Login Get started

ANIMATED Three Unifiers of Sengoku Japan - The Life and Death of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi & Ieyasu

Cool History Bros・68 minutes read

The text details the chaotic Sengoku era and the rise of key figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu in Japan's history, highlighting conflicts, strategic alliances, and military successes that shaped the nation's reunification. The narrative covers Nobunaga's innovative tactics, Hideyoshi's strategic skills, and Ieyasu's victorious leadership, culminating in the Battle of Sekigahara and the eventual downfall of the Toyotomi clan during the Osaka Siege of 1615.

Insights

The Sengoku period in Japan was marked by intense conflicts and power struggles, leading to the rise of influential figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who played key roles in shaping Japan's reunification.
Nobunaga's innovative military tactics, strategic alliances, and ruthless actions solidified his reputation as a formidable leader during the Sengoku era, showcasing his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and overcome adversaries.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's ascension to power post-Nobunaga's death, his ambitious conquest of Japan, and subsequent authoritarian rule highlight the intricate power dynamics and internal struggles that characterized the era, culminating in the downfall of the Toyotomi clan after the Summer Siege of Osaka Castle in 1615.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

Who were the Three Unifiers of Japan?
Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Three Unifiers of Japan: Sengoku Era Overview"

The video is the first episode of the Three Unifiers of Japan series, focusing on Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu during the chaotic Sengoku era.
The Sengoku period was marked by conflicts and events, providing a comprehensive narrative for newcomers to Japanese history.
The format mirrors the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, offering an overview from Nobunaga's birth to the end of the Sengoku era.
Nobunaga, born in 1534, was a complex figure, known for his genius, tyranny, and artistry, shaping Japan's reunification.
The Sengoku era was characterized by kekokujo, where lower positions overcame higher ones, challenging the traditional power structure.
Nobunaga's father, Nobuhide, faced defeats against neighboring clans, leading to Nobunaga's marriage to Dosan's daughter for peace.
Nobunaga's childhood intertwined with Hideyoshi and Ieyasu, who later became significant figures in Japanese history.
Nobunaga embraced innovation, adopting Portuguese muskets and displaying unconventional behavior, earning him the nickname "Warino Otsuke."
Nobunaga faced internal conflicts within the Oda clan, leading to victories against rivals and strategic alliances.
Nobunaga's daring tactics and unexpected victory against Imagawa Yoshimoto in 1560 solidified his fame, prompting alliances with Ieyasu and strategic planning for future conflicts.

15:32

Nobunaga's Rise and Rule in Japan

In 1564, Tokugawa Ieyasu faced conflict with the local Iko Iki in Mikawa, an autonomous movement led by Buddhist warrior monks resisting daimyo control.
Ieyasu formed an alliance with the Takita clan in 1568 after winning a battle, promising to share the Imagawa provinces.
Saito Dosan, Nobunaga's father-in-law, came into conflict with his son Saito Yoshitatsu before being killed in battle, leading to Nobunaga's reinforcement.
Hideyoshi, known as Kinoshita Tokichiro, played a significant role in the Mino campaign, impressing Nobunaga with his strategic skills.
Hideyoshi's ability to convince many Saito vessels to defect to their side was crucial in their campaign.
Takenaka Shikeharu, also known as Takenaka Hanbei, successfully launched a coup to conquer Saito's Inabayama Castle with a small group of men.
Nobunaga tasked Hideyoshi to build a castle overnight at the enemy's territory edge, impressing with his speed and efficiency.
Nobunaga's conquest of Kyoto in 1568 was facilitated by his alliance with the Azai clan and his army of 50,000 veteran soldiers.
Nobunaga enacted three major policies upon conquering Kyoto, including a free market policy, monetary policy, and separation of farmers and soldiers.
Nobunaga faced opposition from various daimyos, leading to the formation of an anti-Nobunaga coalition, challenging his rule and requiring strategic elimination of opponents.

30:28

Feudal Japan: Rise and Fall of Nobunaga

Takeda Shingen signed his letter as Tendai Saizen Shimon Shingen, claiming to be a protector of Buddhists, leading to Nobunaga signing his reply as Dairokuden Mao, the Sixth Heavenly Demon King.
Shingen, unhappy with Nobunaga's attitude, engaged in the Battle of Mikatagahara in early 1573, where Ieyasu's strategy led to the Takita army's defeat.
Shingen's advance halted abruptly when he was hit by a sniper near Nuda Castle, acknowledging that only his old rival, Uesugi Kenshin, could defeat him.
Nobunaga faced challenges eradicating the Nagashima Ikko-Ikki, resorting to brutal tactics like burning 20,000 individuals after his victory.
In 1575, Nobunaga triumphed over the Takita clan and Shingen's successor at the Battle of Nagashino, showcasing the effectiveness of guns in Japanese warfare.
Conflict arose between Nobunaga and Uesugi Kenshin in 1577, with Kenshin's strategic prowess leading to Nobunaga's defeat, followed by Kenshin's mysterious death.
Hideyoshi's campaign against the Mori clan, starting in 1580, led to their surrender after ten years, solidifying Nobunaga's dominance.
Nobunaga's brutal actions, like destroying a village in the Iga province, furthered his reputation, culminating in his victory over the remnants of the Takida clan in 1582.
Nobunaga's sudden downfall in 1582 due to Akechi Mitsuhide's coup shocked Hideyoshi, who swiftly negotiated a truce with the Mori clan and defeated Akechi within 13 days.
Hideyoshi's rise to power post-Nobunaga's death involved proving his merit, holding a grand funeral, and engaging in diplomatic strategies to secure his position, leading to conflicts with Shibata Katsuie and Ieyasu.

45:45

Hideyoshi's Rise to Power in Japan

Hideyoshi couldn't become shogun due to the Minamoto clan's reservation of the position.
Hideyoshi's conquest of Japan was inevitable due to his resources and military might.
Sanada Yukimura, a member of the Sanada family, became a renowned warrior.
Date Masamune, known as the One-Eyed Dragon, submitted to Hideyoshi temporarily.
By 1591, Hideyoshi unified Japan and became highly influential.
Hideyoshi's authoritarianism grew, leading to various restrictive policies.
Hideyoshi planned to conquer China, leading to various strategic actions.
Hideyoshi's motivations for conquering China remain unclear, with several theories proposed.
Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea faced resistance and complications.
Hideyoshi's brutal actions, including executions and demands, led to alienation and conflict.

01:01:23

Political Intrigue and Betrayal in Japan

Hideyori's mother, Yodotono, was Nobunaga's niece and gained influence through machinations.
Loyalty to Hirayoshi's first wife, Nene, contributed to a rift leading to support for Yayasu.
The Battle of Sekigahara occurred in 1600 between Ishida Mitsunari and Tagugawa Ieyasu.
Ieyasu provoked Mitsunari by flaunting rules set by Hideyoshi and turned daimyos to his side through political marriages.
Mitsunari's assassination attempt on Ieyasu failed, leading to his escape disguised as a woman.
William Adams, an English sailor, arrived in Japan during this time.
Ieyasu set traps among Mitsunari's ranks and stationed his vessel at Fushimi Castle.
Mitsunari besieged Fushimi Castle and captured it, prompting Ieyasu to rush back to the west.
Ieyasu's strategic alliances and betrayal by Hideyaki led to Mitsunari's defeat at Sekigahara.
Ieyasu emerged victorious, leading to the cleanup of political enemies and Mitsunari's execution.

01:15:57

"Yukimura's Defense at Sanada Maru"

Sanada Yukimura reinforced the barbican at Sanada Maru, a crucial defense during the Osaka Siege of 1615.
Leadership was lacking among the defenders, with Hideyori leaving military matters to field commanders and his mother Yododono interfering.
The allied commanders were united by their common hatred for Ieyasu, offering rewards for performance, but their self-interest led to undisciplined ferocity.
The Battle of Sanaramaru saw Yukimura become a legend by luring enemies into attacking first, resulting in heavy losses for the Tokugawa forces.
Ieyasu utilized new cannons from English and Dutch traders, causing psychological impact with their sound but failing to breach Osaka Castle's walls.
Negotiations ensued after pressure on Yododono, leading to the destruction of Sanadamaru and the eventual breakdown of talks due to Ieyasu's elusive responses.
The Summer Siege of Osaka Castle saw the Toyotomi forces, outnumbered by the Tokugawa, resort to field battles, ultimately resulting in their defeat and the end of the Toyotomi clan.

Try it yourself — It’s free.