Shimazu Yoshihisa

Quick Facts: Who was Shimazu Yoshihisa?

Subject:

Shimazu Yoshihisa

Known for:

Powerful daimyō who led the unification of Kyushu for the Shimazu clan.

Born:

1533-03-14

Died:

1611-03-05

Century / Era:

1533s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Shimazu Yoshihisa (島津義久; February 9, 1533 – March 5, 1611) was a powerful daimyō and the 16th Chief of Shimazu clan of Satsuma Province, the eldest son of Shimazu Takahisa. He was renowned as a great general, who managed to subjugate Kyushu through the deft maneuvering of his three brothers. Eventually, in 1585, Yoshihisa seceded control of the entire Kyushu region. His mother was a daughter of Iriki'in Shigesato (入来院重聡), Sesshō (雪窓). Shimazu Yoshihiro, Shimazu Toshihisa and Shimazu Iehisa were his brothers.

Career & Major Achievements

He is said to have been born in Izaku Castle in 1535. His childhood name was Torajumaru (虎寿丸) but he went by the name of Matasaburō (又三郎). On his coming-of-age (genpuku), he took the name of Tadayoshi(忠良) but after receiving a kanji from the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshiteru, changed to Yoshitatsu (義辰). He later changed his name to Yoshihisa. He married his own aunt and after her death, married his relative, a daughter of Tanegashima Tokitaka.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1566, he succeeded his father as the head of Shimazu clan, becoming the clan's sixteenth leader. Working together with his brothers Yoshihiro, Toshihisa, and Iehisa, he launched a campaign to unify Kyūshū. Starting in 1572 with a victory against Itō clan at the battle of Kizaki and the Siege of Takabaru in 1576, Yoshihisa continued to win battles. In 1578, Yoshihisa defeated the Ōtomo clan at the battle of Mimigawa and pursuit the Ōtomo army to they homeland, though he did not take their territory; Later, in 1581, Yoshihisa forces took Minamata castle in Higo Province with a force of 115,000 men; In early 1584, his forces was victorious in Battle of Okitanawate In Hizen Province against Ryūzōji clan and defeated the Aso clan. In 1585, Yoshihisa forces attack Horikiri Castle at Chikugo Province and later took Otomo's Iwaya castle resulted after the Shimazu invasion of Chikuzen Province.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1533 (1533-03-14): Birth of Shimazu Yoshihisa — Powerful daimyō who led the unification of Kyushu for the Shimazu clan.
2. 1535: 1535 Milestone — He is said to have been born in Izaku Castle in 1535.
3. 1566: 1566 Milestone — In 1566, he succeeded his father as the head of Shimazu clan, becoming the clan's sixteenth leader.
4. 1572: 1572 Milestone — Starting in 1572 with a victory against Itō clan at the battle of Kizaki and the Siege of Takabaru in 1576, Yoshihisa continued to win battles.
5. 1578: 1578 Milestone — In 1578, Yoshihisa defeated the Ōtomo clan at the battle of Mimigawa and pursuit the Ōtomo army to they homeland, though he did not take their territory; Later, in 1581, Yoshihisa forces took Minamata castle in Higo Province with a force of 115,000 men; In early 1584, his forces was victorious in Battle of Okitanawate In Hizen Province against Ryūzōji clan and defeated the Aso clan.
6. 1585: 1585 Milestone — Eventually, in 1585, Yoshihisa seceded control of the entire Kyushu region.
7. 1611 (1611-03-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Shimazu Yoshihisa passed away on 1611-03-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Shimazu Yoshihisa

“[Because] my three younger brothers, led by Yoshihiro, as well as retainers like Uwai Satokane and Yamada Arinobu, fought so well united under the same goal, I never had a chance to show my bravery in a battle. I only had to wait in the castle for news brought by messengers of their victories.”

“Yoshihisa had, as general let retainers under him work to the best of their abilities. This is how a great general should be.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Shimazu Yoshihisa

True or False: “Shimazu Yoshihisa was able to unify Kyushu primarily through his own personal battlefield prowess and strategic genius.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He famously stated that he achieved unification because his three younger brothers and retainers fought so well together, allowing him to remain in the castle receiving news.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Shimazu Yoshihisa