Akiyama Nobutomo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Akiyama Nobutomo
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Akiyama Nobutomo
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| Native name |
秋山 信友
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| Nickname(s) | Raging Bull of the Takeda 武田の猛牛 |
| Born | 1527 Tsutsujigasaki Hall, Kai Province |
| Died | Dec 28, 1575 (aged 47-48) Mino Province |
| Allegiance | Takeda clan 武田氏 |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Takehiro (1571) Siege of Iwamura (1572) |
| Relations | Father: Akiyama Nobutou Wife: Lady Otsuya |
Akiyama Nobutomo (秋山 信友, 1527 – December 28, 1575) was a brave samurai warrior during Japan's Sengoku period (a time of many wars). He was one of the famous "Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda Shingen", who were the top commanders serving the powerful Takeda clan. Nobutomo also fought for Takeda Katsuyori, Shingen's son.
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A Samurai's Life: Akiyama Nobutomo
Akiyama Nobutomo was born in 1527 at Tsutsujigasaki Castle in Kai Province, Japan. His father, Akiyama Nobutou, was part of a smaller branch of the Takeda clan. When Nobutomo grew up, he began serving Takeda Shingen, the powerful leader of the Takeda family.
Early Military Successes
In 1547, Nobutomo showed great skill during a military campaign in the Ina district. Because of his bravery, he was given a fief (a piece of land) in northern Ina. This area is now known as Kamiina District in Nagano Prefecture.
Nobutomo often worked in a defensive role, protecting important castles like Takatō Castle and Iida Castle. During this time, he earned the nickname Takeda no Mogyu (武田の猛牛), which means "Raging Bull of the Takeda Clan." This nickname showed how strong and fierce he was in battle.
A Diplomat for the Takeda Clan
By 1568, Nobutomo was so respected that he was trusted with important diplomatic missions. He was sent to Gifu Castle to represent his lord, Takeda Shingen. There, he attended the wedding of Oda Nobutada, the eldest son of the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, to Matsuhime, who was Shingen's daughter.
Battles and Sieges
In 1571, Takeda Shingen planned a campaign against Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shingen wanted to take control of the coastal areas of Tōtōmi Province and move west into the rich lands of Mikawa Province. Nobutomo was called back from Iida Castle and ordered to lead an invasion into Mino Province.
His advance was stopped by troops from the Saigo clan, led by Saigo Yoshikatsu. The two armies met at the Battle of Takehiro. Even though Yoshikatsu was killed, Nobutomo had to retreat.
In 1572, the Takeda clan launched another campaign against Mikawa Province. This campaign would lead to the big Battle of Mikatagahara in January 1573. Takeda Shingen moved south and west, while Nobutomo came from the north. His job was to block escape routes and stop enemy reinforcements.
To do this, Nobutomo laid siege to Iwamura Castle. The lord of Iwamura Castle, Toyama Kagetou, suddenly died. This made the defending troops lose hope. Lady Otsuya, Kagetou's widow and an aunt of Oda Nobunaga, began talking with Nobutomo. They agreed to a treaty. Under this agreement, the castle was given up without a fight. Lady Otsuya also agreed to marry Nobutomo, which would protect her and the castle's soldiers.
Among the people in the castle was Gobomaru (御坊丸), who was Oda Nobunaga's biological son. He was seven years old and had been adopted by Kagetou. Nobutomo sent Gobomaru to Kai Province as a hostage. This boy later became known as Oda Katsunaga. With the treaty complete, Nobutomo made Iwamura Castle his main base. It became an important defensive spot for the Takeda clan.
The End of a Warrior
After Takeda Shingen passed away in the spring of 1573, Nobutomo continued to support Shingen's son, Takeda Katsuyori, in his military campaigns.
In 1575, Katsuyori suffered a huge defeat at the Battle of Nagashino. This was a disaster for the Takeda clan and left Nobutomo at Iwamura Castle without much support. Oda Nobutada repeatedly attacked the castle. Nobutomo's forces managed to hold out until November, when Nobunaga arrived with his main army.
Realizing he could not hold the castle any longer, Nobutomo agreed to surrender under a truce. Sadly, Nobunaga broke the truce. He ordered Nobutomo, his wife (who was Nobunaga's aunt), and the castle's soldiers to be executed.
On December 28, 1575, Nobutomo and his wife, Lady Otsuya, were executed near the Nagara River. His lands in Shinano then passed to his eldest son, Akiyama Katsuhisa.
