Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Samurai and daimyō who was the second 'Great Unifier' of Japan.

Chronology: 1537-03-17 – 1598-09-18

Origins & Early Life

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉; Japanese pronunciation: [to.jo.to.mʲi (|) çi.de(ꜜ).jo.ɕi], 16 February 1537 – 18 September 1598), otherwise known as Kinoshita Tōkichirō (木下藤吉郎) and Hashiba Hideyoshi (羽柴秀吉), was a Japanese samurai and daimyō (feudal lord) of the late Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, regarded as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan. Although he came from a peasant background, he rose to the rank and title of Kampaku (関白, Imperial Regent) and Daijō-daijin (太政大臣, Chancellor of the Realm), the highest official position and title in the nobility class. He was the first base-born person in history to become a Kampaku. He then passed the position and title of Kampaku to his nephew, Toyotomi Hidetsugu.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He remained in power as Taikō (太閤), the title of a retired Kampaku, until his death. Hideyoshi rose from a peasant background as a retainer of the prominent lord Oda Nobunaga to become one of the most powerful men in Japanese history. He distinguished himself in many of Nobunaga's campaigns. After Nobunaga was killed in the Honnō-ji Incident in 1582, Hideyoshi defeated the lord's assassin, Akechi Mitsuhide, at the Battle of Yamazaki and became his successor. Hideyoshi then continued...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Source: Wikipedia