Shibata Katsuie

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Shibata Katsuie

Role / Field:

Prominent samurai and military commander during the tumultuous Sengoku period.

Born:

1522

Died:

1583-06-06

Century / Era:

1522s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Shibata Katsuie (柴田 勝家; 1522 – June 14, 1583) or Gonroku (権六) was a Japanese samurai and military commander during the Sengoku period. He was retainer of Oda Nobuhide. He served Oda Nobunaga as one of his trusted generals, was severely wounded in the 1571 first siege of Nagashima, but then fought in the 1575 Battle of Nagashino and 1577 Battle of Tedorigawa. Katsuie was born in the village of Kamiyashiro (present-day Meitō-ku, Nagoya), a branch of the Shiba clan (who descended from the Ashikaga clan, and were the former suzerains of the Oda clan). Note the differences between Shibata (柴田), Shiba (斯波), and the Shibata clan of Echigo (新発田).

Career & Major Achievements

Katsuie was the retainer of Oda Nobuhide and later Oda Nobuyuki. In 1547, he fought at the Battle of Kanōguchi against the Saito clan and, in 1548, Katsuie took part in the second Battle of Azukizaka against Imagawa clan. In 1556, when control of the Oda clan was contested, Katsuie initially supported his lord, Nobuyuki, against his elder brother Oda Nobunaga. Katsuie launched a coup d'état against Nobunaga. He was defeated at the Battle of Inō, and, in the aftermath, Nobunaga had his brother executed.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

But, impressed with the retainer's loyalty and bravery, Nobunaga spared Katsuie's life. Katsuie then pledged his services to Nobunaga, earning his praises. In 1556, according to the records from the Tosho Gunkan, Sakai Tadatsugu defended Fukutani Castle, which was being besieged by 2,000 cavalry troops from the Oda Clan led by Shibata Katsuie. Tadatsugu managed to repel Katsuie's forces as he led a sallying force outside the castle and routed them. Due to his identity, he didn't hold any important position during the Battle of Okehazama against the Saitō clan.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1522: Birth of Shibata Katsuie — Prominent samurai and military commander during the tumultuous Sengoku period.
2. 1547: 1547 Milestone — In 1547, he fought at the Battle of Kanōguchi against the Saito clan and, in 1548, Katsuie took part in the second Battle of Azukizaka against Imagawa clan.
3. 1556: 1556 Milestone — In 1556, when control of the Oda clan was contested, Katsuie initially supported his lord, Nobuyuki, against his elder brother Oda Nobunaga.
4. 1571: 1571 Milestone — He served Oda Nobunaga as one of his trusted generals, was severely wounded in the 1571 first siege of Nagashima, but then fought in the 1575 Battle of Nagashino and 1577 Battle of Tedorigawa.
5. 1583 (1583-06-06): Passing & Historical Legacy — Shibata Katsuie passed away on 1583-06-06, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Shibata Katsuie

“Fleeting dream paths, / In the summer night! / O bird of the mountain, / Carry my name beyond the clouds.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Shibata Katsuie

True or False: “Shibata Katsuie was never severely wounded during his military campaigns.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was severely wounded in the first Siege of Nagashima in 1571.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Shibata Katsuie