Matsudaira Teru

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Matsudaira Teru

Role / Field:

A prominent Japanese aristocrat who played a key role during the tumultuous late Edo and early Meiji periods.

Born:

1832-12-13

Died:

1884-02-28

Century / Era:

1832s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Matsudaira Teru (松平 照), or Teruhime (照姫, "Princess Teru"), (February 2, 1833 − February 28, 1884) was an aristocrat in Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. She participated in the siege of Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) and was the adoptive sister of Matsudaira Katamori, Military Commissioner of Kyoto and a prominent figure on the Tokugawa shogunate's side during the Meiji Restoration. Matsudaira Teru was born as the third daughter of Hoshina Masamoto, daimyō of the Iino han in Kazusa. Her name, written in authentic kanji is 熈 (Teru). In 1843, she was adopted by Matsudaira Katataka, daimyō of the Aizu han.

Career & Major Achievements

The adoption took place because Katataka had no children; he had two sons and four daughters at that time, but all had died very young. Katataka took a liking to Teruhime during his frequent visits to the Iino family mansion in Edo. The two hans were closely related to each other, because the first daimyō of the Aizu han and the Iino han were adoptive brothers. Teru was initially adopted to become the wife of the future heir of the Aizu han. However, Katataka's fifth daughter, Toshihime was born in 1843, and although physically weak, grew up, and took over this role.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1846, she became the adoptive sister of Matsudaira Katamori, who was adopted by Katataka to marry Toshihime and become the heir of the Aizu han. Teru's marriage was delayed for several years, because people feared Toshihime would die young. In 1849, Teru was finally given in marriage to Okudaira Masamoto, daimyō of the Nakatsu han. Teru and Masamoto divorced in 1854. Historians have speculated that the divorce may have been related to Masamoto's poor health (he died at a relatively young age) or the fact they did not have any children, but the true reason is unknown.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1832 (1832-12-13): Birth of Matsudaira Teru — A prominent Japanese aristocrat who played a key role during the tumultuous late Edo and early Meiji periods.
2. 1833: 1833 Milestone — Matsudaira Teru (松平 照), or Teruhime (照姫, "Princess Teru"), (February 2, 1833 − February 28, 1884) was an aristocrat in Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods.
3. 1843: 1843 Milestone — In 1843, she was adopted by Matsudaira Katataka, daimyō of the Aizu han.
4. 1846: 1846 Milestone — In 1846, she became the adoptive sister of Matsudaira Katamori, who was adopted by Katataka to marry Toshihime and become the heir of the Aizu han.
5. 1849: 1849 Milestone — In 1849, Teru was finally given in marriage to Okudaira Masamoto, daimyō of the Nakatsu han.
6. 1854: 1854 Milestone — Teru and Masamoto divorced in 1854.
7. 1884 (1884-02-28): Passing & Historical Legacy — Matsudaira Teru passed away on 1884-02-28, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Matsudaira Teru

“Ah, regret! Unheeding of emotion, it is even present in dreams! But true distinction, will remain in the world.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Matsudaira Teru

True or False: “Matsudaira Teru was never involved in any military conflict during her lifetime.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): She played a significant role during the Aizu War and the siege of Aizuwakamatsu Castle.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Matsudaira Teru