Akiyama Nobutomo

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Akiyama Nobutomo

Role / Field:

A prominent samurai of the Sengoku period, known for his service to the Takeda clan.

Born:

1527

Died:

1575-12-28

Century / Era:

1527s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Akiyama Nobutomo (秋山 信友; 1527 – December 28, 1575), also known as Akiyama Torashige (秋山 虎繁) was a samurai during the Sengoku period in Japan. He is known as one of the "Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda Shingen". Nobutomo also served under Shingen's son, Takeda Katsuyori. In 1527, Akiyama Nobutomo was born at Tsutsujigasaki Castle (躑躅ヶ崎館) in Kai province. His father was Akiyama Nobutou, a descendant of Takeda Mitsutomo, and a member of a cadet branch of the Takeda clan.

Career & Major Achievements

When Nobutomo came of age, he entered the service of Takeda Shingen, patriarch of the clan and lord of Kai province, in the mountainous area of central Japan. In 1547, during the campaign for the Ina district, Nobutomo distinguished himself in battle and was granted a fief in the northern half of Ina, present day Kamiina District in Nagano prefecture. Nobutomo continued his service, most often tasked with defensive duties and holding such castles as Takatō Castle and Iida Castle. During this time, Nobutomo acquired the nickname Takeda no Mogyu (武田の猛牛) (literally: Raging Bull of the Takeda Clan). By 1568, Nobutomo was highly regarded enough to be entrusted with diplomatic duties.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In that year, he was dispatched to Gifu Castle where he represented his lord, Takeda Shingen, at the wedding ceremony of Oda Nobutada, eldest son of Nobunaga, and Matsuhime, daughter of Shingen. In 1571, Takeda Shingen organized a campaign against Tokugawa Ieyasu, intent on taking the coastal lowlands of Tōtōmi province and pushing westward toward the fertile fields of Mikawa province. Nobutomo was recalled from Iida Castle and ordered to lead an invasion of Mino province. His advance was checked by troops of the Saigo clan, led by Saigo Yoshikatsu. The two armies met at the Battle of Takehiro, and though Yoshikatsu was killed in action, Nobutomo was forced to retreat.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1527: Birth of Akiyama Nobutomo — A prominent samurai of the Sengoku period, known for his service to the Takeda clan.
2. 1547: 1547 Milestone — In 1547, during the campaign for the Ina district, Nobutomo distinguished himself in battle and was granted a fief in the northern half of Ina, present day Kamiina District in Nagano prefecture.
3. 1568: 1568 Milestone — By 1568, Nobutomo was highly regarded enough to be entrusted with diplomatic duties.
4. 1571: 1571 Milestone — In 1571, Takeda Shingen organized a campaign against Tokugawa Ieyasu, intent on taking the coastal lowlands of Tōtōmi province and pushing westward toward the fertile fields of Mikawa province.
5. 1575 (1575-12-28): Passing & Historical Legacy — Akiyama Nobutomo passed away on 1575-12-28, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Akiyama Nobutomo

True or False: “Akiyama Nobutomo was executed immediately after the Battle of Nagashino in 1573.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He remained at Iwamura Castle supporting Takeda Katsuyori until November 1575, when Oda Nobutada finally besieged and forced his surrender.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Akiyama Nobutomo