Ii Naomasa

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ii Naomasa

Role / Field:

Prominent samurai general and daimyo who rose to power under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Born:

1561-03-04

Died:

1602-03-24

Century / Era:

1561s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政; March 4, 1561 – March 24, 1602) was a Japanese samurai general and daimyo under the Sengoku period daimyō, and later shōgun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He led the clan after the death of Ii Naotora. He married Tobai-in, Matsudaira Yasuchika's daughter and adopted daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ii Naomasa joined the ranks of the Tokugawa clan in the mid-1570s, rising swiftly through the ranks and became particularly famous after the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute, as he is recognized as one of the Four Guardians of the Tokugawa along with Honda Tadakatsu, Sakakibara Yasumasa, and Sakai Tadatsugu. Ii Naomasa then eventually became the master of a sizable holding in Ōmi Province, following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.

Career & Major Achievements

His office in the Imperial Japan ministries was Hyōbu-daifū. Ii Naomasa was also notable for his command over elite troops Red Guards (赤備え) (akazonae) that formerly served the Takeda clan. Ii Naomasa was born in Hōda Village of Tōtōmi Province. His childhood name was Toramatsu (虎松), later Manchiyo (万千代). His family, like the Tokugawa, had originally been retainers of the Imagawa clan, but following the death of the clan's leader, Imagawa Yoshimoto, in the Battle of Okehazama (1560), confusion and general chaos ensued.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Naomasa's father, Ii Naochika, was falsely convicted of treason by Yoshimoto's paranoid successor, Imagawa Ujizane, and was subsequently killed. Naomasa, then a very small child, escaped his danger. After many difficulties, Ii Naotora succeeded the Ii clan and become the guardian of Naomasa. According to "Ii family biography, In 1574 Naomasa came to Ryutanji Temple for the 13th anniversary of Naochika's death. Then Naotora and Ryutanji Temple Chief Priest Nankei Zuimon, who also happen to be Naomasa's great uncle, consulted and tried to make Naomasa serve Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1560: 1560 Milestone — His family, like the Tokugawa, had originally been retainers of the Imagawa clan, but following the death of the clan's leader, Imagawa Yoshimoto, in the Battle of Okehazama (1560), confusion and general chaos ensued.
2. 1561 (1561-03-04): Birth of Ii Naomasa — Prominent samurai general and daimyo who rose to power under the Tokugawa shogunate.
3. 1574: 1574 Milestone — According to "Ii family biography, In 1574 Naomasa came to Ryutanji Temple for the 13th anniversary of Naochika's death.
4. 1600: 1600 Milestone — Ii Naomasa then eventually became the master of a sizable holding in Ōmi Province, following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.
5. 1602 (1602-03-24): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ii Naomasa passed away on 1602-03-24, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ii Naomasa

True or False: “Ii Naomasa was primarily known for his military service during the Toyotomi government period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he fought in various conflicts, his most significant rise and establishment of power occurred after aligning with Tokugawa Ieyasu.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ii Naomasa