Azai Sukemasa facts for kids

Azai Sukemasa (浅井 亮政, 1491 – January 21, 1542) was an important leader in Japan during a time when powerful families, called clans, often fought for control. He was the head of the Azai clan and helped his family become very strong.

Who Was Azai Sukemasa?

Azai Sukemasa was born in 1491. He lived during a period in Japanese history known as the Sengoku period, which means "Age of Warring States." This was a time when many powerful families, called clans, fought to control different parts of Japan.

Sukemasa was a smart and strong leader. He worked hard to make his family, the Azai clan, one of the most important groups in their region. He died on January 21, 1542.

Rising to Power

At first, Azai Sukemasa worked for another powerful family called the Kyōgoku clan. Think of it like being a trusted helper or a strong knight for a king. However, the Kyōgoku clan started to have problems. Different family members argued about who should be the next leader.

Because of these arguments, the Kyōgoku clan became weaker. This was Azai Sukemasa's chance to make his own family, the Azai clan, more powerful. He took control and became a daimyō.

What is a Daimyo?

A daimyō was a very powerful Japanese lord. They ruled over large areas of land. Daimyō were like regional governors or kings in their own territories. They had their own armies of samurai warriors. Azai Sukemasa became a daimyō, meaning he was a major leader in his part of Japan.

His Family and Legacy

After Azai Sukemasa passed away in 1542, his son, Azai Hisamasa, took over as the head of the Azai clan. However, Hisamasa was not as strong a leader as his father.

The Azai clan lost some of their lands to another powerful family, the Rokkaku clan. Because of this, Azai Hisamasa had to become a helper, or "retainer," for the Rokkaku clan. This shows how important Azai Sukemasa was in making his family strong in the first place.