Azai Hisamasa facts for kids
Azai Hisamasa (浅井 久政, Azai Hisamasa, 1526 – September 23, 1573) was an important leader in Japan during a time of many wars, known as the Sengoku period. He was the second head of the Azai clan, a powerful family in Ōmi Province (modern-day Shiga Prefecture). His father was Azai Sukemasa.
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Leading the Azai Clan
Hisamasa became the head of the Azai clan in 1542 after his father passed away. However, he was not as strong a leader as his father. The Azai clan started to lose control of their lands to a rival family, the Rokkaku clan. Eventually, Hisamasa had to agree to become a follower of the Rokkaku clan. This meant the Azai clan was no longer independent.
Winning Back Freedom
The people who served Hisamasa, called his retainers, were not happy about losing their independence. Hisamasa's son, Azai Nagamasa, was a much stronger leader. Nagamasa led the Azai forces in the Battle of Norada. Even though the Rokkaku army was much larger, Nagamasa won a great victory! This battle helped the Azai clan become independent again. After this important win, Hisamasa's retainers convinced him to step down from his main leadership role.
A Difficult Alliance
Even after stepping down, Hisamasa still had some influence within the clan. This became clear in 1570. At that time, Azai Nagamasa had an alliance with Oda Nobunaga, a very powerful warlord. Nobunaga attacked the Asakura clan, who had been a long-time friend and supporter of Hisamasa.
Hisamasa did not like Nobunaga. He felt that the Azai clan owed a lot to the Asakura clan for their past help. So, Hisamasa demanded that the Azai clan break their alliance with Nobunaga and go to war against him to help the Asakura. It is believed that Nagamasa did not want to break the alliance. He even refused to divorce his wife, Oichi, who was Nobunaga's sister. But Nagamasa could not get enough support to go against his father's wishes.
The Final Battle
In 1573, Nobunaga's forces attacked Odani Castle, which was the main castle of the Azai clan. The castle was surrounded and under siege. Facing defeat, Hisamasa died during the siege.
Family Connections
- Father: Azai Sukemasa (1491-1542)
- Son: Azai Nagamasa (1545-1573)
- Daughter: Kyōgoku Maria (1543-1618)
