Matsudaira Nobutsuna

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Matsudaira Nobutsuna

Role / Field:

A prominent daimyō of the early Edo period, known for his sagacity and service to the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Born:

1596-12-19

Died:

1662-05-04

Century / Era:

1596s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Matsudaira Nobutsuna (松平 信綱; December 19, 1596 – May 4, 1662) was a Japanese daimyō of the early Edo period, who ruled the Kawagoe Domain. First serving Tokugawa Iemitsu as a page, Nobutsuna was renowned for his sagacity. He was named a rōjū in 1633. Nobutsuna led the shogunal forces to their final victory over the rebellion at Shimabara. His court title was Izu no Kami, which was the origin of his nickname, "Izu the Wise" (知恵伊豆, Chie Izu).

Career & Major Achievements

Nobutsuna was born in 1596, the son of Ōkōchi Hisatsuna, a senior retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was adopted as the heir of his uncle, Matsudaira Masatsuna, in 1601. After being introduced to Hidetada and Ieyasu, he was appointed as page to Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. He was greatly admired by Iemitsu, and renowned within the Tokugawa administration for his sagacity. In the early years of his service, he was a hatamoto; he later became a daimyo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1623, he received the court title of Izu no Kami. He became daimyo in 1633, receiving the Oshi Domain as his fief. After the failure of Itakura Shigemasa to subdue the rebellion at Shimabara in 1637–38, Nobutsuna took command of the allied armies laying siege to Hara Castle, bringing the campaign to a successful conclusion. In his later years, he joined senior Tokugawa officials such as Hoshina Masayuki in supporting the underaged 4th shōgun, Ietsuna. In 1653-54, Nobutsuna, in his role as councillor, oversaw the construction of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, which relieved water supply issues in Edo when the sankin-kōtai policy requiring lords to set up residences in the capital made the existing water supply system inadequate.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1596 (1596-12-19): Birth of Matsudaira Nobutsuna — A prominent daimyō of the early Edo period, known for his sagacity and service to the Tokugawa Shogunate.
2. 1601: 1601 Milestone — He was adopted as the heir of his uncle, Matsudaira Masatsuna, in 1601.
3. 1623: 1623 Milestone — In 1623, he received the court title of Izu no Kami.
4. 1633: 1633 Milestone — He became daimyo in 1633, receiving the Oshi Domain as his fief.
5. 1637: 1637 Milestone — After the failure of Itakura Shigemasa to subdue the rebellion at Shimabara in 1637–38, Nobutsuna took command of the allied armies laying siege to Hara Castle, bringing the campaign to a successful conclusion.
6. 1653: 1653 Milestone — In 1653-54, Nobutsuna, in his role as councillor, oversaw the construction of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, which relieved water supply issues in Edo when the sankin-kōtai policy requiring lords to set up residences in the capital made the existing water supply system inadequate.
7. 1662 (1662-05-04): Passing & Historical Legacy — Matsudaira Nobutsuna passed away on 1662-05-04, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Matsudaira Nobutsuna

True or False: “Matsudaira Nobutsuna was primarily remembered in popular culture for being a heroic defender of the Edo water supply system.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he oversaw the construction of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, his portrayal in manga like Shin Kozure Okami is as an antagonist.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Matsudaira Nobutsuna