Akechi Mitsuhide

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Akechi Mitsuhide

Role / Field:

A prominent samurai general of the Sengoku period, known for his betrayal of Oda Nobunaga.

Born:

1516

Died:

1582-07-02

Century / Era:

1516s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀; March 10, 1528 – July 2, 1582), first called Jūbei from his clan and later Koretō Hyūga no Kami (惟任日向守) from his title, was a Japanese samurai general of the Sengoku period. Mitsuhide was originally a bodyguard of the last Ashikaga shōgun Ashikaga Yoshiaki and later, one of the trusted generals under daimyō Oda Nobunaga during his war of political unification in Japan. Mitsuhide rebelled against Nobunaga for unknown reasons in the Honnō-ji Incident in 1582, forcing the unprotected Nobunaga to commit seppuku in Kyoto. Mitsuhide attempted to establish himself as shōgun, but was pursued by Nobunaga's successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi and defeated at the Battle of Yamazaki. The 13-day reign of Mitsuhide is listed as the inspiration for the yojijukugo set phrase mikkatenka (三日天下; short-lived reign).

Career & Major Achievements

He is still popular in present culture. A ceremonial activity in his honor was held on April 15, 2018, in Kyoto, coinciding with the local shrine's 100th anniversary. Akechi Mitsuhide was believed to be born on 10 March 1528 in Tara Castle, Mino Province (present-day Kani, Gifu Prefecture). In the Akechi Family Tree recorded in "Zoku Gunsho Ruiju" and the "Mino no Kuni Shokki", it is said that the Akechi clan which Mitsuhide hailed from were descended as branch of Toki clan of the Seiwa Genji clan, where the Toki clan served as shugo in Mino Province for over 200 years from the Kenmu Restoration, and has produced several dozen branches from then on. However, there are no primary historical sources that supported this claim.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Moreover, when Ashikaga Yoshiaki was staying in Echizen Province, Mitsuhide served as a foot soldier (made up of those who were not direct vassals of the Shogun) recruited during the time of Ashikaga Yoshiteru. This cast doubts among historian he was not from the main line of the Akechi clan of the Toki clan, who were listed in the hokoshu, a higher rank than the foot soldiers. His father is listed as Akechi Mitsutsuna in various genealogies from the Edo period. Furthermore, historian Kobayashi Masanobu stated that the name of Mitsusuna, father of Mitsuhide, cannot be found in historical documents of Akechi clan from Toki branch. Thus Tadachika Kuwata suspected that he came from lower branch of Akechi clan, not the main branch.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1516: Birth of Akechi Mitsuhide — A prominent samurai general of the Sengoku period, known for his betrayal of Oda Nobunaga.
2. 1528: 1528 Milestone — Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀; March 10, 1528 – July 2, 1582), first called Jūbei from his clan and later Koretō Hyūga no Kami (惟任日向守) from his title, was a Japanese samurai general of the Sengoku period.
3. 1582 (1582-07-02): Passing & Historical Legacy — Akechi Mitsuhide passed away on 1582-07-02, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
4. 2018: 2018 Milestone — A ceremonial activity in his honor was held on April 15, 2018, in Kyoto, coinciding with the local shrine's 100th anniversary.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Akechi Mitsuhide

True or False: “Akechi Mitsuhide was always recognized as a primary vassal of the main Akechi clan line from his birth.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Historical analysis suggests he may have originated from a lower branch of the Akechi clan, rather than the main Toki branch.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Akechi Mitsuhide