Saitō Yoshitatsu

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Saitō Yoshitatsu

Role / Field:

A samurai and daimyō of the Sengoku period known for his military prowess.

Born:

1527-07-08

Died:

1561-06-23

Century / Era:

1527s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Saitō Yoshitatsu (斎藤 義龍; 8 July 1527 – 23 June 1561) or Toki Yoshitatsu was a Japanese samurai and daimyō during the Sengoku period. He proved a capable commander and was able to defeat attempts by Oda Nobunaga to avenge his father-in-law Dôsan's death, but died of his illness in 1561. Yoshitatsu was the son of Saitō Dōsan. However, rumors that Yoshitatsu was in fact not Dōsan's real son (that is, that he was actually the son of Toki Yorinari (Toki Yoshiyori), the shugo of Mino Province who Dōsan displaced in influence) persisted--with Dōsan apparently considering naming one of his other sons, Nagatatsu, as heir. Yoshitatsu had come to suspect his father's intentions.

Career & Major Achievements

Though he actually did suffer from leprosy, Yoshitatsu feigned illness and murdered his two younger brothers in 1555, declaring war on Dōsan. In May 1556, at the Battle of Nagara-gawa, Yoshitatsu led an army to the Nagara river, prompting Dōsan to take up a position on the opposite side of the river. Yoshitatsu's vanguard opened the attack by crossing the river and cutting deeply into Dosan's ranks. They nearly reached Dōsan's headquarters before being savaged by a counterattack.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Yoshitatsu then led the bulk of his forces across the river. In the course of the fighting, Dōsan was killed. Yoshitatsu thereafter assumed control of Mino until he died in 1561. Yoshitatsu's son, Saitō Tatsuoki, was defeated by Oda Nobunaga in 1567 at the Siege of Inabayama; and the clan disappeared.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1527 (1527-07-08): Birth of Saitō Yoshitatsu — A samurai and daimyō of the Sengoku period known for his military prowess.
2. 1555: 1555 Milestone — Though he actually did suffer from leprosy, Yoshitatsu feigned illness and murdered his two younger brothers in 1555, declaring war on Dōsan.
3. 1556: 1556 Milestone — In May 1556, at the Battle of Nagara-gawa, Yoshitatsu led an army to the Nagara river, prompting Dōsan to take up a position on the opposite side of the river.
4. 1561 (1561-06-23): Passing & Historical Legacy — Saitō Yoshitatsu passed away on 1561-06-23, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 1567: 1567 Milestone — Yoshitatsu's son, Saitō Tatsuoki, was defeated by Oda Nobunaga in 1567 at the Siege of Inabayama; and the clan disappeared.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Saitō Yoshitatsu

True or False: “Saitō Yoshitatsu was directly responsible for the death of Oda Nobunaga's key ally, Dôsan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states that Saitō Yoshitatsu defeated attempts by Oda Nobunaga to avenge his father-in-law Dôsan's death; he did not kill Dôsan.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Ortelius — Contemporary (Born in 1527) (1527): Pioneering cartographer, creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
• Akiyama Nobutomo — Contemporary (Born in 1527) (1527): A prominent samurai of the Sengoku period, known for his service to the Takeda clan.
• Giuseppe Arcimboldo — Contemporary (Born in 1527) (1527): Mannerist painter famed for composite portraits made of fruits, vegetables, and objects.
• Amago Haruhisa — Contemporary (Died in 1561) (1561): Daimyō warlord of Izumo Province, known for his struggles to maintain the Amago clan's power.
• Bairam Khan — Contemporary (Died in 1561) (1561): Mughal military commander and statesman, regent for Emperors Humayun and Akbar.
• Francis Bacon — Contemporary (Born in 1561) (1561): English philosopher and statesman, proponent of empiricism and the scientific method.
• Albert of Saxony (philosopher) — Shared historical date (07-08 · Died) (1390): German philosopher and mathematician known for logic and physics, and Bishop of Halberstadt.
• Alexander Grin — Shared historical date (07-08 · Died) (1932): A celebrated Russian writer known for romantic fantasy novels set in an imagined land.
• Aaron Spelling — Shared historical date (06-23 · Died) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Abai Qunanbaiuly — Shared historical date (06-23 · Died) (1904): Foundational Kazakh poet, composer, and Islamic reformer of the 19th century.
• 1527 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1527
• July 8 (07-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 8
• 1561 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1561
• June 23 (06-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 23

Frequently Asked Questions about Saitō Yoshitatsu