Azai Hisamasa

A Daimyo of the Sengoku period, Azai Hisamasa struggled to maintain his clan's power.

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:: Azai Hisamasa
Role / Field:: A Daimyo of the Sengoku period, Azai Hisamasa struggled to maintain his clan's power.
Born:: 1526
Died:: 1573-09-23
Century / Era:: 1526s Historical Era
Database Source:: 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Azai Hisamasa (浅井久政, Azai Hisamasa; 1526 – September 23, 1573) was a son of Azai Sukemasa and the second head of the Azai clan. Hisamasa became the head of the clan in 1542 after his father died, but unlike his father, he was never a strong leader. Losing domains against Rokkaku clan, he instead became a Rokkaku retainer. Hisamasa's retainers had enough and, after his son Azai Nagamasa won the Battle of Norada against a force at least twice the size of his led by Rokkaku Yoshikata to win back independence, they forced Hisamasa into retirement.

Career & Major Achievements

Yet, this retirement was not complete and Hisamasa managed to hold some sway of the clan. This surfaced in 1570 after Oda Nobunaga - who was allied with Hisamasa's son, Azai Nagamasa - attacked Asakura Yoshikage, who had supported Hisamasa against enemies like the Rokkaku clan. Hating Nobunaga for his personality, Hisamasa demanded that the Azai clan pay back the support of the Asakura clan and forced a war by breaking the alliance.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It is thought that Nagamasa opposed him and believed that the alliance could somehow be mended over time since he refused to divorce his wife, Oichi, but he failed to gain enough support to overturn Hisamasa. In 1573, Odani Castle was besieged by Nobunaga's forces. Facing a loss, Hisamasa committed seppuku.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1526: Birth of Azai Hisamasa — A Daimyo of the Sengoku period, Azai Hisamasa struggled to maintain his clan's power.
1542: 1542 Milestone — Hisamasa became the head of the clan in 1542 after his father died, but unlike his father, he was never a strong leader.
1570: 1570 Milestone — This surfaced in 1570 after Oda Nobunaga - who was allied with Hisamasa's son, Azai Nagamasa - attacked Asakura Yoshikage, who had supported Hisamasa against enemies like the Rokkaku clan.
1573 (1573-09-23): Passing & Historical Legacy — Azai Hisamasa passed away on 1573-09-23, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Azai Hisamasa

True or False: “Azai Hisamasa was a consistently strong and dominant leader throughout the entirety of the Sengoku period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text notes that unlike his father, he was never described as a strong leader, and he eventually lost domains to rivals like the Rokkaku clan.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

Carolus Clusius — Contemporary (Born in 1526) (1526): Pioneering botanist and physician from Artois, influential in 16th-century natural history.
Diego Columbus — Contemporary (Died in 1526) (1526): Spanish explorer and second admiral of the Indies, son of Christopher Columbus.
Juan Sebastián Elcano — Contemporary (Died in 1526) (1526): Spanish seafarer renowned for completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth.
Alessandro Striggio the Younger — Contemporary (Born in 1573) (1573): Influential Italian librettist, renowned for Orfeo and his work with Monteverdi.
Asakura Yoshikage — Contemporary (Died in 1573) (1573): Sengoku daimyō who ruled Echizen Province, falling to Oda Nobunaga's might.
Azai Nagamasa — Contemporary (Died in 1573) (1573): Sengoku daimyō who allied with the Asakura against Oda Nobunaga before his downfall.
A. S. Neill — Shared historical date (09-23 · Died) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
Adnan Khayr Allah — Shared historical date (09-23 · Born) (1941): Iraqi military officer and Minister of Defense, closely associated with the Ba'ath regime.
Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón — Historical peer (Died in 1526) (1526): Spanish magistrate and explorer known for early US settlement attempts.
Álvaro de Bazán, Marquis of Santa Cruz — Historical peer (Born in 1526) (1526): Prominent 16th-century Spanish admiral and nobleman, key to Spanish naval power.
1526 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1526
1573 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1573
September 23 (09-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 23

Frequently Asked Questions about Azai Hisamasa

Who was Azai Hisamasa and what are their primary contributions?

A Daimyo of the Sengoku period, Azai Hisamasa struggled to maintain his clan's power. Origins & Early Life: Azai Hisamasa (浅井久政, Azai Hisamasa; 1526 – September 23, 1573) was a son of Azai Sukemasa and the second head of the Azai clan. Hisamasa became the head of the clan in 1542 after his father died, but unlike his father, he was never a strong leader. Losing domains against Rokkaku clan, he instead became a Rokkaku retainer. Hisamasa's retainers had enough and, after his son Azai Nagamasa won the Battle of Norada against a force at least twice the size of his led by Rokkaku Yoshikata to win back independence, they forced Hisamasa into retirement.

When was Azai Hisamasa born and during which historical era did they live?

Azai Hisamasa was born on 1526 and passed away on 1573-09-23. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 1526 Chrono-Archive.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Azai Hisamasa?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia