Oda Hidenobu

Being the son of the famous Oda Nobutada, Oda Hidenobu had lived during the Azuchi Momoyama period of feudal Japan. He was also part of the well-known Oda clan which was a family of prominent Japanese Daimyos.

The clan played an important role in the unification of Japan during the mid-16th century. Oda Hidenobu was the grandson of Oda Nobunaga. He proclaimed himself as the official heir of his grandfather.

Ruler of the Oda Clan

Even when Oda Hidenobu was at the peak of his fame, he eventually fell out of grace. However, some of the Oda family branches continued their service under the Meiji Restoration.

There was an issue of who will succeed the head of the clan after the Honno-ji Incident in 1582. The choice was between Nobunaga’s second and third songs – Oda Nobukatsu and Oda Nobutaka.

It was Toyotomi Hideyoshi that made a decision to settle this dispute by supporting Oda Hidenobu.

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Oda Hidenobu As Apparent Heir

Even if Oda Hidenobu was still as young as one year old, he was declared the heir. He was officially proclaimed as heir to his grandfather’s throne. When he grew up, he was the one who joined a faction of the Ishida clan.

He was part of the army that defended the Gifu castle versus Tokugawa. He was advised by counselors who were supporters of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

As for Tokugawa Ieyasu, he was the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period. He fought in the Battle of Sekigahara to claim his rule over Japan.

Oda Hidenobu In The Battle of Sekigahara

Oda Hidenobu was on the losing side when he lost the Battle of Sekigahara. They attacked Gifu Castle and battled against Fukushima Masanori and Ikeda Terumasa.

As warriors who wanted to leave with honor and dignity when they lost in battle, Oda Hidenobu’s underlings committed seppuku or ritual suicide in Gifu Castle.

The floorboards were drenched with blood. As a result, this place became known as the Blood Ceiling in Sofuku-ji in Gifu.

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Gifu Castle

This castle was first built by the Nikaido clan during the Kamakura period from 1201 to 1204. This castle was once known as Inabayama Castle. Several generations of Samurai had come and left, and each generation made an effort to repair this castle.

Sofuku-ji Temple

What made Oda Hidenobu famous was the Buddhist Temple located in Gifu Prefecture of Japan. The Sofuku-ji Temple was built in the Kamakura Period. This temple was famous for establishing close ties both with Oda Nobunaga and Saito Dosan.

Aside from the infamous Blood Ceiling, this temple was also famous for having a lot of monks. After it was founded, its name was later changed into Kosai-ji.

Later on, the temple suffered from deterioration. Oda Nobunaga head of the Oda Clan considers this temple as his family temple.

Death Of Oda Hidenobu

It took a while for the effect of the battle to sink in. Before the death of Oda Hidenonu, he retired at Mount Koya. This was five years after the defeat at Sekigahara. Oda Hidenobu was only 25 years old when he died.

Image Source: 東京大学史料編纂所 [Public domain]