Toyotomi Hideyoshi

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 and Hashiba Hideyoshi, was a Japanese samurai and daimyō (feudal lord) of the late Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. He is regarded as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan. Though he began life as a peasant, Hideyoshi rose to become the most powerful man in Japan. He earned the prestigious ranks of Kampaku (Imperial Regent) and Daijō-daijin (Chancellor of the Realm), the highest positions in the nobility. He was the first person in history to become a Kampaku without being born a noble.

Hideyoshi first served the famous lord Oda Nobunaga and quickly proved his skill in battle. After Nobunaga's death in the Honnō-ji Incident, Hideyoshi took charge and continued the work of uniting Japan. He successfully brought many regions under his control, including Shikoku and Kyūshū. His efforts led to the end of the Sengoku period and made him the de facto leader of Japan.

Hideyoshi's rule left a lasting mark on Japan. He built impressive structures like Osaka Castle and helped shape the country’s future. Though he died in 1598, his influence continued through his son Toyotomi Hideyori and the changes he made to Japanese society.

Early life (1537–1558)

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was born on February 16, 1537, in Nakamura, Owari Province (now part of Nagoya). His father was a peasant who worked as a foot soldier for the samurai. Hideyoshi did not come from a samurai family and had no surname as a child.

As a young man, Hideyoshi tried studying at a temple but chose to seek adventure instead. He joined the Imagawa clan as a servant to a local ruler named Matsushita Yukitsuna.

Service under Nobunaga (1558–1582)

Main articles: Battle of Okehazama, Siege of Inabayama, Siege of Kanegasaki (1570), and Battle of Anegawa

In 1558, Hideyoshi began serving the powerful Oda clan in his home province of Owari, led by Oda Nobunaga. He quickly gained Nobunaga’s trust and became one of his important generals. Hideyoshi showed great skill in negotiations and military strategies, helping Nobunaga in many battles and sieges.

Hideyoshi played key roles in several important battles, including the siege of Inabayama Castle in 1567 and the Battle of Anegawa in 1570. After years of service, Nobunaga rewarded Hideyoshi by making him a daimyō in 1573. Hideyoshi continued to lead successful campaigns under Nobunaga until 1582.

Rise to power (1582–1585)

Hideyoshi began building Osaka Castle in 1582, finishing it in 1597. This castle became an important base for the Toyotomi clan after his time.

In 1582, Hideyoshi had to decide who would lead after Nobunaga passed away. There was a disagreement among the leaders, and Hideyoshi chose Nobunaga's young grandson, Oda Hidenobu. Later, a battle called the Battle of Shizugatake happened, where Hideyoshi defeated his opponent and gained control of many lands.

Hideyoshi also faced challenges from another leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu. They fought in a battle called the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute, which ended without a clear winner. Eventually, they made peace. Hideyoshi also earned important titles from the Imperial Court, including becoming the Imperial Regent in 1585.

Main article: Battle of Shizugatake

Main article: Battle of Komaki and Nagakute

Main article: Toyotomi clan

Unification of Japan (1585–1592)

Main articles: Siege of Negoro-ji and Siege of Ōta Castle

In 1585, Toyotomi Hideyoshi began to bring all of Japan under his control. He attacked the warrior monks at Negoro-ji and took control of Kii Province. His forces also took the island of Shikoku from Chōsokabe Motochika. In 1586, Hideyoshi moved to control Kyūshū, defeating the Shimazu clan and taking their castle in Kagoshima. In 1588, he took away weapons from peasants to prevent uprisings. In 1590, he began a long siege at Odawara Castle against the Hōjō clan. In 1591, he crushed a rebellion led by Kunohe Masazane, finishing his work to unify Japan.

Taikō (1592–1598)

Hideyoshi faced uncertainty about the future of his dynasty after Japan when his only son, Tsurumatsu, and his half-brother Hidenaga died. He named his nephew Hidetsugu his heir and stepped down from his position as kampaku to become taikō, or retired regent.

Hideyoshi continued the plans of Oda Nobunaga to expand Japan’s influence. In 1592, he began an invasion of Korea, aiming to use it as a pathway to conquer the Ming dynasty in China. Though his forces quickly took much of Korea, they were eventually pushed back by combined Korean and Chinese forces. A second invasion in 1598 also struggled, and the war ended in a stalemate, leaving all sides exhausted.

Death

Toyotomi Hideyoshi died at Fushimi Castle on September 18, 1598. His last words were about trusting his closest followers. His death was kept secret by the Council of Five Elders to keep spirits high, and they told Japanese forces in Korea to come back to Japan.

After Hideyoshi’s death, the members of the Council struggled to control the ambitions of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Two of Hideyoshi’s top generals, Katō Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori, sided with Ieyasu. Hideyoshi’s son, Hideyori, lost the power his father had, and Ieyasu eventually defeated his followers at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Later, Ieyasu attacked Osaka Castle and ended the Toyotomi clan.

Family

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was born to Kinoshita Yaemon and Ōmandokoro. He was later adopted by Konoe Sakihisa.

He had several wives and concubines, including Nene, Yodo-dono, and Minami-dono. With these wives, he had children such as Toyotomi Tsurumatsu and Toyotomi Hideyori.

Hideyoshi also adopted many children, including Hashiba Hidekatsu, Ukita Hideie, and Toyotomi Hidetsugu, among others. He had several adopted daughters as well, such as Gohime and O-hime.

Character and policy analysis

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was known for his charm and ability to win people over, which helped him gain support from both his allies and even some of his enemies. Despite rising from a humble background, he became one of the most powerful leaders in Japan.

In 1587, Hideyoshi issued an order to expel Christian missionaries from Japan. He believed Christianity posed a threat to his control and Japan's traditional beliefs. This decision was part of his effort to unify and strengthen Japan during his time as a leader.

Legacy

Toyotomi Hideyoshi had a lasting impact on Japanese society. He created a strict class system, where peasants could no longer become warriors, and samurai had to live in castle towns. He also conducted surveys and a complete census of Japan, requiring people to stay in their local areas unless they had special permission to travel.

Hideyoshi built the huge Osaka Castle to protect the area near Kyoto. He also supported the Japanese tea ceremony, collecting beautiful items and hosting fancy events. His rules and ideas influenced later leaders, shaping the way Japan was governed and lived in for many years.

Names

Catholic sources from Hideyoshi's time called him Cuambacondono, combining the word kampaku with the honorific -dono. They also referred to him as "emperor Taicosama," using the title taikō for a retired kampaku (see Sesshō and Kampaku) along with the honorific -sama.

In popular culture

Toyotomi Hideyoshi has appeared in many films, anime, documentaries, television shows, and video games. In the 2009 Japanese film Goemon, he is portrayed as an antagonist by actor Eiji Okuda. He is also featured in the 2023 film Kubi, played by Takeshi Kitano.

In the anime series Great Pretender, Hideyoshi is referenced by one of the main characters. The Netflix documentary series Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan portrays his life and rise to power. Actor Naoto Takenaka played Hideyoshi in a 1996 Japanese television drama, and Yukijirō Hotaru portrayed a character based on him in the 2024 miniseries Shōgun. Hideyoshi is also a character in video games like Samurai Warriors and Nobunaga's Ambition.