Samurai Warriors
Shimazu Toyohisa
Dec
Shimazu Toyohisa
Coming from the famous Shimazu clan was Shimazu Toyohisa. He was the son of Shimazu Iehisa. His uncle Shimazu Yoshihiro was Iehisa’s younger brother and was famous for being a highly-skilled general during the Sengoku period.
Shimazu Yoshihiro contributed to the unification of Kyushu. Belonging to a famous clan of fighters, Shimazu Toyohisa served in various battles to fight against one of the major clans: Toyotomi clan.
As a veteran of different battles, he was one of the Japanese historical figures who inspired a lot of stories and legends. If there are some heroes who stand out, Shimazu Toyohisa would be one of them.
He was depicted in anime as a character who carries a yari into battle. In this anime, his character also carries two samurai swords.
Shimazu Toyohisa Younger Years
At the young age of 20, Shimazu Toyohisa joined his uncle Yoshihiro against the Odawara clan. Toyohisa was also with him during the Korean invasion and another equally important battle in feudal Japanese history: Battle of Sekigahara.
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Shimazu Tadahisa: the Founder of the Shimazu Clan
Shimazu Tadahisa was the one responsible for founding the Shimazu clan after being appointed to the position of the governor of southern Kyushu. The clan became rich by taking full advantage of the opportunity to trade with Korea and the Ryukyu Islands.
From the date when it was founded in the 12th century, the Shimazu clan rose into power by the 16th century. By this period of time, the Shimazu family became the major player in the aspiration for power in the southwestern part of Japan. The Shimazu clan monopolized the power over Kyushu Island.
The Shimazu Clan
If there is a base for operations for the Shimazu clan, it would be Kyushu. Its name translates to nine states or provinces. Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan.
It was also the origin of the Taiho Code. This explains why Kyushu or Saikado is also referred to by its special administrative term Dazaifu for this particular region.
The Shimazu clan was famous for having extraordinary generals and admirable warriors. The clan and its members were the last of the families to surrender under Toyotomi Hideyoshi in his declaration to unite the realm.
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Shimazu Iehisa father of Shimazu Toyohisa
Shimazu Iehisa was a great commander for the Shimazu clan. He fought a lot of battles all throughout his career. He set an example for his son Shimazu Toyohisa to follow by leading the Battle of Okitanawate in 1584. In this battle, he fought against Ryuzoji Takanobu.
Iehisa was also given credit for his major role in defeating the Otomo at Mimigawa. It was his strategy that caused the other Shimazu commanders to aid him in attacking the stronger force of the enemy.
Shimazu Yoshihiro: A Famous General
Yoshihiro was Toyohisa’s uncle. He was one of the most famous generals from the Shimazu clan. Yoshihiro began his career as a warrior at a young age.
At a very early stage in his life, there were signs that he was a fierce warrior on the battlefield. He showed signs of leadership even at a young age. He even exhibited these qualities in battle.
Yoshihiro was said to be a brave warrior. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi conquered Kyushu, Yoshihiro was called upon to lead men in crushing Korean forces.
He led a large number of men for this Korean campaign. He also fought bravely at Namwon and Sachon. At the Battle of Sekigahara, he sided with Ishida Mitsunari against the Tokugawa clan.
Comparisons between Sanehisa and Toyohisa
When it comes to comparing two other notable names that are part of the Shimazu clan these would be Shimazu Sanehisa and Shimazu Toyohisa. Most historians state that Toyohisa has the edge against Sanehisa.
Shimazu Sanehisa belonged to the Sasshu Shimazu clan. This man was responsible for the dispute in the Shimazu clan in the year 1520.
Although he was illegitimate of the clan’s descent, he eventually became ruler of the Izumi castle. He fought Niiro Tadakatsu who was against him.
What Made the Shimazu Clan Successful In Kyushu
The accomplishments of the Shimazu clan in the battlefield and annals of Japanese feudal history is often questioned. The Shimazu clan’s difference from the rest of the other talented military leaders of their time is also another thing that is often asked.
These were the things that come to mind when viewing each of the specific accomplishments that each Shimazu general has over the others that are part of their clan.
The powerful Shimazu clan controlled the southern part of the Japanese island of Kyushu from the 12th until the 19th century. The Shimazu clan played a leading role from medieval to modern times.
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Kyushu Rice Cakes
One of the running jokes is that the success of the Shimazu clan must have been something to do with the rice cakes. There is something special about Kyushu rice cakes that makes it a tourist attraction when visiting the province today.
Back then, the comparison simply implied that these Shimazu generals had each of their unique qualities that made each one special.
Odawara Campaign
After the Shimazu clan was defeated, the next clan to be placed under control would be this Hojo clan. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a force to behold. The siege on Odawara is one of the popular sieges that befall Japan’s Sengoku period.
The home castle of the Hojo clan was attacked and several castles were placed in their control. Hideyoshi made a lot of effort to reunite Japan.
Hideyoshi allowed the Shimazu family to rule over the southern part of Japan. This arrangement made the Shimazu become one of the strongest allies of Hideyoshi.
Shimazu Toyohisa: Life after Toyotomi Hideyoshi
After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Shimazu clan made a decision to form an alliance with the other great warlords of Western Japan. They tried their best to avoid the leadership of Hideyoshi’s successor, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
However, the clan decided to move on and made peace with Ieyasu after several battles. The clan did this in exchange for allowing their family to gain access to the domains that they once owned prior to his takeover.
Shimazu Toyohisa Conquering the Islands of Ryukyu
There was a time when the Shimazu clan successfully conquered the Ryukyu Islands and was able to force the territory to pay tribute to Satsuma. This gave the clan a chance to trade with China and gain access to the luxury products sold by these Chinese traders.
The Tokugawa Shogunate took advantage by gradually placing certain trading and commerce restrictions on all trades and dealings with foreign countries. By conquering these islands and its natives, the Shimazu family was able to continue to trade with the Ryukyu Islands.
Animosity for Tokugawa Shogunate
The Shimazu clan was against the Tokugawa shogunate. They harbored hate on the Tokugawa government and its warriors. After Satsuma led a revolt against Tokugawa in 1867, their fief was dissolved.
Satsuma became the Kagoshima prefecture under the new central government. This prefecture had the head of the Shimazu clan as the prince through the hereditary successions. The Shimazu clan then became known as the Shimazu of Satsuma.
Shimazu Toyohisa At Battle of Sekigahara
This last battle was of great significance for Shimazu Toyohisa. This is where after he sacrificed himself to the enemy troops to save his uncle and his allies. His uncle was able to escape to safety after this great sacrifice.
Before the heat of the battle, soldiers were forming ranks as dawn breaks. Back then, people did not think that this great battle would be the stop to the decades of civil war in Japan. This battle marks the birth of the new Shogun that peacefully ruled Japan.
After the death of Hideyoshi, different Daimyo and other men of nobility decided to fight with each other. This was to know who would be the most powerful contenders for the Shogunate.
As it turned out, there were two five contenders for the position. Out of these five, only two were acknowledged as the most powerful contenders for this position. This was where Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari faced the final showdown for power.
Shimazu Toyohisa of Satsuma Prefecture
Shimazu Toyohisa was part of the Shimazu of Satsuma. He and his clan supported Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Hideyoshi. Together with other clans, they formed a large group of warriors. Other parts of this group included Mori of Choshu, Ukita, Kikkawa, and Kobayakawa.
In the heat of the battle, only the Shimazu clan remained fighting. This was until the clan returned to Kyushu. This was after Shimazu Toyohisa was killed off fending enemy troops.
Despite the way he died, he remained a hero since he allowed Yoshihiro to escape with the rest of the forces who are against them.