Born around 1510, of obscure origins. Rising in the service of Miyoshi Nagayoshi, he established dominion over Yamato Province. In 1565, he is said to have participated alongside the Miyoshi Three in the assassination of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru (debated), and in 1567 the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji burned during his conflict with the Miyoshi Three—though direct responsibility is disputed. These acts prompted Nobunaga to call his career "the three great evils of the realm." After submitting to Nobunaga in 1568 he was used well for a time, then rebelled in 1577 and surrendered, re-submitting. In 1579, besieged at Shigisan Castle in Nara in his second rebellion, he refused to surrender the prized Hiragumo tea kettle that Nobunaga desired—reportedly smashing it and dying in the explosion (or by his own hand). The story endured. He was approximately 69. Also celebrated as a tea connoisseur whose collection of renowned tea utensils has been handed down.

An ambitious schemer who stopped at nothing, yet also a refined tea connoisseur. Nobunaga called his deeds "the three great evils" but seemed fascinated by his audacity.

A charismatic villain distinct from Nobunaga or Hideyoshi. His dramatic death with the Hiragumo kettle left an indelible mark. He is being reappraised as an able politician.