Hatano Hideharu

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Hatano Hideharu

Role / Field:

Head of the Hatano clan who resisted Oda Nobunaga before his execution.

Born:

1541

Died:

1579-06-25

Century / Era:

1541s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Hatano Hideharu (波多野 秀治 Hatano Hideharu, 1541 – June 25, 1579) was the eldest son of Hatano Harumichi and the head of Hatano clan. He was a son of Harumichi, but for an unknown reason, he was adopted as a son by Hatano Motohide. The Hatano clan had, from the time of Hideharu's grandfather Hatano Tanemichi, been retainers to the powerful Miyoshi clan and its leader Miyoshi Nagayoshi. Following tradition Hideharu had been the Miyoshi's retainer as well. The reason that such a minor clan as his had attended the Emperor Ōgimachi's coronation is believed to be due to the influence of Nagayoshi.

Career & Major Achievements

Hideharu became independent in 1565 after Nagayoshi died, capturing Yakami Castle, which Hideharu took as his place of residence. The Hatano clan's land, however, was situated in the way of Oda Nobunaga's passage to Kyoto and after several battles, Hideharu surrendered to Nobunaga's general Akechi Mitsuhide. In 1576, Hideharu declared independence and turned against Nobunaga. Infuriated, Nobunaga again ordered Mitsuhide to invade Tanba Province, but Hideharu remained in the castle and held together a resistance for three years. The leader of the Hatano Clan's retainers, the Akai clan, Akai Naomasa, also known as Hatano Naomasa, died defending the Hatano stronghold of Kuroi Castle against Akechi Mitsuhide at the start of the resistance in 1576.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to a record kept by Oda clan, Mitsuhide offered his mother as a hostage to allow to Hideharu surrender with dignity. Hideharu complied knowing that he could not hold out indefinitely. However, after arriving at Azuchi Castle to offer an apology, Hideharu was executed by Nobunaga. His troops in Yakami Castle, hearing that Hideharu had been executed, killed Mitsuhide's mother. This incident strained the relationship between Nobunaga and Mitsuhide, eventually culminating in Mitsuhide killing Nobunaga at Honnō-ji in 1582.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1541: Birth of Hatano Hideharu — Head of the Hatano clan who resisted Oda Nobunaga before his execution.
2. 1565: 1565 Milestone — Hideharu became independent in 1565 after Nagayoshi died, capturing Yakami Castle, which Hideharu took as his place of residence.
3. 1576: 1576 Milestone — In 1576, Hideharu declared independence and turned against Nobunaga.
4. 1579 (1579-06-25): Passing & Historical Legacy — Hatano Hideharu passed away on 1579-06-25, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 1582: 1582 Milestone — This incident strained the relationship between Nobunaga and Mitsuhide, eventually culminating in Mitsuhide killing Nobunaga at Honnō-ji in 1582.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hatano Hideharu

True or False: “Did Akechi Mitsuhide offer Hatano Hideharu's mother as a hostage to secure his surrender?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text notes that this account is questionable and there is little evidence it actually happened.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hatano Hideharu