For a century Japan tore itself apart in the wars of the Sengoku age, the age of the country at war, until three remarkable men forged it back together. These are the great warlords of samurai Japan, from the feared Tiger of Kai to the three unifiers, each linked to the battle or campaign that made their name.
Oda Nobunaga. The ruthless innovator who broke the old order with firepower and began the unification of Japan.
Portrait of Oda Nobunaga by Kano Soshu, painted in 1583, the year after his death. Public domain
Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The commoner who rose to complete the unification and rule as imperial regent.
Tokugawa Ieyasu. The patient victor of Sekigahara who founded a shogunate and a lasting peace.
Portrait of Tokugawa Ieyasu by Kano Tan'yu, early Edo period, in the Osaka Castle Museum. Public domain
Takeda Shingen. The Tiger of Kai, whose feared cavalry made him one of Nobunaga's most dangerous rivals.
The age of the country at war
The Sengoku wars were decided by a handful of towering figures. Takeda Shingen and his rivals fought for the old warlord order; Nobunaga shattered it with the gun at Nagashino; Hideyoshi completed the unification; and Ieyasu won the final prize at Sekigahara in 1600, founding the peace of the Edo period.
The Battle of Nagashino in 1575 on an 18th century six-fold screen in the Tokugawa Art Museum. Public domain
The most celebrated are the three unifiers, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, alongside great rivals such as Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin.
Who unified Japan?
Three men in succession: Nobunaga began it, Hideyoshi completed it, and Ieyasu secured it and founded the Tokugawa shogunate after Sekigahara in 1600.
Who was the greatest samurai commander?
Opinions differ, but Tokugawa Ieyasu is often given the palm for winning and keeping Japan, while Nobunaga is credited with the boldest generalship.
What was the Sengoku period?
The Sengoku or warring states age, roughly the fifteenth to the late sixteenth century, when Japan fractured into warring domains before being reunified.
What was the most important battle?
Sekigahara in 1600 is usually seen as decisive, the victory that made Ieyasu master of Japan; Nagashino in 1575 is famous for the power of the gun.
Where can I read about their battles?
Each commander links to their key battles, from Nagashino to Sekigahara, and the guides collect the wider story of Japanese warfare.
Command the armies of samurai Japan
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