Azai Nagamasa

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Azai Nagamasa

Role / Field:

Sengoku daimyō who allied with the Asakura against Oda Nobunaga before his downfall.

Born:

1545-08-28

Died:

1573-09-26

Century / Era:

1545s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Azai Nagamasa (浅井 長政; 1545 – 26 September 1573) was a Japanese daimyō of the Sengoku period known as the brother-in-law and enemy of Oda Nobunaga. Nagamasa was head of the Azai clan seated at Odani Castle in northern Ōmi Province and married Nobunaga's sister Oichi in 1564, fathering her three daughters – Yodo-dono, Ohatsu, and Oeyo – who became prominent figures in their own right. Nagamasa became one of Nobunaga's enemies in 1570 due to the Azai alliance with the Asakura clan, and fought against Nobunaga at major battles including the Battle of Anegawa. Nagamasa and his clan were destroyed by Nobunaga in August 1573, and he committed seppuku during the siege of Odani Castle. Azai Nagamasa was the son of Azai Hisamasa, from whom he inherited clan leadership in 1560.

Career & Major Achievements

Hisamasa had been compelled to step down by many of his retainers in favor of his son, Nagamasa. Hisamasa retired, and would later commit suicide along with his son in August 1573. Nagamasa successfully battled both Rokkaku Yoshikata and Saitō Tatsuoki between 1560 and 1565. He is remembered as being a capable commander of troops on the battlefield. He married Oda Nobunaga's sister Oichi in 1564.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Nobunaga desired peaceful relations with the Azai clan because of their strategic position in between Oda clan land's and the capital, Kyoto. In 1570, Oda Nobunaga declared war on the Asakura family of Echizen and besieged Kanegasaki castle. The Asakura and Azai had been allies since the time of Nagamasa's grandfather. This sudden war between two Azai clan allies is reported to have divided the clan. Many retainers wished to honor the alliance with the Asakura, while Nagamasa himself is reported to have favoured staying neutral, essentially siding with Nobunaga.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1545 (1545-08-28): Birth of Azai Nagamasa — Sengoku daimyō who allied with the Asakura against Oda Nobunaga before his downfall.
2. 1560: 1560 Milestone — Azai Nagamasa was the son of Azai Hisamasa, from whom he inherited clan leadership in 1560.
3. 1564: 1564 Milestone — Nagamasa was head of the Azai clan seated at Odani Castle in northern Ōmi Province and married Nobunaga's sister Oichi in 1564, fathering her three daughters – Yodo-dono, Ohatsu, and Oeyo – who became prominent figures in their own right.
4. 1570: 1570 Milestone — Nagamasa became one of Nobunaga's enemies in 1570 due to the Azai alliance with the Asakura clan, and fought against Nobunaga at major battles including the Battle of Anegawa.
5. 1573 (1573-09-26): Passing & Historical Legacy — Azai Nagamasa passed away on 1573-09-26, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Azai Nagamasa

True or False: “Azai Nagamasa's initial alliance with the Asakura clan was a long-standing relationship that predated his marriage to Oichi.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that the Asakura and Azai had been allies since the time of Nagamasa's grandfather.

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• Azai Hisamasa — Contemporary (Died in 1573) (1573): A Daimyo of the Sengoku period, Azai Hisamasa struggled to maintain his clan's power.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Azai Nagamasa