoku

The Child Emperor Lost at Dan-no-ura

Born in 1178, son of Emperor Takakura and Taira no Tokuko (later Kenreimon-in),

Hatakeyama Shigeyasu

Son of a Loyal Vassal, Lost to Conspiracy

Eldest son of Hatakeyama Shigetada of Musashi Province, praised as the "model of

Wada Tsunemori

First Son of Wada Yoshimori

Eldest son of Wada Yoshimori, who served as the founding head of the Samurai-dok

Retired Emperor Go-Toba

Instigator of the Jokyu War

Born in 1180, fourth son of Emperor Takakura. When Emperor Antoku drowned with t

Minamoto no Yoriie

Second Shōgun of the Kamakura Shogunate

The second shōgun of the Kamakura Shogunate (r. 1202–1203), born in Kamakura as

Hojo Yasutoki

Third Regent, Joei Code

Eldest son of Hojo Yoshitoki. He commanded the shogunate forces in the Jokyu War

Kamakura

KAMAKURA

— 66

Minamoto no Sanetomo

3rd Kamakura Shogun and Waka Poet

Born in Kamakura as the second son of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako. When

Ichiman

First Son of Yoriie

Born in 1198, eldest son of the second shogun Minamoto no Yoriie. His mother was

Kugyo

The Monk Who Assassinated Sanetomo

Born in 1200, second son of the second shogun Minamoto no Yoriie. As a young chi

Dogen

Founder of Soto Zen

Born in 1200, believed to be the son of court minister Kuga Michichika (disputed

Eison

Kōshō Bosatsu, Reviver of Shingon Ritsu

Born in 1201 in Yamato Province. Lamenting the decline of monastic precepts, in

Takemikado

Last of the Minamoto Bloodline

Born around 1202, daughter of the second shogun Minamoto no Yoriie. Her mother w

Enni

Shōichi Kokushi, Founding Abbot of Tōfukuji

Born in 1202 in Suruga Province (Shizuoka Prefecture), his formal name was Benne

Hojo Tokiuji

Yasutoki's Heir, Died Young

Eldest son of Hojo Yasutoki, the 3rd shikken of the Kamakura shogunate. His moth

Miura Yasumura

Last Head of the Miura

Born in 1204, eldest son of Miura Yoshimura, he inherited the Miura clan's leade

Hojo Masamura

Seventh Regent

Born in 1205, son of second regent Hojo Yoshitoki; his mother is believed to hav

Rankei Dōryū

Founding Abbot of Kenchōji, Pioneer of Authentic Zen in Japan

Born in 1213 in Sichuan, Song China, he was ordained at thirteen and trained at

Ninshō

Ryōkanbō, Kamakura's Welfare Monk

Born in 1217 in Yamato Province, his courtesy name was Ryōkanbō. In 1245 he rece

Fujiwara no Yoritsune

4th Shogun, Sekke Shogun

Son of Kujo Michiie and great-great-grandson of Minamoto no Yoritomo's sister. A

Nichiren

Founder of Nichiren Buddhism

Born a fisherman's son in Awa Province, he entered Seicho-ji at 12. After studyi

Hojo Tsunetoki

4th Shikken (Regent)

The 4th shikken of the Kamakura shogunate. Eldest son of Hojo Tokiuji, he became

Hojo Sanetoki

Founder of Kanazawa Bunko

Hojo Sanetoki was a prominent member of the Hojo clan and founder of the Kanazaw

Mugaku Sogen

Founding Abbot of Engakuji, Zen Master Who Faced the Mongols

Born in 1226 in Qingyuan Prefecture (modern Ningbo), Song China. Ordained at thi

Hojo Tokiyori

Fifth Regent

Second son of Hojo Tokiuji. As fifth regent he destroyed the Miura clan in the H

Hojo Nagatoki

6th Shikken (Regent)

The 6th shikken of the Kamakura shogunate. Son of Hojo Shigetoki of the Gokuraku

Adachi Yasumori

Central Figure of the Shimotsuki Incident, Reformer

Head of the powerful Adachi clan of Kamakura vassals. His maternal grandfather w

Hojo Nobutoki

Co-regent, Grandson of Hojo Tokifusa

A prominent Hojo clansman and grandson of Hojo Tokifusa—Yoshitoki's younger brot

Ippen

Founder of Ji Shu & Dancing Nenbutsu

From the Kono warrior clan of Iyo Province. He became a monk at 10 and studied P

Fujiwara no Yoritsugu

5th Shogun

Born in 1239, son of Fujiwara no Yoritsune. When his father was removed from the

Prince Munetaka

6th Shogun, First Imperial Prince Shogun

Born in 1242, son of Emperor Go-Saga. Following Hojo Tokiyori's decision to repl

Hojo Tokimune

Eighth Regent, Mongol Invasions

Second son of Hojo Tokiyori, born 1251. He became the eighth regent at age 18 an

Hojo Munenobu

10th Shikken (Regent)

From the Osaragi branch of the Hojo clan, descended from Hojo Yasutoki's younger

Haga Takatoshi

Founder of Tobiyama Castle

His exact birth and death years are unrecorded. Takatoshi was a retainer of the

Prince Koreyasu

7th Shogun

Born in 1264, son of Prince Munetaka. When his father was stripped of the shogun

Yuki Munehiro

2nd Head of the Shirakawa-Yuki Clan, Loyalist of the Kenmu Restoration

Yuki Munehiro was the son of Yuki Sukehiro, founder of the Shirakawa-Yuki clan,

Nichizō

Pioneer of Nichiren Buddhism in Kyoto

Born in 1269, he was introduced to Nichiren at age seven by Nichirō. To fulfill

Hojo Sadatoki

Ninth Regent

Born in 1271, son of the eighth regent Hojo Tokimune. When Tokimune died suddenl

Hojo Morotoki

Tenth Regent

Born in 1275, from the Nagoe collateral branch of the Hojo clan, a great-grandso

Musō Soseki

National Teacher of Seven Reigns, Zen Garden Master

Born in 1275 in Ise Province, Musō took Buddhist vows as a child and initially s

Prince Hisaaki

8th Shogun

Born in 1276, son of Emperor Go-Fukakusa of the Jimyoin imperial line. He arrive

Soma Shigetane

Founder of the Oshu Soma Clan, Lord of Odaka Castle

Soma Shigetane was the 6th head of the Soma clan. In 1323, he led his clan from

Akamatsu Enshin

Shugo of Harima, Loyalist Hero

A warrior of Harima Province, his real name was Akamatsu Norimura, widely known

Hojo Sadaaki

Kanazawa Sadaaki, 15th Shikken

Head of the Kanazawa branch of the Hojo clan, he was a cultured man who contribu

Hojo Hirotoki

Twelfth Regent

Born in 1279, from the Akahashi branch of the Hojo—a great-grandson of Hojo Yosh

Yoshida Kenko

Author of Tsurezuregusa

Born into the Urabe clan, his real name was Urabe Kaneyoshi. After serving Emper

Hojo Mototoki

Thirteenth Regent

Born in 1286, of the Akahashi branch of the Hojo descended from Hojo Yoshitoki.

Emperor Go-Daigo

Architect of the Kenmu Restoration

Born in 1288, son of Emperor Go-Uda. From the outset of his reign he burned with

Chigusa Tadaaki

Go-Daigo's Close Aide, Loyalist General

A court noble who served Emperor Go-Daigo as both advisor and military commander

Nawa Nagatoshi

Hoki Clan Leader, Go-Daigo's Loyalist

A local magnate and maritime trader of Hoki Province (present-day western Tottor

Date Yukitomo

7th Head of the Date Clan, Loyal to the Southern Court

Born in 1291, Date Yukitomo was the 7th head of the Date clan. During the Kenmu

Kitabatake Chikafusa

Author of Jinno Shotoki, Southern Court Minister

A court noble of the North-South Court era and central theorist and politician o

Kusunoki Masashige

Dai Nankō – Paragon of Loyal Subjects

A warrior of the late Kamakura and Northern and Southern Courts period, born a p

Hojo Moritoki

Last Shikken, 16th Regent

The 16th and last shikken of the Kamakura shogunate. From the Akahashi branch of

Nagasaki Takasuke

Uchikanrei, Powerful Tokuso Retainer

A powerful tokuso retainer (vassal of the Hojo tokuso house) who held the post o

Prince Morikuni

9th Shogun, Last Kamakura Shogun

Born in 1301, son of Prince Hisaaki. He became the 9th shogun in 1308 at age sev

Nitta Yoshisada

Warrior Who Toppled the Kamakura Shogunate

A warrior of the late Kamakura and Northern and Southern Courts period, head of

Hojo Takatoki

14th and Final Regent

Third son of the 9th regent Hojo Sadatoki, born in 1303. At his father's death i

Yamana Tokiuji

Builder of Futagamiyama Castle, Progenitor of the Yamana Clan's Rise

The son of Yamana Masauji, Tokiuji served Ashikaga Takauji as shugo of Hoki, lat

Ashikaga Takauji

First Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate

Born second son of Ashikaga Sadauji in Shimotsuke Province, Takauji grew up as a

Sasaki Doyo

Pioneer of Basara Lords

Born in 1306, head of the Sasaki (Kyogoku) clan and shugo of Omi Province. His g

Hojo Nakatoki

Rokuhara Tandai (Northern)

Of the Hojo Fuonji branch, he served as Northern Rokuhara Tandai, maintaining or

Prince Moriyoshi

Prince of Go-Daigo, Enshrined at Kamakura-gu

A son of Emperor Go-Daigo. He entered Mount Hiei as a child and became Tendai Za

Hatakeyama Kuniuji

Oshu Kanrei, Lord of Iwakiri Castle

Hatakeyama Kuniuji was Oshu Kanrei (regional deputy) for the Ashikaga shogunate.

Akamatsu Norisuke

6th Head of the Akamatsu Clan, Shugo of Harima and Bizen

Born in 1314 as the son of Akamatsu Norimura (Enshin), the shugo (military gover

Kitabatake Akiie

Young Genius Commander, Meteor of the Southern Court

Eldest son of Kitabatake Chikafusa. Under the Kenmu Restoration, he was appointe

Kitabatake Akinobu

Mutsu Chinjufu Shogun, Southern Court Commander in Oshu

The son of Kitabatake Chikafusa, a senior Southern Court statesman, Akinobu took

Samekawa Ufunushi

Grandfather of Sho Hashi, Traditionally Said to Have Built Izena Castle

Details of his birth, death, and deeds remain unclear. Tradition identifies him

King Satto

First King of Chuzan, Who Opened Tribute Relations with Ming China

Tradition holds that Satto was born in 1321 to a farming family in the Urasoe di

Hojo Tokiyuki

Takatoki's Son, Leader of Nakasendai Rebellion

Son of Hojo Takatoki, the last tokuso of the Kamakura shogunate. When the shogun

Ouchi Hiroyo

Ninth Head of the Ouchi Clan, Founder of Yamaguchi as a Capital

Ninth head of the Ouchi clan. He succeeded his father Hiroyuki as clan head in 1

Kusunoki Masatsura

"Lesser Lord Kusunoki," hero of Shijōnawate

Eldest son of Kusunoki Masashige. After his father's death at Minatogawa, he was

Hatakeyama Yoshifuka

Nanboku-chō Warrior, Lord of Wasayama Castle

Born in 1331 as the son of Hatakeyama Ienuki, and known by the common name Sabur

Nanbokucho & Muromachi

NANBOKUCHO / MUROMACHI

— 280

Date Masamune (Daizen no Daibu)

9th Head of the Date Clan, Lord of Takahata Castle

A Nanboku-cho period warrior and 9th head of the Date clan, this Date Masamune (

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Third Muromachi Shogun, Builder of Kinkaku-ji

Born the son of Ashikaga Yoshiakira, Yoshimitsu became the third shogun at age t

Kitada Masayasu

7th Head of the Kitada Clan, Lord of Kitada Castle

Kitada Masayasu was the 7th head of the Kitada clan, founded in 1193 when Hiromo

Zeami Motokiyo

Master Who Perfected Noh Theater

A Noh performer, playwright, and theorist of the Muromachi period. Together with

Hiraga Hiroaki

Provincial Lord of Aki, Head of the Hiraga Clan

Head of the Hiraga clan, provincial lords who ruled Takaya-ho in Aki Province (p

King Sho Hashi

First King of the Unified Ryukyu Kingdom, Unifier of the Three Kingdoms

Born in 1372 as the son of Sho Shisho, lord of Sashiki, Sho Hashi captured Shima

Han'anchi

Last King of the Northern Kingdom (Hokuzan)

His birth year is unknown. Han'anchi was the last king of the Northern Kingdom (

Akamatsu Mitsusuke

Instigator of the Kakitsu Incident

Head of the Akamatsu, shugo of Harima. In 1441, fearing the loss of his lands, h

Takeda Nobunaga (Kazusa)

Founder of the Kazusa Takeda Clan, Builder of Mariyatsu Castle

Born c. 1390, second son of Kai shugo Takeda Nobumitsu. Joined the Uesugi Zenshu

Gosamaru

Ryukyu's Foremost Castle Builder, a Paragon of Loyalty

His birth year is unknown. Born into the Yomitanzan aji lineage, he is said to h

Ikkyū Sōjun

Iconoclast Zen Monk and Poet

A Rinzai Zen monk of the Muromachi period, said to have been the illegitimate so

Ashikaga Yoshinori

Terror of All Men, Sixth Shogun

Born in 1394 as a younger brother of the fourth shogun Ashikaga Yoshimochi, he h

Oni Ufugusuku (Oshiro Kenyu)

Royal Army Commander Who Defeated Amawari

His birth year is unknown. Renowned for his valor, he was known by the epithet '

Rennyo

Eighth Monshu of Honganji, Restorer of Jōdo Shinshū

Born on February 25, 1415, at the Otani Honganji in Kyoto as the eldest son of t

Chiba Tanenao

16th Head of the Chiba Clan, Last Lord of the Main Line

Born in 1419 as the son of Chiba Kanetane, 16th head of the Chiba clan, Tanenao

Masuda Kanetaka

15th Head of the Masuda Clan, Lord of Nanao Castle

The 15th head of the Masuda clan, a powerful warrior house of Iwami Province, ba

Sesshu Toyo

Supreme Master of Japanese Ink Painting

Born around 1420 in Bitchu Province (Okayama). Drawn to painting from childhood,

Amawari

From Commoner to Lord: 10th Aji of Katsuren

His birth year is unknown; he is said to have been a commoner from present-day K

Kono Michiharu

Yoshu-Branch Head Who Contested the Iyo Constableship

Born in 1421 as the son of Kono Michimoto, a member of the Kono clan that served

Chiba Suketane

Founder of Motosakura Castle, Progenitor of the Sakura Chiba Line

Born July 6, 1421. After his father Makuwari Yasutane usurped the Chiba headship

Murata Juko

Founder of Wabi-cha

Originally a monk at Shomyoji in Nara, Juko became so devoted to tea that he ret

Asakura Toshikage

Founder of the Echizen Asakura, author of the Asakura House Code

A textbook example of gekokujō: in the Ōnin War he switched from Western to East

Hosokawa Katsumoto

Muromachi kanrei, supreme commander of the Eastern army in the Ōnin War

Son of Hosokawa Mochiyuki. Three times Kanrei (deputy shōgun) of the Muromachi s

Ota Dokan

Builder of Edo Castle

Born in 1432 as the son of Ota Sukekiyo, chief retainer of the Ogigayatsu Uesugi

Hojo Soun

Ancestor of Later Hojo Clan, Ise Shinkuro Moritoki

Said to be from Bitchu Province (present-day Okayama Prefecture), his given name

Ashikaga Shigeuji

First Koga Kubo

Born in 1434, Ashikaga Shigeuji became the 5th Kamakura Kubo in 1447, but relati

Sakai Sadataka

Lord of Nakano Castle, Founder of the Toke-Sakai Clan

Traditionally born 1435, died 1522. Based at Nakano Castle in Shimosa, reportedl

Ashikaga Masatomo

Horigoe Kubo

Born in 1435 as the fourth son of the 6th Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori. H

Imagawa Yoshitada

8th Head of the Suruga Imagawa Clan, Fallen in the Totomi Campaign

Born in 1436 as the son of Imagawa Norihata, 6th head of the Suruga Imagawa clan

Ashikaga Yoshimasa

8th Ashikaga Shogun, Builder of Ginkakuji

Born in Kyoto as the son of the sixth Ashikaga shogun Yoshinori, he was appointe

Chiba Yoritane

Founder of the Musashi Chiba Clan, Lord of Akatsuka Castle

Born in 1446 into the main line of the Shimosa Chiba clan. When his family stron

Ōuchi Masahiro

Mainstay of the Western army in the Ōnin War

Head of the Ōuchi. As mainstay of Yamana Sōzen's Western army in the Ōnin War, h

Sagara Tametsugu

12th Head of the Sagara Clan, Conqueror of Yatsushiro

Born in 1447, Sagara Tametsugu was the 12th head of the Sagara clan, based in Hi

Miura Yoshiatsu (Dosun)

Last Head of the Sagami Miura Clan, Destroyed at Arai Castle by Hojo Soun

Head of the Sagami Miura clan, known by his religious name Dosun. His birth year

Amago Tsunehisa

Master Schemer of San'in

Born in 1458 into the Amago clan, deputies of Izumo. In 1478 he was stripped of

Oura Mitsunobu

Founding Ancestor of the Tsugaru Clan

Born in 1460, Oura Mitsunobu was stationed at Tanesato Castle on the western coa

Tashiro Sanki

Founder of the Goseiha School

Born in Musashi province in 1465. Becoming a monk in his youth, he chose medicin

King Sho Shin

3rd King of the Second Sho Dynasty, Who Built Ryukyu's Golden Age

Born in 1465 as the son of King Sho En (Kanamaru), Sho Shin ascended the throne

Ito Tadasuke

8th Head of the Hyuga Ito Clan, Who Suppressed the Aya Rebellion

Born in 1468, Ito Tadasuke was the 8th head of the Ito clan, based in Hyuga Prov

Asakura Soteki

Great General of Echizen

Born in 1477 as a kinsman of the Asakura clan of Echizen. He served as military

Tako Nagatomo

Defender of Tako Castle against Uesugi Kenshin

Born in 1485, Nagatomo headed the Tako clan, founded by Tako Sochō, fourth son o

Jukei-ni

Female warlord of the Imagawa

Daughter of Nakamikado Nobutane and consort of Imagawa Ujichika. She supported t

Tsukahara Bokuden

Sword Saint

Born in 1489 in Kashima, Hitachi Province (present-day Kashima, Ibaraki) as the

Nagano Narimasa

Tiger of Kozuke

Born in 1491 as the head of the Nagano clan, a powerful local family in Kozuke P

Irobe Katsunaga

Lord of Hirabayashi Castle, Warrior of the Blood-Stained Commendation

Traditionally said to have been born around 1493, though his exact birth year is

Miyoshi Munetaka

Head of the Miyoshi Clan of Bingo Miyoshi

Head of the Miyoshi clan, provincial lords of Miyoshi District in Bingo Province

Saito Dosan

Lord of Mino, Dosan the Viper

From Yamashiro Province (or Omi Province by some accounts), he is said to have b

Mōri Motonari

Lord of the Three Arrows, Master of the Chūgoku Region

A daimyo of the Sengoku period, head of the Mōri clan based at Yoshida-Kōriyama

Yamamoto Kansuke

Shingen's Legendary Strategist

His birth year is uncertain — either 1493 or 1501 — and he is said to have come

Takeno Joo

Master of Wabi-cha, Rikyu's Teacher

Born into the wealthy Takeno merchant family of Sakai, he studied waka and renga

Chosokabe Kunichika

Restorer of the Chosokabe Clan

Born in 1504 as the eldest son of Chosokabe Kanetsugu, a provincial lord of Tosa

Francis Xavier

Apostle Who Brought Christianity to Japan

Born in 1506 at Xavier Castle in the Kingdom of Navarre, Spain. He met Ignatius

Yura Shigenari

Lord of Kanayama Castle, Final Lord of Hishakuyama Castle

Born in 1506 as the son of Yokose Yasushige, he later changed his surname from Y

Ōuchi Yoshitaka

Lord of the great Western house, fallen at the Daineiji Incident

The 31st head of the Ōuchi. He made Yamaguchi flourish as the "Western Capital"

Kamiizumi Nobutsuna

Sword Saint, Founder of Shinkage-ryū

Born in 1508 as head of the Kamiizumi clan, minor lords in Ōgo, Kōzuke Province

Matsunaga Hisahide

The Villainous Hero

Born around 1510, of obscure origins. Rising in the service of Miyoshi Nagayoshi

Kamigoriyama Morisuke

Date Clan Retainer, Founder of Oguni Castle

A retainer of the Date clan, Kamigoriyama Morisuke is said to have built the fla

Yamana Suketoyo

Sengoku Daimyo, Shugo of Tajima, Head of the Yamana Clan

Born in 1511 as the second son of Yamana Muchitoyo, shugo of Tajima. He succeede

Sanada Yukitaka

Master of Subversion

Grandfather of Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige). Serving Takeda Shingen, he made his

Ito Yoshisuke

16th Head of the Hyuga Ito Clan, Lord of the Forty-Eight Ito Castles

Born in 1513, Ito Yoshisuke was the 16th head of the Hyuga Ito clan. In 1568, af

Tachibana Dōsetsu

Senior Ōtomo retainer known as "the Thunder God"

A senior retainer of the Ōtomo of Bungo. Legend says he cut down a lightning bol

Amago Haruhisa

Fourth Head of the Amago Clan

The fourth head of the Amago clan, a Sengoku warlord based in Izumo. He expanded

Baba Nobuharu

The Invincible Oni of Mino

One of the Takeda Four Generals. Called "The Invincible Oni of Mino" from the le

Ishimoda Mitsuyori

Hereditary Retainer of the Date Clan, Lord of Ishimoda Castle

Ishimoda Mitsuyori was a hereditary senior retainer of the Date clan and head of

Hōjō Ujiyasu

Lion of Sagami

The third head of the Later Hōjō clan during the Sengoku period. Inheriting from

Inaba Ittetsu

One of the "Three Men of Mino"

A Mino kokujin. After serving the Saitō, he submitted to Nobunaga and with Ujiie

Mimura Iechika

Sengoku Lord of Bitchu

Head of the Mimura clan of Bitchu-Matsuyama. In 1533 he moved his base to Kakush

Asayama Nichijō

Confidant monk of Oda Nobunaga

A Lotus-school monk. He served Nobunaga as a diplomatic agent in negotiations wi

Imagawa Yoshimoto

Ruler of the Tokaido, Guardian of Suruga

Born the fifth son of Imagawa Ujichika, guardian of Suruga Province, he was rais

Ogasawara Nagao

Head of the Iwami Ogasawara Clan, Lord of Nukuyu Castle

Head of the Iwami Ogasawara, a local warrior house ruling Ochi District in Iwami

Myorinni

The Nun-General Who Defended Tsurusaki Castle

Her birth year is unknown. The wife of the head of the Yoshioka family, senior r

Kumabe Chikanaga

Lord of the Kumabe Clan Who Led the Higo Kokujin Uprising

His birth year is unknown. Kumabe Chikanaga was lord of the Kumabe clan, a local

Imai Sokyu

One of Three Great Tea Masters, Sakai Merchant

Born in 1520 into the powerful Imai merchant family of Sakai. He married the dau

Ashina Moriuji

Restorer of the Ashina Clan, Lord of Mukaihaguroyama Castle

Born in 1521, Ashina Moriuji was the 16th head of the Ashina clan. He succeeded

Takeda Shingen

Tiger of Kai — Furinkazan

Born in 1521 at Tsutsujigasaki Yakata in Kai Province as the eldest son of Taked

Shibata Katsuie

Jar-Breaking Katsuie, Chief Elder of Oda

Born around 1522 into an Owari warrior family. He served from the era of Nobunag

Miyoshi Chokei

Hegemon Before Nobunaga

A Sengoku warlord who controlled Awa, Sanuki, Awaji, Settsu, Kawachi, Yamashiro,

Naito Masahide

Takeda's Vice-Commander

One of the Takeda Four Generals. Lacking flashy battlefield exploits, he was non

Ota Sukemasa

The Defiant Strategist Expelled from Iwatsuki

Born in 1522 as the son of Iwatsuki Castle lord Ota Suketane, he seized the vaca

Sen no Rikyu

Master of Wabi-cha Tea Ceremony

Born in Sakai as the son of a fish wholesaler named Tanaka Yohei, Rikyu took an

Naitō Masatoyo

One of the Four Famed Takeda Generals, defender of West Kōzuke

One of the Four Heavenly Kings of Takeda Shingen. As castellan of Minowa in west

Uesugi Norimasa

Kanto Kanrei, Lord of Hirai Castle

Born in 1523, he inherited the headship of the Yamanouchi Uesugi clan and the of

Takigawa Kazumasu

Oda's Deputy Administrator of the Kanto

Born around 1525, reportedly from Omi or Iga. A renowned marksman, he entered Od

Takeda Nobushige

Koten-kyu

Born in 1525 as the second son of Takeda Nobutora, head of the Kai Takeda. His e

Uesugi Tomosada

The Young Lord Who Rebuilt Jindaiji Castle

Born in 1525 as the son of Uesugi Tomooki, head of the Ogigayatsu Uesugi clan. I

Ikoma Chikamasa

Founder of Sanuki's Water Castles

Born around 1526, Ikoma Chikamasa served Oda Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Hideyos

Haga Takatsugu

Fortifier of Moka Castle

Born in 1526, Takatsugu was a senior retainer of the Shimotsuke Utsunomiya clan

Hachisuka Koroku (Masakatsu)

Hideyoshi's Oldest Retainer

Born in 1526 into a local strongman family in Owari Province. As leader of the K

Saito Yoshitatsu

Great Serpent of Mino

Born in 1527 as the eldest son of Saito Dosan of Mino (though some accounts ques

Sakai Tadatsugu

First Among the Four Tokugawa Generals

Born in 1527 as son of a Mikawa warrior. He served the Tokugawa (then Matsudaira

Kosaka Masanobu

The Retreating Magistrate

One of the Takeda Four Generals. A wise general known for avoiding reckless batt

Kagawa Nobukage (Yukikage)

Lord of Western Sanuki, Head of the Kagawa Clan

Born in 1527 as the son of Kagawa Motokage, head of the Sanuki Kagawa clan desce

Naito Takaharu

Senior Ouchi Retainer, Deputy Shugo of Nagato

Fifth son of Naito Okimori, a senior Ouchi retainer. After a succession dispute

Akechi Mitsuhide

Perpetrator of the Honnoji Incident

Said to be of the Toki clan lineage of Mino Province, though much of his early l

Ukita Naoie

Villain of Bizen

Born in 1529 into the Ukita warrior family of Bizen. After his grandfather Yoshi

Ryuzoji Takanobu

Bear of Hizen

Born on February 15, 1529, in Mizugae, Saga District, Hizen Province (present-da

Yamagata Masakage

Commander of the Red Guard

One of the Takeda Four Generals. Known as the creator of the "Red Guard," unifyi

Yagyu Muneyoshi (Sekishusai)

Patriarch of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu

Born in 1529 as the son of Yagyu Iegane, lord of Yagyu domain in Yamato Province

Oyama Hidetsuna

18th Head of the Oyama Clan

Born in 1529, Hidetsuna was the 18th head of the Oyama clan, descended from the

Takeda Takanobu

Head of the Inaba Takeda Clan, a Gekokujo Upstart

The son of Takeda Kuninobu. Based at Hiyodorio Castle, in 1563 he killed the chi

Tomioka Hidetaka

Lord of Koizumi Castle, Late Hojo Vassal

His exact birth and death years are not confirmed by primary sources. Born as th

Tsuda Sogyu

One of Three Great Tea Masters, Tennojiya

Born as head of the Tennojiya, a wealthy merchant house in Sakai. He inherited a

Otomo Sorin

Ruler of Kyushu

Born in 1530 as the heir of Otomo Yoshiaki, shugo daimyo of Bungo Province (mode

Uesugi Kenshin

Dragon of Echigo, God of War

Born in 1530 at Kasugayama Castle as the fourth son of Nagao Tamekage, deputy sh

Yū-hime

Concubine of Shingen, the "Lady of Suwa"

Daughter of Suwa Yorishige. After her father was destroyed by Shingen, she becam

Luis Frois

Portuguese Missionary Who Chronicled Sengoku Japan

Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1532. He joined the Society of Jesus, traveled to Go

Takeda Nobukado (Shoyoken)

The Painter-Lord Who Served as Shingen's Body Double

Born in 1532 as the sixth son of Takeda Nobutora, younger brother of Takeda Shin

Asakura Yoshikage

Cultural Daimyo of Echizen

Born in 1533 as heir to Asakura Takakage of Echizen. He succeeded in 1548 and wa

Maeda Keiji

The Supreme Kabukimono of the Warring States — Model for "Flower of the Battlefield"

Born as the nephew (or adopted son) of Maeda Toshiie, Keiji was a warrior of the

Shimazu Yoshihisa

17th Head of the Shimazu Clan, Who Nearly Unified Kyushu

Born in 1533 as the eldest son of Shimazu Takahisa, Yoshihisa was known as the f

Kobayakawa Takakage

"Mōri Two Rivers" general, one of the Five Elders

Third son of Mōri Motonari. Adopted into the Kobayakawa, with his brother Kikkaw

Hosokawa Fujitaka (Yusai)

Daimyo of Letters and Arms; Heir to Kokin Denju

A daimyo of the Sengoku-early Edo period and the father of Hosokawa Tadaoki, fat

Saika Magoichi

Gun Commander of Kishu

Dates of birth and death uncertain (c. 1534 - c. 1589). His real name is thought

Yuki Harutomo

17th Head of the Yuki Clan

Born in 1534, Harutomo was the 17th head of the Shimousa Yuki clan, based at Yuk

Oda Nobunaga

Revolutionary of Tenka Fubu

Born in 1534 at Nagoya Castle in Owari Province as the eldest son of Oda Nobuhid

Gamō Katahide

Lord of Hino in Ōmi, father of Ujisato

Lord of Hino in Ōmi. Originally a retainer of the Rokkaku, he submitted to Nobun

Araki Murashige

Rebel of Settsu

Born around 1535 to a local lord of Settsu. He rose through service under the Ik

Niwa Nagahide

Kome Goroza, Oda's Master Administrator

Born in 1535 as son of an Owari local lord. He entered Oda Nobunaga's service yo

Nohime

Butterfly of Mino

Believed to have been born around 1535 as the daughter of the Mino warlord Saito

Yamana Toyokazu

Shugo of Inaba, Ousted by His Vassal Takeda Takanobu

A cousin of Yamana Munetoyo, Toyokazu inherited the headship of Inaba in 1561 wh

Shimazu Yoshihiro

Oni-Shimazu (Demon of Shimazu)

A warrior of the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, younger brother of Shimazu

Sassa Narimasa

The Fierce General Who Crossed the Tateyama in Winter

Born in 1536 as son of an Owari warrior. He served Oda Nobunaga and was placed i

Ii Naotora

The Female Lord

Birth year unknown (estimated mid-1530s). Born as the daughter of the head of th

Ashikaga Yoshiteru

Sword-Master Shogun

Born on March 10, 1536, as the eldest son of the 12th Muromachi shogun Ashikaga

Sakai Taneharu

Lord of Toke Castle, Toke-Sakai Clan

Born in 1536, Sakai Taneharu was lord of Toke Castle and head of the Toke-Sakai

Tenkai

Black-Robed Chancellor, Tokugawa Advisor

Believed born in 1536 in Aizu, though his origins are debated. A Tendai monk who

Ikeda Tsuneoki

Senior Oda retainer, killed at Komaki-Nagakute

A foster brother of Nobunaga who served close to him from youth. At the Kiyosu C

Shimotsuma Rairen

Honganji Strategist, Hero of Ishiyama War

Born in 1537 to the Shimotsuma clan, senior retainers of Honganji. The Shimotsum

Saito Toshitaka

Lord of Kajita Castle Who Seized Gifu Castle After the Honnoji Incident

Said to be a son of Saito Dosan, with his mother a sister of Inaba Ittetsu. He w

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Taiko, Ruler of All

Born in 1537 in Nakamura, Owari Province, as the son of a low-ranking warrior (s

Ashikaga Yoshiaki

Last Shōgun of the Ashikaga Shogunate

The 15th and last shōgun of the Ashikaga Shogunate (r. 1568–1573), younger broth

Imagawa Ujizane

Master of Kemari Who Survived the Sengoku Age

Born in 1538 as heir to Imagawa Yoshimoto, the dominant daimyo of the Tokaido. A

Honda Masanobu

Tokugawa's Chief Strategist

Born in 1538 as son of a Tokugawa retainer in Mikawa. In his youth he joined an

Hojo Ujimasa

Lord of Odawara

Born in 1538 as the second son of Hojo Ujiyasu, the 3rd head of the Go-Hojo clan

Goto Katsumoto

Lord of Mitsuboshi Castle

Lord of Mitsuboshi Castle in Mimasaka. He inherited the castle from his father G

Maeda Toshiie

Founder of the Million-Koku Kaga Domain

Born in 1538 in Arako Village, Owari Province, he served Oda Nobunaga from child

Chosokabe Motochika

Conqueror of Shikoku

Born in 1539 as the eldest son of Chosokabe Kunichika, a provincial lord of Tosa

Torii Mototada

The Loyal Retainer Who Fell at Fushimi Castle

Born in 1539 as heir to a Mikawa warrior. He served Tokugawa Ieyasu from childho

Hasegawa Tohaku

Master of 'Pine Forest Screen', Founder of the Hasegawa School

Born in 1539 in Nanao, Noto Province (today Nanao, Ishikawa), as the child of th

Shima Sakon (Katsutake)

The Prize Too Good for Mitsunari

The foremost senior retainer and supreme military advisor of Ishida Mitsunari. O

Honjo Shigenaga

Lord of Honjo Castle, Rebellious Warrior of Echigo

Born in 1540 as the son of Honjo Fusanaga, a local lord of Honjo in Echigo's Iwa

Ueno Takanori

Lord of Tsuneyama Castle

Lord of Tsuneyama Castle in Bitchu, heir of the local lord Ueno Takanao, from a

Toyama Toshikage

Defender of Akechi Castle, Founder of the Hatamoto Akechi-Toyama Family

A member of the Akechi Toyama clan of Mino Province. In 1574, when Takeda Katsuy

Toyotomi Hidenaga

Dainagon of Yamato

Born in 1540 in Owari Province as Hideyoshi's half-brother (different fathers).

Okumura Sukeemon

Most Loyal Retainer of the Maeda Clan

Born in 1541 in Owari Province (present-day Ichinomiya, Aichi). His given name w

Kuki Yoshitaka

The Strongest Pirate Lord of the Sengoku Era

Born in 1542 as heir to a local lord in Shima province. He emerged as the leader

Hattori Hanzo

Demon Hanzo

Born in 1542 in Mikawa Province as the son of Hattori Hanzo Yasunaga, who hailed

Hojo Ujiteru

Hojo Clan General Who Built Takiyama and Hachioji Castles

Born in 1542 as the third son of Hojo Ujiyasu, third head of the Later Hojo clan

Okamoto Yoshikatsu

Toyotomi Retainer Who Rebuilt Ise Kameyama Castle into an Early-Modern Fortress

Born in 1542 (some sources say 1544). He initially served Oda Nobutaka, but afte

Honganji Kennyo

Abbot of Ishiyama

Born in 1543 in Yamashina, Kyoto, as the eldest son of the 10th monshu Shonnyo o

Oda Nobukane

Nobunaga's Brother, from Adopted Heir of the Nagano Clan to Lord of Ise Anotsu Castle

Born in 1543 (some sources say 1548) as a younger brother of Oda Nobunaga. In Fe

Satomi Yoshiyori

7th Lord of the Awa Satomi Clan, Founder of Tateyama Castle

Born in 1543, believed to be the brother (or illegitimate son) of Satomi Yoshihi

Tokugawa Ieyasu

First Shogun of Edo

Born in 1543 at Okazaki Castle in Mikawa Province as the eldest son of Matsudair

Date Terumune

16th Head of the Date Clan

Born in 1544 as the eldest son of Date Harutane, 15th head of the Date clan. He

Takenaka Hanbei (Shigeharu)

Hideyoshi's Genius Strategist

Born in 1544 as the son of Takenaka Shigemoto, lord of Omido Castle in Mino Prov

Nobesawa Mitsunobu

Lord of Nobesawa and the Nobesawa Silver Mine

Born in 1544, Nobesawa Mitsunobu was the son of Nobesawa Satsuma no Kami Mitsush

Yamanoue Soji

Rikyu's Top Disciple, Author of Tea Records

Born to a merchant family in Sakai, he studied tea deeply under Sen no Rikyu and

Furuta Oribe

Namesake of Oribe Ware, Tea Master after Rikyu

Born in 1544 into a warrior family in Mino Province. He entered Rikyu's school a

Yamanaka Yukimori (Shikanosuke)

Loyal Retainer Who Devoted His Life to Reviving the Amago Clan

Born in 1545 as the son of Yamanaka Mitsuyuki, a retainer of the Amago clan. Kno

Tan Yosozaemon

Mogami Clan Retainer, Founder of Kaneyama Castle

A retainer of Mogami Yoshiaki, Tan Yosozaemon was ordered in 1581 to build a cas

Mashita Nagamori

One of the Five Commissioners

From Omi Province, exact birth year unknown. He entered Hideyoshi's service earl

Azai Nagamasa

Nobunaga's Brother-in-Law, Warrior of Loyalty

Born in 1545 into the Azai family of Ōmi Province, he inherited the family heads

Itakura Katsushige

First Kyōto Shoshidai

Of temple-warrior origin, he served Ieyasu and from 1601 held the office of Kyōt

Kuroda Kanbei

Hideyoshi's Strategist

Born in 1546 in Himeji, Harima, to the Kuroda family serving the Kodera clan. Hi

Mogami Yoshiaki

Warlord of Dewa

A daimyo of Dewa Province. Born the eldest son of Mogami Yoshimori, he suppresse

Nanbu Nobunao

Head of the Nanbu Clan, Founder of Morioka Domain

Head of the Nanbu clan, based at Sannohe in Mutsu Province (now Sannohe-cho, Aom

Yamauchi Kazutoyo

Founder of the Tosa Domain

Born in 1546 as the second son of a powerful Owari lord. After his father's deat

Hitotsuyanagi Naosue

One of Hideyoshi's Yellow Sashimono Guard, Fallen at Yamanaka Castle

Born in Nishino Village, Atsumi District, Mino Province (present-day Nishino-cho

Sen Shoan

Restorer of the Sen Family

Born around 1546 as the stepson of Rikyu's second wife Soen. He married Rikyu's

Sen Doan

Rikyu's Son, Sakai Sen Family

Born in 1546 as the biological son of Sen no Rikyu (by his first wife Hoshin Myo

Takeda Katsuyori

Head of Takeda Clan, Guardian of Kai

Born the fourth son of Takeda Shingen in Kai Province. Because his mother was th

Satake Yoshishige

Demon Yoshishige, Overlord of Northern Kanto

Lord of Mito in Hitachi Province, feared as 'Oni Yoshishige' (Demon Yoshishige)

Matsu

The Wise Wife Who Saved Kaga's Million Koku

Born in 1547 in Owari Province, the daughter of Shinohara Kazukazu. Raised in th

Maeda Hidetsugu

Lord of Kifune Castle, Toshiie's Youngest Brother

Maeda Hidetsugu's exact birth year is unknown. As Toshiie's youngest brother, he

Oda Urakusai

Founder of Uraku-ryū

Born in 1547 as Nagamasu, younger brother of Oda Nobunaga. During the Honnoji In

Asano Nagamasa

Chief of the Five Commissioners

Born in 1547 as the son of Yasui Shigetsugu in Owari Province, he was later adop

Maeda Matsu (Hoshun-in)

Wise Lady of Kaga's Million Koku

Born in 1547 as the daughter of the warrior Shinohara Kazukazu in Owari Province

Oichi no Kata

The Greatest Beauty of the Sengoku Age, Sister of Nobunaga

A woman of the Sengoku period, born a younger sister of Oda Nobunaga and celebra

Sanada Masayuki

Strategist of the Sanada Clan, Lord of Ueda Castle

Born third son of Sanada Yukitaka, who served Takeda Shingen and Katsuyori, in S

Takahashi Joun

The Loyal Warrior Who Fell at Iwaya Castle

Born in 1548 as the second son of Yoshihiro Akinao, a senior retainer of the Oto

Yoshihime

Mother of Masamune, Sister of Mogami Yoshiaki

Born the daughter of Mogami Yoshimori, lord of Yamagata Castle in Dewa Province,

Soma Yoshitane

Lord of Soma-Nakamura Castle

Lord of Soma district in Mutsu Province and the sixteenth head of the Soma clan.

Sakakibara Yasumasa

One of the Four Tokugawa Generals

Born in 1548 as heir to a Mikawa warrior. He served Tokugawa Ieyasu from childho

Mizoguchi Hidekazu

Founder of Shibata Domain, Builder of Shibata Castle

Born in 1548 in Owari Province, Mizoguchi Hidekazu served Oda Nobunaga and then

Honda Tadakatsu

Tokugawa Four Generals, Undefeated Warrior

Born in 1548 in Mikawa Province, he began serving Tokugawa Ieyasu at the age of

Oniniwa Tsunamoto

Date Diplomat

Born in 1549 as the son of Date retainer Oniniwa Yoshinao. He later took the nam

Tsutsui Junkei

Sengoku Lord of Yamato; Junkei of Dorogahara

A Sengoku warlord who controlled Yamato Province. He survived fierce conflicts f

Nanjo Mototsugu

Local Lord of Hoki Province, Head of the Nanjo Clan

The eldest son of Nanjo Munekatsu, lord of Hagiishi Castle. He inherited headshi

Matsura Shigenobu (Hoin)

First Lord of Hirado Domain, Founder of Hirado Castle

Born in 1549, Matsura Shigenobu headed the Matsura clan and ruled Hirado in Hize

Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro)

Kodai-in

Born around 1549 as the daughter of Sugihara Sadatoshi in Owari Province (some s

Kuriyama Zensuke

Chief Retainer of the Kuroda Clan

Born in Harima Province. Famous for his loyalty in protecting the Kuroda clan du

Ito Ittosai Kagehisa

Founder of Itto-ryu

Born around 1550 on Izu Oshima island, originally named Maeda Kagehisa. He grew

Kanki Yorisada

Lord of Kanki Castle, tragic figure of the Miki Campaign

Born in 1550 as the son of Kanki Yoriuji, lord of Kanki Castle. The Kanki family

Terashima Moritoku

Former Jinbo Retainer Who Held Tomisaki Castle

Terashima Moritoku's birth year is unknown; he went by the common name Ushinosuk

Tsugaru Tamenobu

Unifier of Tsugaru, First Lord of Hirosaki Domain

Born in 1550 (though his origins are disputed among sources), Tsugaru Tamenobu b

Miyoshi Yoshitsugu

Last Head of the Miyoshi Main Line

Born in 1551 as the son of Sogo Kazumasa, nephew of the great Miyoshi Nagayoshi,

Kaneko Motoie

Iyo Warrior Who Resisted the Conquest of Shikoku

Born in 1551 as the eldest son of Kaneko Motonari in Niihama District, Iyo Provi

Mori Motokiyo (Hoida Motokiyo)

Fourth Son of Mori Motonari, Lord of Sarukake Castle

Fourth son of the Aki warlord Mori Motonari. In 1568 he captured Sarukake Castle

Hatakeyama Yoshitsugu

Lord of Nihonmatsu, Perpetrator of the Awanokasu Incident

Lord of Nihonmatsu Castle in Mutsu Province, a descendant of the Nihonmatsu Hata

Takayama Ukon

Christian Daimyo, One of Rikyu's Seven

Born around 1552 into the family of the lord of Takatsuki Castle in Settsu. He c

Mori Terumoto

Commander-in-Chief of the Western Army

Born on January 22, 1553, as the eldest son of Mori Takamoto. His grandfather wa

Amago Katsuhisa

Leader of the Amago Restoration Army

Born into a branch of the Amago clan, Katsuhisa was made the figurehead of the m

Hori Hidemasa

"Master Kyūtarō"

Born in Mino. From page to Nobunaga, after Honnō-ji he served Hideyoshi and at a

Inoue Kurouemon

Three Elders of Kuroda, Brain of the Clan

A Kuroda retainer from Harima. Real name Yukifusa. A warrior of both sword and s

Wakisaka Yasuharu

One of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, Commander of the Awaji Naval Forces

Born in 1554 in Azai District, Omi Province (present-day Nagahama, Shiga Prefect

Daihoji Yoshioki

Lord of Maruoka, 18th Head of the Daihoji Clan

Daihoji Yoshioki was born as the younger brother of Daihoji Yoshiuji, 17th head

Uesugi Kagetora

Seventh son of Hōjō Ujiyasu, central figure of the Otate Disturbance

Born seventh son of Hōjō Ujiyasu, he was sent as adopted son of Uesugi Kenshin t

Yasuke

Nobunaga's African Retainer

Yasuke was an African man who served the Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga during th

Konishi Yukinaga

Christian Daimyo

Born around 1555 as the son of Konishi Ryusa, a wealthy medicine merchant in Sak

Ando Naotsugu

Tokugawa Ieyasu's Close Aide, Founder of Kishu-Tanabe Domain

Born in 1555, Ando Naotsugu served Tokugawa Ieyasu from a young age, fighting in

Todo Takatora

Master Castle Builder Who Served Seven Lords

Born in 1556 to a local lord in Omi. Said to have served seven masters—including

Uesugi Kagekatsu

Kenshin's Heir — The Silent Lord of Honor

Born in 1556 at Sakato Castle in Ueda, Echigo Province, as the second son of Nag

Gamo Ujisato

The Christian Lord of Letters and Arms

Born in 1556 as the eldest son of Gamo Katahide, lord of Hino Castle in Omi Prov

Mori Tahei

Three Elders of Kuroda, Hero of the Nihon-go Spear

A Kuroda retainer from Harima. His real name was Tomonobu. A giant of a man over

Jan Joosten van Lodensteijn

Dutch Navigator Who Gave Yaesu Its Name

Born around 1556 near Delft in the Netherlands. In 1598, he boarded the Liefde a

Toyama Tomomasa

First Lord of Naegi Domain Who Recaptured His Castle at Sekigahara

Head of the Naegi Toyama clan of Mino Province. In 1583 he was driven from Naegi

Katakura Kojuro

Wisdom of the Date

Born in 1557 in Dewa Province. His name was Katakura Kagetsuna. After serving Ma

Oda Nobutada

Heir of the Oda Clan, Commander in the Kishu Campaign

Born in 1557 as the eldest son of Oda Nobunaga, Nobutada was entrusted with part

Ishikawa Hisanori

Lord of Kozan Castle

Lord of Kozan Castle in Bitchu. He succeeded his father Hisatomo, who died from

Andō Shigenobu

Tokugawa retainer, lord of Kōzuke-Takasaki

A Mikawa fudai retainer. Earning martial honors under Ieyasu, he served at Sekig

Bessho Nagaharu

Lord of Miki Castle; Tragic Young Warrior

Lord of Miki Castle in Harima Province. He resisted Hashiba Hideyoshi's invasion

Kyonyo

Founder of Higashi Honganji

Born in 1558 as the eldest son of Kennyo, the 11th head of Honganji. During the

Mori Nagayoshi

The "Demon Musashi," Lord of Kaneyama Castle

Son of Mori Yoshinari, lord of Kaneyama Castle in Mino, and elder brother of Mor

Oda Nobutaka (Kanbe Nobutaka)

Nobunaga's Third Son, Adopted Heir of the Kanbe Clan

Born in 1558 as the third son of Oda Nobunaga. In February 1568, when Nobunaga p

Hon'ami Kōetsu

Universal Genius

Born in 1558 into the Hon'ami family, renowned sword appraisers of Kyoto. While

Hachisuka Iemasa

First Lord of Awa-Tokushima Domain

Born in 1558 in Owari Province as the eldest son of Hachisuka Masakatsu (Koroku)

Otani Yoshitsugu

The General Who Died for Honor

Born around 1559, likely in Omi Province, he served Hashiba Hideyoshi from youth

Matsudaira Nobuyasu

The Tragic Tokugawa Heir

Born in 1559 as Tokugawa Ieyasu's eldest son. His mother was Lady Tsukiyama. Int

Ito Suketaka

First Lord of the Obi Domain, Restorer of the Ito Clan

Born in 1559 as the son of Ito Yoshisuke, 16th head of the Hyuga Ito clan, Ito S

Goto Mototsugu

Spear Matabei; Fierce Warrior of the Osaka Sieges

A fierce warrior known as the foremost senior retainer of the Kuroda clan, nickn

Goto Matabei

Fierce General of the Kuroda

Born in 1560 in Harima Province as the son of Goto Motokuni. His real name was M

Oguni Akimoto

Founder of Oguni Castle

Oguni Akimoto was the heir of Kurazo Awa no Kami, a retainer of the Mogami clan.

Yokota Muneshun

Uesugi Clan Retainer, Lord of Nakayama Castle

A retainer of Uesugi Kagekatsu, Yokota Muneshun became lord of Nakayama Castle i

Ishida Mitsunari

Leader of the Western Army at Sekigahara

Born in Sakata District, Omi Province (present-day Nagahama, Shiga), he was disc

Naoe Kanetsugu

The Great Administrator of Uesugi Who Bore the "Love" Helmet

Born in 1560 in Uonuma District, Echigo Province (present-day Niigata Prefecture

Fukushima Masanori

Seven Spears of Shizugatake

Born in 1561 in Owari, a distant relative of Hideyoshi. Serving near Hideyoshi f

Kurushima Michifusa

Last Lord of the Kurushima Navy

Born in 1561 as the fourth son of Murakami Michiyasu, head of the Kurushima Mura

Kikkawa Hiroie

Lord of Iwakuni, Kinsman-General of the Mori

The third son of Kikkawa Motoharu, Hiroie became head of the Kikkawa house in 15

Ii Naomasa

One of the Tokugawa Four Generals

Born in 1561 into the Ii family of Tōtōmi Province, he lost his father young and

Maeda Toshinaga

Second Lord of the Million-Koku Kaga Domain

Born in 1562 as heir to Maeda Toshiie, the lord who established the million-koku

Kato Kiyomasa

Tiger-Hunting Warrior, Lord of Higo

Born in Nakamura, Aichi District, Owari Province (present-day Nakamura Ward, Nag

Hosokawa Tadaoki

Founder of Sansai Tea and the Jealous Warrior

Born in 1563 as heir to Hosokawa Fujitaka (Yusai). He married Tama (later Gracia

Kato Yoshiaki

Seven Spears of Shizugatake, Founder of Matsuyama Castle

Born in 1563, Kato Yoshiaki served Toyotomi Hideyoshi from a young age. At the B

Hosokawa Sansai

Founder of Sansai-ryu, Husband of Gracia

Born in 1563 as the eldest son of Hosokawa Fujitaka (Yusai), his given name was

Ueda Sōko

Warrior Tea Master

Born in 1563 into the household of a retainer of Niwa Nagahide, he eventually ca

Hosokawa Gracia

Daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide, Wife of Hosokawa Tadaoki

Born the third daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide, she married Hosokawa Tadaoki. After

Mizuno Katsunari

Oni Hyūga, First Lord of Fukuyama Domain

Born in 1564 as the heir of Mizuno Tadashige, lord of Kariya Castle in Mikawa Pr

William Adams (Miura Anjin)

The Blue-Eyed Samurai

William Adams was born in 1564 in Gillingham, Kent, in southeastern England. App

Seki Kazumasa

Founder of the Kurosaka Domain, Lord of Kagamiyama Castle

The son of Seki Morinobu, lord of Kameyama Castle in Ise. Though he had become a

Yamaguchi Shigemasa

Defender of Ono Castle in the Kanie Campaign, Founder of Ushiku Domain

Lord of Ono Castle in Kaifu District, Owari Province. During the Kanie Castle ca

Ikeda Terumasa

The Western Shogun Who Built Himeji Castle

Born in 1565 as the second son of Ikeda Tsuneoki, a senior Oda retainer. He inhe

Mori Ranmaru

Nobunaga's Loyal Page

Born in 1565 in Mino Province as the third son of Mori Yoshinari, a retainer of

Honda Masazumi

Rebuilder of Utsunomiya Castle

Born in 1565 as the eldest son of Honda Masanobu, a chief retainer of Tokugawa I

Toku-hime

Second daughter of Ieyasu, wife of Ikeda Terumasa

Second daughter of Ieyasu. First married to Hōjō Ujinao but separated at the fal

Sanada Nobuyuki

Guardian of the Sanada

Born in 1566 as the eldest son of Sanada Masayuki. His younger brother was Sanad

Tozawa Moriyasu

The "Demon Kuro" of Kitaura

Born in February 1566 at Kakunodate Castle as the son of Tozawa Michimori, 16th

Torii Tadamasa

First Lord of Iwakitaira and Yamagata Domains

Born in Mikawa Province as the second son of Torii Mototada, a senior hereditary

Shiga Chikatsugu

The Unbreakable Young Warrior Who Held Oka Castle

Born in 1566 (though the exact year is disputed) into the Shiga family, senior r

Date Masamune

One-Eyed Dragon

Born in 1567 as the eldest son of Date Terumune, 16th head of the Date clan in Y

Tachibana Muneshige

Greatest Samurai of the West

Born in 1567 as the eldest son of Takahashi Joun, lord of Iwaya Castle in Chikug

Togawa Tatsuyasu

First Lord of Niwase Domain

Eldest son of Togawa Hideyasu, a senior retainer of the Ukita clan. Holding a fi

Sanada Yukimura

Japan's Greatest Warrior, Hero of the Osaka Campaign

A warrior of the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, born the second son of the

Date Shigezane

Fierce General of the Date

Born in 1568 as the eldest son of Date Sanetsuna, younger brother of Terumune, m

Megohime

Principal Wife of Date Masamune

Born the only daughter of Tamura Kiyoaki, a powerful daimyo of Tamura district i

Kuroda Nagamasa

First Lord of Chikuzen Fukuoka

Born in 1568 as heir to Kuroda Kanbei (Josui), Toyotomi Hideyoshi's renowned str

Maeda Toshihide

Castellan of Imaisurugi Castle, Nephew of Maeda Toshiie

Born in 1568 as the son of Maeda Hidetsugu, Toshiie's youngest brother, Toshihid

Toyotomi Hidetsugu

Kampaku (Imperial Regent)

Born in 1568 as the son of Hideyoshi's elder sister Nisshu-ni, his childhood nam

Niwa Ujishige

The 16-Year-Old Who Died Defending Iwasaki Castle

Younger brother of Niwa Ujitsugu, lord of Iwasaki Castle in Owari. During the 15

Oba Yoshinari

Castellan of Odate, Akita Domain

Born in 1569 into the Oba family, a branch of the Satake clan. After his lord Sa

Yodo-dono

Concubine of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

A woman of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, born as Chacha, daughter of Azai Nagamasa

Iwaki Tsunetaka

Head of the Iwaki Clan

Head of the Iwaki clan, lords of Iwamae district in Mutsu Province. The Iwaki we

Mori Tadamasa

Founding Lord of Tsuyama Castle

Sixth son of Oda Nobunaga's retainer Mori Yoshinari, and younger brother of Mori

Shimazu Toyohisa

Lord of Sadowara Castle, the Young Warrior Who Fell at Sekigahara

Born in 1570 as the son of Shimazu Iehisa, Shimazu Toyohisa was a nephew of Shim

Tawaraya Sōtatsu

Founder of Rinpa

A genius painter whose birth and death dates, birthplace, and detailed biography

Hatsu-hime

Jōkō-in, second of the three Asai sisters

Second daughter of Asai Nagamasa and Oichi, sister of Yodo and Gō. As the princi

Mizuno Shigenaka

Attached Elder of Kishu Domain, Lord of Shingu Castle

Born in Owari Province in 1570, Mizuno Shigenaka had an audience with Tokugawa I

Hasekura Tsunenaga

Keicho Embassy to Europe

Born around 1571 as a samurai of Mutsu Province, he became a retainer of Date Ma

Yagyū Munenori

Swordsmanship Instructor to the Shogun

Born in 1571 in Yagyū-no-Shō, Yamato Province (modern Nara Prefecture), he studi

Ukita Hideie

Chancellor of Bizen

Born in 1572 as the heir of Ukita Naoie, lord of Okayama Castle in Bizen Provinc

Izumo no Okuni

Founder of Kabuki

Said to be from Izumo Province and reportedly a shrine maiden of Izumo Grand Shr

Sengoku & Azuchi-Momoyama

SENGOKU

— 31

Go (Sugen-in)

Youngest of the Azai Three Sisters, Wife of Second Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada

The third daughter of Azai Nagamasa and Oda Nobunaga's sister Oichi, and the you

Takuan Sōhō

Zen Master of Sword and Spirit

Born in 1573 in Izushi, Tajima Province (modern Hyōgo). He was ordained at ten a

Yuki Hideyasu

Second Son of Ieyasu and Founder of Echizen Fukui

Born in 1574 as Tokugawa Ieyasu's second son. In childhood he was sent as an ado

Hashiba Hideyasu (Yūki Hideyasu)

Second son of Ieyasu, adopted by the Yūki

Second son of Ieyasu. Adopted first by Hideyoshi (taking the Hashiba surname) an

Ashina Yoshihiro

Last Head of the Ashina Clan

Born the second son of Satake Yoshishige, a powerful daimyo of Hitachi Province.

Mori Katsunaga

Unsung Hero of Osaka

Born in 1577 in Owari as the son of Mori Katsushin. He served Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Junnyo

12th Head of Honganji

Born in 1577 as the third son of Kennyo, the 11th head of Honganji. When his eld

Sen Sotan

Beggar Sotan, Patriarch of Three Sen Houses

Born in 1578 as the son of Sen Shoan and grandson of Sen no Rikyu. After his fat

Tokugawa Hidetada

The Dutiful Shogun

Born in 1579 as the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Totomi Province. During the

Mori Hidemoto

First Lord of the Chofu Domain

Eldest son of Hoida Motokiyo, fourth son of Mori Motonari. He was for a time the

Kobori Enshū

Master of Kirei-sabi

Born in 1579 as the eldest son of the Kobori clan of Omi Province, given name Ma

Kasuga no Tsubone

Wet Nurse of Tokugawa Iemitsu, Power of the Ooku

Born the daughter of Saito Toshimitsu, a warrior of Mino Province. Because her f

Suzuki Shōsan

Samurai turned Zen monk

A Mikawa hatamoto who served at Sekigahara and Osaka before taking vows at 42. H

Matsudaira Tadayoshi

Fourth son of Ieyasu, lord of Kiyosu (520,000 koku)

Fourth son of Ieyasu and son-in-law of Ii Naomasa. At Sekigahara he led the vang

Kobayakawa Hideaki

The Betrayer at Sekigahara

The nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife Nene. Inheriting the Kobayakawa family a

Shōkadō Shōjō

Three Brushes of the Kan'ei Era

Born around 1582, said to be from Sakai or Settsu. He took holy orders in childh

Hayashi Razan

Tokugawa Shogunal Confucian, Establisher of Zhu Xi Learning as Official Doctrine

Born in 1583 into a masterless-samurai household in Kyoto. His childhood name wa

Miyamoto Musashi

Sword Saint

A legendary swordsman said to have been born in Harima or Mimasaka Province, wit

Kanamori Sōwa

Hime Sōwa (Princess Sōwa)

Born in 1584 as the eldest son and heir of Kanamori Arishige, lord of Hida-Takay

Tozawa Masamori

Lord of Hitachi Matsuoka, Founder of Shinjo Domain

Born in 1585 as the son of Tozawa Moriyasu, Masamori's succession was initially

Koide Yoshihide

Lord of Tajima who built Izushi Castle

Born in Osaka in 1587 as the son of Koide Yoshimasa, a cousin of Toyotomi Hideyo

Rusu Muneyoshi (Date Muneyoshi)

First Lord of the Mizusawa-Date House

Born as the eldest son of Rusu Masakage, lord of Toshiro Castle in Miyagi and un

Ina Tadaharu

Kanto Administrator and Master of Flood Control

Born in 1592 as the second son of Kanto administrator (Kanto-gundai) Ina Tadatsu

Matsudaira Tadateru

Sixth Son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Lord of Takada Castle

Born in 1592 as the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tadateru was granted the Takad

Ingen

Founder of Ōbaku Zen, Ming Chinese Monk in Japan

Born in 1592 in Fuqing, Fujian Province, Ming China. He became abbot of Huangbos

Sen Soshu (Ichio)

Founder of Mushanokoji-senke, Kankyuan

Born in 1593 as the second son of Sen Sotan, with the go name Ichio. In his youn

Toyotomi Hideyori

Lord of Osaka Castle

Born at Osaka Castle in 1593 as the second son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (effectivel

Irohahime

Eldest Daughter of Masamune

Born around 1594 as the eldest daughter of Date Masamune. Her childhood name was

Ogasawara Tadazane

First lord of the Kokura domain

Son of Ogasawara Hidemasa, his mother an adopted daughter of Hidetada. He saw hi

Honda Tadatoki

Husband of Sen-hime, heir of Himeji domain

Eldest son of Honda Tadamasa. In 1616 he married the widowed Sen-hime after the

Sen-hime

Eldest daughter of Hidetada, wife of Toyotomi Hideyori

Eldest daughter of Shōgun Hidetada and Sūgen-in. At seven she was married to her

Edo

EDO

— 191

Tokugawa Iemitsu

Third Shogun of Edo

Born in Edo as the eldest son of Tokugawa Hidetada, he was raised primarily by h

Katagiri Sekishū

Tea Instructor to the Shogun

Born in 1605 as the son of Katagiri Sadataka, lord of Koizumi Domain in Yamato.

Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi

The One-Eyed Swordmaster

Born in 1607 as the eldest son of Yagyu Munenori, master of the Yagyu Shinkage-r

Nakae Toju

Saint of Omi, Father of Japanese Yomeigaku

Born in 1608 as the eldest son of the farmer Nakae Yoshitsugu in Ogawa village,

Yamazaki Ansai

Founder of the Kimon School and Suika Shinto

Born in 1619 into a family of acupuncturists in Kyoto. As a child he entered Hie

Sen Sosa (Koshin)

Founder of Omotesenke, Fushin-an

Born in 1619 as the third son of Sen Sotan, with the go name Koshin. When his fa

Amakusa Shiro

Charismatic Leader of the Shimabara Rebellion

Believed born around 1621 (some sources say 1623) in Amakusa, Higo Province (pre

Sen Soshitsu (Senso)

Founder of Urasenke, Konnichi-an

Born in 1622 as the fourth son of Sen Sotan, with the go name Senso. When his fa

Ito Jinsai

Founder of the Kogigaku School, Master of Kyoto Horikawa Kogido

Born in 1627 as the eldest son of the lumber merchant Tsuruya Shichiuemon in Hor

Nanbu Naofusa

First Lord of Hachinohe Domain

Born in 1628 as the seventh son of Nanbu Toshinao, second lord of the Morioka do

Tokugawa Mitsukuni

2nd Lord of Mito & Compiler of Dai Nihon Shi

Second lord of Mito domain in the early Edo period. Born third son of Tokugawa Y

Tetsugen Dōkō

Ōbaku monk who published the Tetsugen Tripitaka

Born in Higo. Trained under the Ōbaku masters Ingen and Mokuan, he devoted his l

Kaibara Ekiken

Author of the Yōjōkun

A Confucian scholar of Chikuzen Fukuoka. Building on Zhu Xi philosophy, he wrote

So Yoshizane

Third Lord of Tsushima-Fuchu Domain, Rebuilder of Kaneishi Castle

Born in 1639, So Yoshizane was the third lord of the Tsushima-Fuchu domain. Afte

Nonomura Ninsei

Master of Overglaze Enamel Ceramics

Exact dates unknown. Believed to be from Nonomura in Tanba Province (present-day

Tokugawa Ietsuna

Fourth Shogun, Beginning of Civil Rule

Born in 1641 as the eldest son of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, Ietsuna bec

Matsuo Bashō

Sage of Haiku & Founder of the Shōfū Style

A haiku poet of the early Edo period, born in Iga-Ueno (present-day Iga City, Mi

Tokugawa Tsunayoshi

Dog Shōgun

The fifth shogun of the Edo Shogunate (r. 1680–1709), born the fourth son of Tok

Chikamatsu Monzaemon

Master Playwright of Jōruri and Kabuki

A playwright of the early Edo period, born in Echizen Province (present-day Fuku

Arai Hakuseki

Confucian scholar-statesman of the Shōtoku reforms

Studied Zhu Xi Confucianism under Kinoshita Jun'an and as lecturer to Shōguns To

Ogata Korin

Master of the Rimpa School, 'Irises' and 'Red and White Plum Blossoms'

Born in 1658 (Manji 1) as the second son of 'Karigane-ya,' a high-class kimono m

Muro Kyūsō

Confucian scholar of the Shōtoku-Kyōhō era

A disciple of Kinoshita Jun'an, fellow student with Arai Hakuseki. He took part

Oishi Kuranosuke

Leader of the 47 Ronin

Chief retainer of Ako Domain, he loyally served his lord Asano Naganori. In 1701

Tokugawa Ienobu

Architect of Shotoku Reform

Born in 1662 as the eldest son of Tokugawa Tsunashige, lord of Kofu. He became t

Ogata Kenzan

Master of Free-spirited Tea Ceramics

Born in 1663 as the fourth son of Kariganeya, a wealthy Kyoto textile merchant f

Ogyu Sorai

Kobunjigaku Master, Head of the Kenenjuku

Born in 1666 in Edo as the second son of Ogyu Hoan, physician to the fifth shogu

Ooka Echizen (Tadasuke)

The Wise Magistrate

Born in 1677 as the fourth son of the hatamoto Ooka Tadataka. In 1712, he was ap

Tokugawa Yoshimune

8th Shōgun & Kyōhō Reforms

The 8th shōgun of the Edo shogunate, elevated from lord of Kii domain (assumed o

Hakuin Ekaku

Restorer of Rinzai Zen

Born in Suruga. Took vows at 15 and wandered the country, developing his own kōa

Kamo no Mabuchi

One of the Four Great Kokugaku Scholars, founder of Man'yōshū studies

Born to a Shintō priestly family in Hamamatsu, Tōtōmi. Studied under Kada no Azu

Tokugawa Ietsugu

Youngest Shogun in History

Born in 1709 as the fourth son of the 6th shogun Tokugawa Ienobu. With his older

Tokugawa Ieshige

The Voiceless Shogun

Born in 1712 as the eldest son of the 8th shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune. He suffered

Sakai Tadayoshi

3rd Lord of Dewa-Matsuyama Domain, Shogunal Councilor

Born in 1714, Sakai Tadayoshi succeeded to the headship as adopted heir in 1732,

Ito Jakuchu

Eccentric Painter of the Mid-Edo Period, the Doshoku Sai-e

Born in 1716 (Shotoku 6) as the eldest son of the greengrocer 'Masuya' in Nishik

Yosa Buson

Haiku poet and master of nanga painting

Born in Kema, Settsu. Studied haikai in Edo and mastered literati painting in Ky

Kawakami Fuhaku

Founder of Edo Senke, Tea Master and Haiku Poet

Born in 1719 as the second son of Kawakami Gorosaku, a retainer of the Kii-Shing

Tanuma Okitsugu

Era of Tanuma, Mercantilism

Born in 1719 into a family of low-ranking hatamoto, he served as a page to Shogu

Maeno Ryōtaku

Lead Translator of Kaitai Shinsho

Born in 1723 as a physician of the Nakatsu domain in Buzen. Drawn to Rangaku fro

Ike no Taiga

Twin pillar of nanga painting

Born in Kyoto. He studied under Yanagisawa Kien and brought nanga (literati pain

Hiraga Gennai

Leonardo da Vinci of Edo

Born in 1728 into the family of a low-ranking samurai in Takamatsu Domain, Sanuk

Motoori Norinaga

Great Master of Kokugaku, Author of the 'Kojiki-den'

Born in 1730 in Matsuzaka in Ise Province (today Matsusaka, Mie) as the second s

Sugita Genpaku

Translator of Kaitai Shinsho / Father of Rangaku

Born in 1733 into the family of a domain physician in Obama Domain, Wakasa Provi

Maruyama Ōkyo

Founder of the Maruyama school, innovator of sketch-based painting

Born in Tanba. Trained in Kanō, Western, and Chinese styles, he established a re

Tokugawa Ieharu

The Shogi Shogun

Born in 1737 as the eldest son of the 9th shogun Tokugawa Ieshige. He was doted

Ino Tadataka

Father of Japanese Cartography

Born in Yamabe District, Kazusa Province (Chiba), he was adopted as a son-in-law

Hanawa Hokiichi

Blind Kokugaku Scholar — Compiler of the Gunsho Ruiju. The Man Helen Keller Called "My Teacher"

Born in Kodama District, Musashi Province (present-day Honjo City, Saitama), Han

Hanawa Hokiichi

Compiler of the Gunsho Ruijū

Born in Kodama, Musashi. Blinded at seven, he came to Edo, studied Kokugaku, and

Tsutaya Juzaburo

Media King of Edo

Born in 1750 inside the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter of Edo, Tsutaya grew up where

Naito Satofumi

Second Lord of Koromo Domain, Builder of Shichishu Castle

Second lord of Koromo Domain in Mikawa Province. After the domain's previous sea

Matsudaira Fumai

Restorer of Tea Culture

Born in 1751 as the seventh lord of Matsue Domain in Izumo Province, given name

Kitagawa Utamaro

Ukiyo-e master of bijin-ga

Birthplace and origins uncertain. Discovered by the publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō,

Ryōkan

Wandering monk-poet of Echigo

Born to the headman of Izumozaki in Echigo and trained under the Sōtō master Dai

Matsudaira Sadanobu

Kansei Reforms

Born in 1759 as a grandson of the eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, he became lo

Hanaoka Seishū

Surgeon Who Performed the World's First General Anesthesia Surgery

Born in 1760 into a medical family at Hirayama in Naga district, Kii province (p

Katsushika Hokusai

Master of Ukiyo-e

An ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period, born in Honjo, Edo (present-day Sumida

Kobayashi Issa

Edo-Era Haiku Poet of Compassion for the Weak

Born on the fifth day of the fifth month of 1763 (Horeki 13) as the eldest son o

Tani Bunchō

Master of Edo-period nanga

Born in Edo. Served Matsudaira Sadanobu and painted for the Shūko Jusshu catalog

Tokugawa Ienari

The 50-Year Overlord

Born in 1773 as the eldest son of Hitotsubashi Harusada. He became the 11th shog

Hirata Atsutane

Restoration Shinto Master of Ibukinoya, Source of Late-Tokugawa Revere-the-Emperor Thought

Born in 1776 as the fourth son of the low-ranking samurai Owada Seibei of Kubota

Mamiya Rinzo

Sakhalin Explorer / Mamiya Strait

Born into a farming family in Tsukuba District, Hitachi Province (Ibaraki Prefec

Rai San'yō

Author of the Nihon Gaishi

Born into a Confucian scholar family of Aki Hiroshima. Over more than twenty yea

Hirose Tanso

Master of Kangien, Educator of Japan's Largest Private Academy

Born in 1782 as the eldest son of the wealthy merchant Hakataya in Hita in Bungo

Ninomiya Sontoku

Thinker of Hotoku (Repaying Virtue), Saint of Rural Revival

Born in 1787 to a farming family in Kayama village, Ashigara-kami District, Saga

Ema Saikō

Late-Edo woman poet of Chinese verse and nanga painter

Daughter of a physician in Ōgaki, Mino. Studied under Rai San'yō and remained un

Tokugawa Ieyoshi

Shogun on the Eve of the Black Ships

Born in 1793 as the second son of the 11th shogun Ienari. He became the 12th sho

Watanabe Kazan

Tahara Domain Elder and Rangaku Scholar Destroyed by the Bansha no Goku

Chief retainer of Tahara Domain in Mikawa Province, as well as a painter and sch

Commodore Matthew Perry

The Man Who Opened Japan

Born in 1794 in Newport, Rhode Island, into a naval family — his brother Oliver

Mizuno Tadakuni

Tenpō Reforms

Born in 1794 as the eldest son of Hamana domain lord Mizuno Tadamitsu, he became

Philipp Franz von Siebold

Dutch Factory Physician and Founder of Narutaki-juku

Born in 1796 to a medical family in Würzburg, Germany. He studied medicine and n

Utagawa Hiroshige

Ukiyo-e Master, Creator of the Fifty-three Stations

Born in Yaesu-kawagishi, Edo (present-day Chuo Ward, Tokyo), the eldest son of A

Katsushika Oi

Genius of Light / Hokusai's Daughter

Born around 1800 as the second daughter of the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai

Tokugawa Nariaki

9th Lord of Mito Domain

The ninth lord of Mito Domain. As the spiritual pillar of the Sonno Joi (Revere

Itō Genboku

Chief Shogunal Physician, Founder of Otamagaike Vaccination Center

Born in 1801 to a farming family in the domain of Saga in Hizen. Setting himself

Takano Chōei

Rangaku Scholar Felled in the Bansha no Goku

Born in 1804 at Mizusawa in Mutsu province (present-day Ōshū, Iwate). He studied

Townsend Harris

First US Consul General to Japan Who Negotiated the Harris Treaty

Born in New York State in 1804. After a successful business career, he was appoi

Shimazu Nariakira

One of the Four Wise Lords and Pioneer of Modernization

The eleventh lord of Satsuma Domain, he had a deep interest in Dutch learning an

Yokoi Shonan

Enlightened Confucian Scholar and Political Thinker of the Bakumatsu

Born in Higo Province, Kumamoto Domain (present-day Kumamoto City), he studied a

Ogata Koan

Dutch-medicine Physician and Founder of Tekijuku

Born in Bitchu Province (present-day Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture), he stud

Kunisada Chuji

The Righteous Outlaw of Akagi — "Tonight is my last night on these mountains"

Born into a farming family in Isesaki, Kozuke Province (present-day Gunma Prefec

Sakuma Shozan

Pioneer of Opening Japan

A samurai of the Matsushiro domain in Shinano Province (modern Nagano). A child

James Curtis Hepburn

Medical Missionary, Founder of Meiji Gakuin, Hepburn Romanization

Born on March 13, 1815, in Milton, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Princeton Univers

Ii Naosuke

Tairō (Chief Minister)

Born the fourteenth son of the Hikone domain lord, he spent many years as a 'roo

Nagai Naoyuki

Hakodate Magistrate of the Ezo Republic, Commander of Benten Daiba

Born in 1816 as the son of Matsudaira Noritada, fifth lord of the Okudono domain

Shimazu Hisamitsu

Power Broker of Satsuma Domain

The younger brother of the eleventh Satsuma lord Shimazu Nariakira, Hisamitsu co

Itakura Katsukiyo

Senior Shogunate Elder and Final Bakufu Leader

Lord of Matsuyama Domain in Bitchu Province (present-day Takahashi City, Okayama

Katsu Kaishu

Bloodless Surrender of Edo

Born in 1823 in Honjo, Edo, to a low-ranking bannerman family. He studied Dutch

Tokugawa Iesada

The Frail Shogun

Born in 1824 as the fourth son of the 12th shogun Ieyoshi. Sickly from childhood

Omura Masujiro

Founder of the Modern Imperial Japanese Army

Born to a village physician's family in Suo Province (present-day Yamaguchi Pref

Iwakura Tomomi

Court Noble Leader of the Meiji Restoration

Born the second son of the minor court noble Horikawa Yasuchika, he was adopted

Serizawa Kamo

First Commander of the Shinsengumi

A master of the Shinto Munen-ryu swordsmanship from Hitachi Province. When the s

Kusumoto Ine

Japan's First Female Obstetrician

Born in Nagasaki in 1827 as the daughter of Siebold and Kusumoto Taki, a courtes

Kawai Tsuginosuke

Chief Retainer of Nagaoka Domain, Advocate of Armed Neutrality

Born to a mid-ranking retainer family in Nagaoka Domain, Echigo Province, he stu

Yamauchi Yodo

One of the Four Wise Lords, Tosa Domain Lord who Realized the Taisei Hokan

The fifteenth lord of Tosa Domain, his pen name was Yodo and he also styled hims

John Manjiro (Nakahama Manjiro)

Japan's First Officially Recognized American Visitor and Bakumatsu Interpreter

Born to a fishing family in Nakahama Village, Hata District, Tosa Province (pres

Oguri Tadamasa

Modernizer of the Shogunate

A shogunate official of the Bakumatsu era, called a forerunner of modernization

John Manjiro

From Fisherman to Interpreter

Born the son of a poor fisherman in Nakanohama village, Tosa Province (Kochi Pre

Matsudaira Shungaku

One of Four Wise Lords of Bakumatsu

Born into the Tayasu branch of the Tokugawa family, he became lord of Fukui Doma

Saigō Takamori

One of the Three Heroes of the Meiji Restoration

From Satsuma domain (present-day Kagoshima). Discovered by Shimazu Nariakira, he

Nishi Amane

Coiner of 'Tetsugaku' and 'Kagaku', Member of the Meirokusha

Born in 1829 as the eldest son of Nishi Tokinori, a Chinese-medicine physician o

Takechi Hanpeita

Leader of the Tosa Loyalist Party

An upper-class samurai of Tosa Domain, also known by the pen name Zuizan. He was

Matsumae Takahiro

Builder of Matsumae Castle, Bakumatsu-era Senior Councilor

Born in 1829 as the sixth son of Matsumae Akihiro, ninth lord of the Matsumae do

Yoshida Shōin

Teacher of Shōkasonjuku, Pioneer of Anti-Shogunate Thought

A thinker and educator of the late Edo period, from the Chōshū domain (present-d

Ōkubo Toshimichi

Architect of Modern Japan — One of the Three Great Heroes of the Restoration

A Satsuma samurai and statesman of the Bakumatsu and Meiji periods, childhood fr

Kawanabe Kyosai

The "Demon Painter" of the Meiji Era — Master of Josiah Conder

Born in Koga in Shimosa Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture), Kawanabe Kyos

Nakamura Masanao

Translator of 'Saikoku Risshihen', Member of the Meirokusha

Born in 1832 in Edo as the eldest son of the shogunal retainer Nakamura Buhei. H

Tanaka Shinbei

Satsuma Assassin

A samurai of Satsuma Domain who became feared in Bakumatsu Kyoto as the "Satsuma

Yamanami Keisuke

Shinsengumi General Commander / Vice Commander

A swordsman from Sendai domain, he held full mastery of Tennen Rishin-ryu. He tr

Kido Takayoshi (Katsura Kogoro)

The 'Wisdom' of the Three Great Meiji Statesmen — Choshu's Architect of the Satcho Alliance and the Abolition of Feudal Domains

Born in 1833 in Hagi, the eldest son of a Choshu domain physician, he was adopte

Otori Keisuke

Shogunate Infantry Commander and Meiji Diplomat

Born to a family of Dutch scholars and physicians in Ako District, Harima Provin

Katsura Kogorō

Kido Takayoshi — One of the Three Great Heroes of the Meiji Restoration

A Chōshū samurai and statesman of the Bakumatsu and Meiji periods, known by his

Kondo Isami

Shinsengumi Commander

Born to a farming family in Kamiiishihara Village, Tama District, Musashi Provin

Kawakami Gensai

Gensai the Assassin

A samurai of Higo Domain who became notorious as an assassin of the pro-emperor

Maebara Issei

Shoka Sonjuku Hero and Leader of the Hagi Rebellion

Born to a Choshu samurai family, he studied under Yoshida Shoin at the Shoka Son

Hashimoto Sanai

Loyalist and Physician

Born the son of a Fukui domain retainer, he wrote "Keihatsuroku" (Record of Self

Etō Shinpei

Meiji Minister of Justice, leader of the Saga Rebellion

A samurai of Saga. After the Restoration he served as first Minister of Justice,

Iwasaki Yataro

Founder of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu, Shipping King

Born in 1835 in Inokuchi village, Aki District, Tosa Province, into the house of

Komatsu Tatewaki

Satsuma Domain Elder and Promoter of the Satcho Alliance

Born to a senior Satsuma retainer family, lords of the Yoshitoshi domain, he was

Matsudaira Katamori

Lord of Aizu Domain and Protector of Kyoto

Born in Mino Takasu Domain, he was adopted by Matsudaira Katayuki, lord of Aizu

Matsukata Masayoshi

Finance Minister; 4th and 6th Prime Minister

A Meiji-era financier and politician from Satsuma domain. As Finance Minister he

Hijikata Toshizo

Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi

Born into a farming family in Ishida village, Tama District, Musashi Province (p

Fukuzawa Yukichi

Encouragement of Learning – Enlightenment Thinker of Modern Japan

A thinker, educator, and journalist of the late Edo and Meiji periods. Born in B

Nicholas of Japan

Russian Orthodox Missionary, Builder of the Nikolai-do Cathedral

Born in 1836 in the village of Beryoza, Smolensk Governorate, Russian Empire. Hi

Atsuhime

Tensho-in

Born into the Imaizumi Shimazu branch family of Satsuma, she was adopted by doma

Inoue Kaoru

Meiji Economic Diplomat

Born to a Choshu samurai family, he studied at Yoshida Shoin's Shoka Sonjuku and

Godai Tomoatsu

Father of Osaka Commerce

A Satsuma domain retainer who became a businessman and diplomat. Taken prisoner

Sakamoto Ryoma

Architect of the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance

Born in Kochi, Tosa Domain (present-day Kochi city), the second son of country s

Enomoto Takeaki

Battle of Hakodate, President of Republic of Ezo

Born in 1836 into a gokenin family of the Edo Shogunate, he studied navigation a

Yamaoka Tesshū

Master of sword, Zen, and calligraphy; envoy of the bloodless surrender of Edo

A shogunal vassal. In 1868, sent by Katsu Kaishū, he met Saigō Takamori at Sumpu

Okura Kihachiro

Founder of the Okura Zaibatsu and Tokyo University of Economics

Born in 1837 into a village-headman family in Shibata, Kanbara District, Echigo

Sanjo Sanetomi

First Grand Minister of State in Meiji Japan

Born into the prestigious noble house of Sanjo, he was active as a loyalist cour

Itagaki Taisuke

Father of the Freedom and People's Rights Movement

Born to an upper-rank Tosa samurai family, he served as a commander of imperial

Irie Kyuichi

Hero of the Shoka Sonjuku

Born to a Choshu samurai family, he was one of the outstanding disciples who stu

Tokugawa Yoshinobu

Last Shogun

Born in 1837 as the seventh son of Tokugawa Nariaki, lord of the Mito domain. Mi

Okuma Shigenobu

Founder of Waseda University, Two-Time Prime Minister

Born in 1838 into a samurai family of Saga Domain in Hizen. After studying Neo-C

Yasuda Zenjiro

Founder of the Yasuda Zaibatsu, Donor of the Tokyo University Yasuda Auditorium

Born in 1838 as the eldest son of Yasuda Zen'etsu, a low-ranking samurai of Toya

Okada Izo

Izo the Butcher

A rural samurai of Tosa Domain and member of Takechi Hanpeita's Tosa Loyalist Pa

Kirino Toshiaki

Hanjiro the Slayer

A samurai of Satsuma Domain, born Nakamura Hanjiro. In the Bakumatsu era he was

Yamagata Aritomo

Father of the Imperial Japanese Army

Born to a low-ranking Choshu samurai family, he studied under Yoshida Shoin at t

Nakaoka Shintaro

Mediator of the Satcho Alliance and Rikuentai Commander

Born in Kitagawa-gō, Aki District, Tosa Province (present-day Kitagawa Village,

Goto Shojiro

Tosa Domain Elder and Advocate of Civil Rights

Born to a Tosa samurai family, he won the confidence of Yamauchi Yodo and stood

Thomas Glover

The Scottish Samurai

Born in 1838 in Aberdeen, Scotland. In 1859, at the age of 21, he traveled to Na

Nagakura Shinpachi

Captain of the Second Unit

Born to a retainer of the Matsumae domain, he was an expert of Shinto Munen-ryu.

Matsudaira Norikata (Ogyu Yuzuru)

Builder of Ryugajo Castle, "Father" of the Japanese Red Cross

Born December 18, 1839 (Tenpo 10) as the eldest son of Matsudaira Noritoshi, 7th

Takasugi Shinsaku

Founder of the Kiheitai Militia

A Chōshū domain samurai and activist of the Bakumatsu anti-shogunate movement. B

Harada Sanosuke

Captain of the Tenth Unit

Born to a retainer of the Iyo-Matsuyama domain, he was renowned as a spear maste

Kusaka Genzui

Radical Sonnō Jōi Leader of Choshu

Born to a domain physician's family in Choshu, he married Fumi, the younger sist

Kuroda Kiyotaka

2nd Prime Minister of Japan

A Meiji-era politician and soldier from Satsuma domain. During the Boshin War he

Goto Morinori

Last Lord of Fukue Domain, Completer of Japan's Last Castle

Born in 1840, Goto Morinori was the 11th and final lord of the Goto (Fukue) doma

Shibusawa Eiichi

Father of Japanese Capitalism

Born in 1840 to a wealthy farming family in Fukaya, Saitama. In 1867, he accompa

Ito Hirobumi

First Prime Minister of Japan and Father of the Meiji Constitution

Of farming origin in Choshu domain, he studied under Yoshida Shoin at the Shoka

Okita Soji

Genius Swordsman

Born in Edo to a retainer of the Shirakawa domain, he entered the Shieikan dojo

Oyama Iwao

Field Marshal and Hero of the Russo-Japanese War

Born in Kagoshima to a Satsuma samurai family, he was a cousin of Saigo Takamori

Niijima Jo

Founder of Doshisha, Pioneer Who Smuggled Himself Abroad

Born in 1843 as the eldest son of Niijima Tamiji, a retainer of Annaka Domain in

Ernest Satow

British Diplomat Who Shaped Bakumatsu Japan

Born in London in 1843. Despite the surname, he was not Japanese — "Satow" is a

Todo Heisuke

Captain of the Eighth Unit

A swordsman of the Hokushin Itto-ryu school, he also served as head student at t

Saito Hajime

Captain of the Third Unit

His origins are debated, but he is generally considered to have been born in Edo

Tokugawa Iemochi

The Sweet-Toothed Young Shogun

Born in 1846 as the eldest son of Tokugawa Nariyori, lord of Kishu. Backed by th

Mori Arinori

First Minister of Education, Architect of the Modern School System

Born in 1847 in Kagoshima as the fifth son of the Satsuma samurai Mori Arinori.

Nakae Chōmin

The "Rousseau of the East," Freedom and People's Rights thinker

Born in Tosa. Studied in France as a Meiji government scholar and translated Rou

Katsura Tarō

Three-Time Prime Minister of the Katsura-Saionji Era

A Choshu domain samurai from Hagi, Nagato Province (present-day Yamaguchi Prefec

Masuda Don'nō

Greatest Modern Sukisha (Tea Connoisseur)

Born in 1848 in Sado Province (present-day Sado City, Niigata). He learned Engli

Togo Heihachiro

Hero of the Battle of Tsushima, Fleet Admiral

Born into a low-ranking samurai family in Kagoshima, Satsuma Domain (present-day

Nogi Maresuke

Hero of the Russo-Japanese War, General Who Followed the Emperor in Death

Born into a Choshu domain samurai family in Hagi, Nagato Province (present-day H

Saionji Kinmochi

Last of the Genrō, Liberal Statesman

Born into the court noble Saionji family, he was a politician active as a genrō

Oshikawa Masayoshi

Founder of Tohoku Gakuin and Miyagi Gakuin

Born in 1850 into the family of a Yonezawa domain samurai in Dewa Province (some

Byakkotai (White Tiger Force)

Aizu Domain's Youth Warrior Corps

The Byakkotai (White Tiger Force) was a unit composed of fifteen-to-seventeen-ye

Lafcadio Hearn

The Writer Who Revealed Japanese Ghost Stories to the World

Born in 1850 on the Greek island of Lefkada to an Irish father and a Greek mothe

Kitasato Shibasaburo

Father of Modern Japanese Medicine

From Oguni Town, Aso District, Higo Province (Kumamoto Prefecture), Kitasato Shi

Takamine Jōkichi

Crystallizer of Adrenaline, Developer of Takadiastase

Born in Takaoka in 1854 as the son of a Kaga domain physician. After graduating

Ota Sukeyoshi

Lord of Matsuo Domain, Founder of Matsuo Castle

Born 1854, last lord of Kakegawa Domain, descended from Ota Dokan. Inherited the

Takahashi Korekiyo

"God of Japanese finance"

Born in late-Edo Edo. As Vice-Governor of the Bank of Japan he raised funds for

Inukai Tsuyoshi

Guardian of Constitutional Government, PM Slain in May 15 Incident

Born in Kawabe Village, Kayo District, Bitchu Province (present-day Okayama City

Hara Takashi

People's Prime Minister, First Genuine Party Cabinet Leader

Born into a Nanbu domain samurai family in Morioka, Iwate District, Mutsu Provin

Goto Shinpei

City Planner of Medical Background, Third President of Takushoku University

Born in 1857 in Shiogama village, Isawa District, Mutsu Province (now Oshu, Iwat

Akiyama Yoshifuru

Father of Japanese Cavalry

Born into a lower-ranking samurai family of Matsuyama domain, Iyo Province, Akiy

Tsubouchi Shoyo

Father of Modern Japanese Literature, Author of The Essence of the Novel

Born in Ota-juku, Kamo District, Mino Province (present-day Minokamo City, Gifu

Kano Jigoro

Founder of Kodokan Judo, Father of Japanese Physical Education

Born in 1860 in Mikage village in Settsu Province (present-day Higashinada, Kobe

Shirase Nobu

Japan's First Antarctic Explorer, Kainan-maru, 'Yamato Yukihara'

Born on June 13, 1861 (Bunkyu 1) as the eldest son of Shirase Chido, chief pries

Uchimura Kanzo

Mukyokai Christianity, 'Representative Men of Japan', the Lèse-Majesté Incident

Born on March 26, 1861 (Bunkyu 1) in Koishikawa, Edo, as the eldest son of Uchim

Mori Ogai

Surgeon General and Literary Master

Born in 1862 in Tsuwano, Iwami Province (today Tsuwano, Shimane), as the eldest

Nitobe Inazō

Internationalist Who Brought Bushidō to the World

An agricultural economist, educator, and international figure of the Meiji, Tais

Yamagiwa Katsusaburō

Pathologist Who First Artificially Induced Cancer

Born in 1863 to a samurai family in Ueda, Shinano province (now Ueda, Nagano Pre

Okakura Tenshin

Guardian of Japanese Art, Evangelist of Eastern Civilization

Born in Fukui, Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture) and raised in Yok

Futabatei Shimei

Author of Japan's First Modern Novel "The Drifting Cloud"

Born in Ushigome, Edo (present-day Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo). His real name was Hase

Tsuda Umeko

Pioneer of Women's Education

An educator and pioneer of women's education of the Meiji and Taishō periods. In

Kuroda Seiki

Father of Japanese Modern Western Painting, 'By the Lake' and 'Reading'

Born in 1866 in Higashi-Sengoku-Baba, Kagoshima castle town, Satsuma Province, a

Masaoka Shiki

Father of the Reform of Haiku and Tanka

Born in 1867 in Onsen District, Iyo Province (today Matsuyama, Ehime), as the el

Toyoda Sakichi

Ancestor of Toyota: King of Automatic Loom Inventors

Born on March 19, 1867 (February 14, Keio 3), the eldest son of the carpenter To

Natsume Soseki

I Am a Cat / Kokoro

Born in Babashita-yokocho, Ushigome Ward, Edo (Tokyo), Natsume Soseki's real nam

Minakata Kumagusu

The Colossus of Knowledge — Polyglot Naturalist of 18 Languages and Passionate Myxomycete Researcher

Born in Wakayama, Kumagusu was from childhood a memory monster — the kind of boy

Ozaki Koyo

King of Meiji Literature; Author of Konjiki Yasha

A Meiji-era novelist. Inspired by Tsubouchi Shoyo's "The Essence of the Novel" d

Meiji Onwards

MEIJI ONWARDS

— 58

Yokoyama Taikan

Master of Modern Japanese Painting

Born in 1868 (Meiji 1) in Mito, Hitachi Province (today Mito, Ibaraki), as the e

Akiyama Saneyuki

Genius Strategist / Clouds Above the Hill

From Matsuyama domain, Iyo Province (Ehime Prefecture), Akiyama Saneyuki was the

Nishida Kitaro

Founder of the Kyoto School, Author of 'An Inquiry into the Good'

Born in 1870 as the eldest son of Nishida Yasunori, former village headman in Un

Suzuki Daisetz

Buddhist Scholar Who Brought Zen to the World

Born in 1870 as the fourth son of the physician Suzuki Ryojun in Kanazawa, Kaga

Shiga Kiyoshi

Discoverer of Shigella Dysentery Bacterium

Born in Sendai in 1871. After graduating from the Imperial University College of

Higuchi Ichiyo

Growing Up / Died at 24

Born in Hongo, Tokyo, Higuchi Ichiyo resolved to become a novelist to support he

Suzuki Umetarō

Discoverer of the World's First Vitamin

Born in 1874 to a farming family in Haibara District, Shizuoka. He studied agric

Takahama Kyoshi

Grand Master of Modern Haiku

Born in 1874 in Nagamachi-Shinmachi, Onsen District, Ehime (today Minatomachi, M

Yanagita Kunio

Father of Japanese Folklore Studies

The founder of Japanese folklore studies. While traveling the country as an offi

Noguchi Hideyo

Bacteriologist Who Fought Yellow Fever

A bacteriologist of the Meiji and Taishō periods, born in Inawashiro, Fukushima

Yoshida Shigeru

One-Man Premier Who Shaped Postwar Japan

Born in Tokyo on September 22, 1878, the fifth son of the Freedom and People's R

Yosano Akiko

Passionate Poetess

Born in 1878 as the third daughter of the long-established Suruga-ya Japanese co

Terada Torahiko

Physicist and Essayist

A physicist and essayist from Kochi Prefecture. He is said to be the model for t

Taki Rentaro

'The Moon over the Ruined Castle' and 'Flowers': Genius Composer Who Died at 23

Born on August 24, 1879 (Meiji 12) in Shiba, Tokyo, as the eldest son of the Hom

Kindaichi Kyosuke

Linguist, Takuboku's Greatest Supporter

A linguist from Morioka, Iwate, who became lifelong friends with Ishikawa Takubo

Yamamoto Isoroku

Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet

From Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, Yamamoto Isoroku graduated from the Naval

Kitahara Hakushu

Giant of Songs and Children's Poems

Born in 1885 in Okinohata Village, Yamato District, Fukuoka (today Yanagawa, Fuk

Fujita Tsuguharu

Master of the Milky-White Skin, Figure of the École de Paris

Born in 1886 in Ushigome, Tokyo, as the second son of army medical officer Fujit

Yamada Kosaku

'Red Dragonfly' and 'Flowers of Karatachi', Founder of Japan's First Full-Scale Orchestra

Born on June 9, 1886 (Meiji 19) in Hongo, Tokyo, as the child of missionary doct

Tanizaki Junichiro

Master of Japanese Aestheticism

Born in 1886 in Kakigaracho, Nihonbashi Ward, Tokyo, into a middle-class merchan

Ishikawa Takuboku

Poet of Life, Fallen at 26

Born in 1886 in Hitto Village, Minamiiwate District, Iwate (today Morioka), as t

Hiratsuka Raicho

Founder of Seitosha, 'In the Beginning, Woman Was the Sun', New Women's Association

Born on February 10, 1886 (Meiji 19) in Kojimachi, Tokyo, as the third daughter

Kubota Mantaro

Novelist and Haiku Poet of Asakusa

Born in 1889 in Tawaramachi, Asakusa, Tokyo, to a family of bag merchants. Recog

Konoe Fumimaro

Wartime PM during Sino-Japanese War, Tragic PM of Showa

From the Konoe family, head of the Five Regent Houses, he was a politician of th

Kume Santei (Kume Masao)

Novelist, Playwright, Haiku Poet

Born in 1891 in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. As a Tokyo Imperial University student

Akutagawa Ryunosuke

Genius of Taisho Literature: Author of 'Rashomon' and 'The Nose'

Born on March 1, 1892, the eldest son of the milk-producing merchant Niihara Tos

Mizuhara Shuoshi

One of the "Four S", Founder of Ashibi

Born in 1892 in Kanda, Tokyo, to the family of a gynecologist. He graduated from

Ichikawa Fusae

Winning Women's Suffrage, New Women's Association, Member of House of Councillors

Born on May 15, 1893 (Meiji 26) in Meiji Village, Nakashima District, Aichi Pref

Takano Sujyu

One of the "Four S" of Hototogisu, Master of Objective Realism

Born in 1893 in Sanno Village (now Toride City), Ibaraki Prefecture. After the M

Miyagi Michio

'Haru no Umi' — Blind Koto Virtuoso, Standard-Bearer of New Japanese Music

Born on April 7, 1894 (Meiji 27) in Kobe, Hyogo. About 200 days after birth he c

Matsushita Konosuke

'God of Management': Founder of Panasonic

Born on November 27, 1894, the third son of the landlord Matsushita Masakusu in

Kishi Nobusuke

'Showa Monster': Prime Minister Who Achieved the Security Treaty Revision

Born on November 13, 1896, in Yamaguchi-cho (today Yamaguchi City), Yamaguchi Pr

Miyazawa Kenji

Poet of the Galaxy from Iwate: Author of ‘Night on the Galactic Railroad’ and ‘Be Not Defeated by the Rain’

Born on August 27, 1896, the eldest son of Miyazawa Masajiro, running the pawnbr

Ikeda Hayato

Designer of High Growth Who Proclaimed the Income Doubling Plan

Born on December 3, 1899, the second son of the sake brewer Ikeda Goichiro in Yo

Kawabata Yasunari

First Japanese Nobel Laureate in Literature

Born in 1899 in Konohana-cho, Kita Ward, Osaka, as the eldest son of the physici

Awano Seiho

One of the "Four S", Founder of Katsuragi

Born in 1899 in Takatori Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. His given

Sugihara Chiune

Visas for Life

A diplomat from Gifu Prefecture who displayed linguistic talent from an early ag

Sato Eisaku

Nobel Peace Prize Prime Minister Who Realized the Reversion of Okinawa

Born on March 27, 1901, the third son of Sato Hidesuke and Moyo in Tabuse, Kumag

Hayashi Fumiko

Author of Horoki; Literary Giant of the Common People

A woman writer born into a family of itinerant traders who wandered through Onom

Nagai Tatsuo

Novelist, Haiku Poet, Order of Culture Recipient

Born in 1904 in Kanda, Tokyo. He worked for many years at Bungeishunju, supporti

Honda Soichiro

Engineer-President Who Raised Honda into a World Company by Dream and Passion

Born on November 17, 1906, the eldest son of the blacksmith Honda Gihei in Komyo

Yukawa Hideki

Japan's First Nobel Laureate in Physics, Meson Theory

Born in Koishikawa, Tokyo (present-day Bunkyo Ward) and raised in Kyoto. His fat

Hosomi Ayako

Master of Postwar Women's Haiku, Head of Kaze

Born in 1907 in Hikami District (now Tamba City), Hyogo Prefecture, to a wealthy

Higashiyama Kaii

Master of Postwar Japanese Landscape Painting

Born in Yokohama on July 8, 1908 (Meiji 41), and raised in Kobe. His given name

Ibuka Masaru

Co-Founder of Sony: Technology-Oriented Manager

Born on April 11, 1908, in Nikko-machi, Kamitsuga District, Tochigi (today Nikko

Dazai Osamu

Standard-Bearer of the Buraiha: Author of 'No Longer Human'

Born on June 19, 1909, the sixth son of the great landlord and House of Peers me

Okamoto Taro

'Art is Explosion' — Creator of the Tower of the Sun

Born on February 26, 1911 (Meiji 44), in Futako, Tachibana District, Kanagawa (t

Tanaka Kakuei

Plebeian Premier Called the 'Today's Taikō'

Born on May 4, 1918, the eldest son of the poor farmer Tanaka Kakuji in Futada,

Nakasone Yasuhiro

Long-Term Premier Who Built the 'Ron-Yasu' Relationship

Born on May 27, 1918, the second son of the timber merchant Nakasone Matsugoro i

Kusama Tokihiko

Postwar Haiku Leader, President of the Haiku Association

Born in Tokyo in 1920. He left Keio University's Medical Faculty without graduat

Morita Akio

Co-Founder of Sony: Pioneer of Global Strategy

Born on January 26, 1921, the eldest son of a sake-brewing family dating back to

Mishima Yukio

Genius of the Showa Era, Fallen at Ichigaya

Born in 1925 in Nagasumi-cho, Yotsuya Ward, Tokyo (now Yotsuya, Shinjuku Ward),

Kusama Yayoi

Queen of the Avant-Garde, of Polka Dots and Infinity Nets

Born on March 22, 1929 (Showa 4), in Matsumoto, Nagano, as the eldest daughter o

Inamori Kazuo

Founder of Kyocera and KDDI: Heisei Era’s ‘God of Management’

Born on January 21, 1932, the second son of the printing-business man Inamori Ke

Ishihara Shintaro

Author, Politician, Former Tokyo Governor

Born in Kobe, Ishihara Shintaro burst onto the literary scene in 1956, winning t

Tonegawa Susumu

Nobel Laureate Who Elucidated the Genetic Principle of Antibody Diversity

Born on September 5, 1939, in Nagoya, Aichi. A graduate of Kyoto University's Fa

Tsuji Momoko

Head of Doji, Contemporary Haiku Poet

Born in 1945 in Tokyo. A graduate of Musashino Women's University, she studied u

Yamanaka Shinya

Developer of iPS Cells, Nobel Laureate

Born on September 4, 1962, in Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture. After graduating

Explore pilgrimage with the app

View in app