Hōjō Ujimasa

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Hōjō Ujimasa

Role / Field:

Fourth head of the Hōjō clan and daimyō of Odawara, achieving peak territorial power.

Born:

1538

Died:

1590-08-10

Century / Era:

1538s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Hōjō Ujimasa (北条 氏政; 1538 – August 10, 1590) was the fourth head of the later Hōjō clan, and daimyō of Odawara. Ujimasa succeeded the territory expansion policy from his father, Hōjō Ujiyasu, and achieved the biggest territory in the clan's history. In 1538, Ujimasa was born as the second son of Hōjō Ujiyasu. His childhood name was Matsuchiyo-maru (松千代丸). As Ujiyasu's first son, Shinkuro, died young, Ujimasa became the apparent heir of Ujiyasu.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1554, when Ujiyasu make an alliance with Takeda Shingen and Imagawa Yoshimoto, Ujimasa took a daughter of Shingen, Obai-in, for his lawful wife. Upon Ujiyasu's retirement, Ujimasa inherited formal leadership of the family around 1559. In 1560, Hojo clan seized Iwatsuki Castle and almost conquered whole Musashi Province. Ujimasa commanded in many battles, he took part in the Battle of Konodai (1564), including the Siege of Odawara (1569). In 1574, Ujimasa forced Sekiyado Castle of Shimosa Province under Yanada Harusuke to surrender and also forces Yuki Harutomi a vassal of Uesugi clan swore allegiance to Ujimasa.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1575, he forced Gion Castle of Shimotsuke Province under Oyama Hidetsuna to surrender. In 1577, Ujimasa invaded Kazusa Province and realized the reconciliation with his old enemy, Satomi Yoshihiro. This battle marked the first battle for his heir, Hojo Ujinao. In 1580, after Takeda Katsuyori joined the force to support Uesugi Kagekatsu and Uesugi Kagetora killed himself, Ujimasa built a new alliance with Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu. He invaded the territory of the Takeda clan in Suruga from both sides attacked Katsuyori, which triggered the Battle of Omosu and later join attack on Conquest of Koshu, from the east of Kai province at Battle of Tenmokuzan in 1582.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1538: Birth of Hōjō Ujimasa — Fourth head of the Hōjō clan and daimyō of Odawara, achieving peak territorial power.
2. 1554: 1554 Milestone — In 1554, when Ujiyasu make an alliance with Takeda Shingen and Imagawa Yoshimoto, Ujimasa took a daughter of Shingen, Obai-in, for his lawful wife.
3. 1559: 1559 Milestone — Upon Ujiyasu's retirement, Ujimasa inherited formal leadership of the family around 1559.
4. 1560: 1560 Milestone — In 1560, Hojo clan seized Iwatsuki Castle and almost conquered whole Musashi Province.
5. 1564: 1564 Milestone — Ujimasa commanded in many battles, he took part in the Battle of Konodai (1564), including the Siege of Odawara (1569).
6. 1574: 1574 Milestone — In 1574, Ujimasa forced Sekiyado Castle of Shimosa Province under Yanada Harusuke to surrender and also forces Yuki Harutomi a vassal of Uesugi clan swore allegiance to Ujimasa.
7. 1575: 1575 Milestone — In 1575, he forced Gion Castle of Shimotsuke Province under Oyama Hidetsuna to surrender.
8. 1577: 1577 Milestone — In 1577, Ujimasa invaded Kazusa Province and realized the reconciliation with his old enemy, Satomi Yoshihiro.
9. 1580: 1580 Milestone — In 1580, after Takeda Katsuyori joined the force to support Uesugi Kagekatsu and Uesugi Kagetora killed himself, Ujimasa built a new alliance with Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
10. 1582: 1582 Milestone — He invaded the territory of the Takeda clan in Suruga from both sides attacked Katsuyori, which triggered the Battle of Omosu and later join attack on Conquest of Koshu, from the east of Kai province at Battle of Tenmokuzan in 1582.
11. 1590 (1590-08-10): Passing & Historical Legacy — Hōjō Ujimasa passed away on 1590-08-10, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Hōjō Ujimasa

“Autumn wind of eve / Blow away the clouds that mass / O'er the moon's pure light. And the mists that cloud our mind / Do thou sweep away as well.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hōjō Ujimasa

True or False: “Hōjō Ujimasa survived the final siege of Odawara by successfully negotiating a treaty with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Ujimasa failed to hold Odawara against Hideyoshi's forces and was ultimately forced to commit suicide.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hōjō Ujimasa