Katō Kiyomasa

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Katō Kiyomasa

Role / Field:

Powerful Japanese daimyō of the Azuchi–Momoyama and Edo periods, known for military prowess.

Born:

1562-07-25

Died:

1611-08-02

Century / Era:

1562s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Katō Kiyomasa (加藤 清正; Japanese pronunciation: [kaꜜ.toː (|) kʲi.jo.ma.sa], July 25, 1562 – August 2, 1611) was a Japanese daimyō of the Azuchi–Momoyama and Edo periods. His court title was Higo no Kami (肥後守; lit. His name as a child was Yashamaru, and first name was Toranosuke. He was one of Hideyoshi's Seven Spears of Shizugatake. Kiyomasa was born in what is now Nakamura-ku, Nagoya to Katō Kiyotada.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Kiyotada's wife, Ito, was a cousin of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's mother. Kiyotada died while his son, then known as Toranosuke, was still young. Soon after, he entered into Hideyoshi's service, and in 1576, at age 15, was granted a stipend of 170 koku. In 1582, he fought in Hideyoshi's army at the Battle of Yamazaki, and later in 1583 at the Battle of Shizugatake. Owing to his achievement in that battle, he became known as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake and was rewarded with 3,000 additional koku.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1584, Kiyomasa took part in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute against the Tokugawa clan. When Hideyoshi became the kampaku in the summer of 1585, Kiyomasa received the court title of Kazue no Kami (主計頭, head of the accounting bureau) and junior 5th court rank, lower grade (ju go-i no ge 従五位下). In 1587, he fought in the Kyūshū campaign against the Shimazu clan. Later, after Higo Province was confiscated from Sassa Narimasa, he was granted 250,000 koku of land in Higo, roughly half of the province, and Kumamoto Castle as his provincial residence. Kiyomasa was one of the three senior commanders during the Seven-Year (Imjin) War (1592–1598) against the Korean Joseon.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1562 (1562-07-25): Birth of Katō Kiyomasa — Powerful Japanese daimyō of the Azuchi–Momoyama and Edo periods, known for military prowess.
2. 1576: 1576 Milestone — Soon after, he entered into Hideyoshi's service, and in 1576, at age 15, was granted a stipend of 170 koku.
3. 1582: 1582 Milestone — In 1582, he fought in Hideyoshi's army at the Battle of Yamazaki, and later in 1583 at the Battle of Shizugatake.
4. 1584: 1584 Milestone — In 1584, Kiyomasa took part in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute against the Tokugawa clan.
5. 1585: 1585 Milestone — When Hideyoshi became the kampaku in the summer of 1585, Kiyomasa received the court title of Kazue no Kami (主計頭, head of the accounting bureau) and junior 5th court rank, lower grade (ju go-i no ge 従五位下).
6. 1587: 1587 Milestone — In 1587, he fought in the Kyūshū campaign against the Shimazu clan.
7. 1592: 1592 Milestone — Kiyomasa was one of the three senior commanders during the Seven-Year (Imjin) War (1592–1598) against the Korean Joseon.
8. 1611 (1611-08-02): Passing & Historical Legacy — Katō Kiyomasa passed away on 1611-08-02, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Katō Kiyomasa

True or False: “Katō Kiyomasa was solely responsible for defending Ulsan Castle against the Chinese army during the Imjin War.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he successfully defended it, his bravery was not reported to Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his rival and superior, Ishida Mitsunari.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Katō Kiyomasa