Kobayakawa Hidekane

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Kobayakawa Hidekane

Role / Field:

Samurai warrior known for gunnery skill, pivotal figure in late Sengoku period conflicts.

Born:

1567-02-26

Died:

1601-04-24

Century / Era:

1567s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Mōri Hidekane/Kobayakawa Hidekane (毛利秀包/小早川秀包; 1567 – April 24, 1601) was a Japanese samurai, the ninth son of Mōri Motonari. His mother was Motonari's concubine, Nomi no Ōkata (乃美の方). Originally he was named Mototsuna and given to Ōta Hidetsuna but later his childless half-brother Kobayakawa Takakage took him as his adopted son. After this he changed his name to Motofusa.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

When he became one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's hostages for some years and granted to use a kanji from Hideyoshi's name, he changed his name again to Hidekane. He married Ōtomo Sōrin's daughter Maxentia (Katsurahime) and converted to Catholic Christianity with the baptized name Simao Findenao (シマオ・フィンデナオ). After the Sekigahara Campaign, Hidekane changed his family name back to Mōri, to avoid shame caused by his stepbrother Kobayakawa Hideaki.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He died young at 35 years old. Hidekane was known of his gunnery skill, and Tachibana Muneshige's sworn brother. Together with him and other Toyotomi loyalists, Hidekane participated in Siege of Ōtsu Castle.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1567 (1567-02-26): Birth of Kobayakawa Hidekane — Samurai warrior known for gunnery skill, pivotal figure in late Sengoku period conflicts.
2. 1601 (1601-04-24): Passing & Historical Legacy — Kobayakawa Hidekane passed away on 1601-04-24, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kobayakawa Hidekane

True or False: “Kobayakawa Hidekane was always recognized by his original surname, Mōri.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He changed his name multiple times throughout his life, including adopting the name Kobayakawa and later changing it back to Mōri.

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• 1567 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1567
• February 26 (02-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 26
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kobayakawa Hidekane