Date Masamune

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Date Masamune

Role / Field:

Powerful samurai daimyō who founded Sendai and earned the title "One-Eyed Dragon"

Born:

1567-09-05

Died:

1636-06-27

Century / Era:

1567s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Date Masamune (伊達 政宗; DAH-tay; September 5, 1567 – June 27, 1636) was a Japanese samurai and daimyō during the Azuchi–Momoyama period through the early Edo period. Heir to a long line of powerful feudal lords in the Tōhoku region, he went on to found the modern-day city of Sendai. An outstanding tactician, he was made all the more iconic for his missing eye, as Masamune was often called dokuganryū (独眼竜), or the "One-Eyed Dragon of Ōshū". As a legendary warrior and leader, Masamune is a character in a number of Japanese period dramas. Date Masamune was born as Bontenmaru (梵天丸) later Tojirō (藤次郎), as the eldest son of Date Terumune, likely born in Yonezawa Castle (in modern Yamagata Prefecture).

Career & Major Achievements

At the age of 14 in 1581, Masamune led his first campaign, helping his father fight the Sōma clan. His buddhist name is "Zuiganjiden Teizan Zenri Daikoji". In 1584, at the age of 17, Masamune succeeded his father, Terumune, who chose to retire from his position as daimyō. Masamune's army was recognized by its black armor and golden headgear. Masamune is known for a few things that made him stand out from other daimyō of the time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In particular, his famous crescent-moon-bearing helmet won him a fearsome reputation. As a child, smallpox made him blind in his right eye, though it is unclear exactly how he lost the organ entirely. Various theories behind the eye's condition exist. Some sources say he plucked out the eye himself when a senior member of the clan pointed out that an enemy could grab it in a fight. Others say that he had his trusted retainer Katakura Kojūrō gouge out the eye for him, making him the "One-Eyed Dragon" of Ōshu.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1567 (1567-09-05): Birth of Date Masamune — Powerful samurai daimyō who founded Sendai and earned the title "One-Eyed Dragon"
2. 1581: 1581 Milestone — At the age of 14 in 1581, Masamune led his first campaign, helping his father fight the Sōma clan.
3. 1584: 1584 Milestone — In 1584, at the age of 17, Masamune succeeded his father, Terumune, who chose to retire from his position as daimyō.
4. 1636 (1636-06-27): Passing & Historical Legacy — Date Masamune passed away on 1636-06-27, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Date Masamune

“Rectitude carried to excess hardens into stiffness; benevolence indulged beyond measure sinks into weakness.” (1616)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Date Masamune

True or False: “Date Masamune was never forced to participate in the Siege of Odawara against Hōjō Ujimasa.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states that Toyotomi Hideyoshi compelled Tōhoku-region daimyō, including Masamune, to participate in the campaign.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Claudio Monteverdi — Contemporary (Born in 1567) (1567): Pioneering Italian composer, bridging the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
• Francis de Sales — Contemporary (Born in 1567) (1567): Catholic prelate and author renowned for gentle spiritual guidance during religious turmoil.
• Jiajing Emperor — Contemporary (Died in 1567) (1567): 12th Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, known for his Taoist pursuits and political struggles.
• Dong Qichang — Contemporary (Died in 1636) (1636): Influential Ming Dynasty art theorist, calligrapher, and painter.
• Harvard University — Contemporary (Born in 1636) (1636): The oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, located in Cambridge, MA.
• Iskandar Muda — Contemporary (Died in 1636) (1636): Twelfth Sultan of Aceh; presided over the sultanate's peak power and territorial reach.
• Abu Hanifa — Shared historical date (09-05 · Born) (699): Founder of the Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence, a pivotal scholar of early Islam.
• Al Stewart — Shared historical date (09-05 · Born) (1945): Scottish folk-rock musician known for blending historical tales with intimate songwriting.
• A. J. Ayer — Shared historical date (06-27 · Died) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Ahn So-hee — Shared historical date (06-27 · Born) (1992): South Korean actress known for Wonder Girls and Train to Busan.
• 1567 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1567
• September 5 (09-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 5
• 1636 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1636
• June 27 (06-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Date Masamune