Top 10 Greatest Samurai Leaders

The Shogunate・2 minutes read

The author creates a top 10 list of influential samurai leaders focusing on their impact on Japanese history, not just their fighting skills. The list includes figures like Tyra Kiyomori, Takeda Shingen, and Saigo Takamori, highlighting their political and military contributions.

Insights

  • The list of the greatest samurai leaders focuses on their impactful legacies in Japanese history, not just their fighting prowess, as clarified by the author.
  • Yuri Tomo's role in establishing the first Shogunate and transitioning power from the Emperor to the samurai class marks a pivotal moment in Japanese history, shaping the country's trajectory for centuries to come.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who was Tyra Kiyomori?

    Tyra Kiyomori was a powerful figure in 12th-century Japan, influencing politics and the imperial court.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Top 10 Influential Samurai Leaders in Japan"

  • The author was unable to release their planned video due to waiting for a book for research.
  • Instead, they decided to create a top 10 list of the greatest samurai leaders.
  • The list focuses on samurai leaders who left powerful legacies and impacted Japanese history significantly.
  • The author clarifies that the list does not rank fighters but rather examines the impact of their actions on Japan.
  • They invite readers to share their own lists in the comments.
  • Tyra Kiyomori emerges as a powerful figure in 12th-century Japan, influencing politics and the imperial court.
  • Takeda Shingen, a military genius, expanded the Takeda clan's territory but failed in succession planning.
  • Nagao Kagetora, later known as Kenshin, reunified and strengthened the Uesugi clan through political cunning.
  • Mori Motonari led the Mori clan to greatness, securing control over western Honshu and establishing a strong legacy.
  • Saigo Takamori fought on the Imperial side in the Boshin War, advocating for traditional Japanese values amidst modernization efforts.

15:40

Yuri Tomo: Samurai Shogun of Japan

  • Taiyaki Ahmadi declared his grandson as the heir to the imperial throne, sparking calls for war against the Taira and the return of the exiled Minamoto lords, leading to the Genpei War. Yuri Tomo, despite not being the first to emerge from exile, became a crucial figure, rallying forces against the Taira and other hostile Minamoto members, notably defeating Minamoto Yoshinaka after the sacking of Kyoto. Ultimately, after the Taira's defeat at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, Yuri Tomo rose as the most significant samurai, establishing the first Shogunate and transitioning power from the Emperor to the samurai class, shaping Japan's history for centuries.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.