Born in 1547 as the daughter of the warrior Shinohara Kazukazu in Owari Province (modern Aichi). Known from childhood as Matsu, she married Maeda Toshiie at age 12, when he was rising as a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. While Toshiie campaigned across Japan as a renowned spearman in Nobunaga's service, Matsu steadfastly managed the household alone at various posts. Together they had 2 sons and 9 daughters; the marriages of these children substantially strengthened the Maeda clan's political network. Their eldest daughter Naga-hime married Oda Nobuo (Nobunaga's third son), while fourth daughter Go-hime was adopted by Hideyoshi and married Ukita Hideie. After Toshiie died in 1599, tensions with Tokugawa Ieyasu escalated rapidly. When Ieyasu pressured the Maeda by accusing the eldest son Toshinaga of conspiracy, Matsu made an unprecedented decision: she volunteered to go to Edo herself as a hostage to protect her family. Her courageous act became famous throughout Japan, and even Ieyasu reportedly admired her resolve. She was treated with courtesy during 14 years in Edo, returning home in 1614, and died at age 70 in 1617. Her posthumous Buddhist name was Hoshun-in.

A resolute woman of great courage and decisiveness. A devoted mother who also possessed the fortitude to make political decisions determining the Maeda clan's fate. Her marriage to Toshiie was considered the finest partnership of the Sengoku era.

Remembered as the resolute woman who became a hostage to protect the Maeda clan. A symbol of "support from within" who helped build the foundation of Kaga's million-koku domain. The love between Toshiie and Matsu has inspired many dramas.