Kanamori Nagachika facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kanamori Nagachika
金森 長近
Lord of Ōno Castle (Echizen Province)
In office 1580–1608
Lord of Takayama Castle
In office 1588–1608
Personal details
Born	1524
Died	September 20, 1608
Military service
Allegiance	Saito clan Oda clan Toyotomi clan Tokugawa clan
Battles/wars	Battle of Nagashino (1575) Echizen Campaign (1575) Battle of Shizugatake (1583) Battle of Komaki and Nagakute (1584) Attack on Anekōji clan (1585) Battle of Sekigahara (1600)

Kanamori Nagachika (金森 長近, 1524 – September 20, 1608) was a famous Japanese samurai who lived during a very exciting time in Japan. This period stretched from the Sengoku period into the early Edo period. Nagachika was the first leader of the Kanamori family. He worked for three powerful families: the Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa clans. Later in his life, he became a daimyō, which means a powerful feudal lord.

Kanamori Nagachika: A Samurai's Journey

Early Service and Joining Oda Nobunaga

Kanamori Nagachika first worked for the Saitō family in a place called Mino Province. A clan is like a big family group. A province is a region, similar to a state or county.

In 1567, the Saitō family lost power after the Battle of Inabayama. After this, Nagachika became a retainer (a loyal follower) of the very powerful leader Oda Nobunaga.

Serving Oda Nobunaga

In 1575, Nagachika showed his skill in the Battle of Nagashino. He and another samurai, Sakai Tadatsugu, set up a surprise attack on the Takeda army. They managed to defeat Takeda Nobuzane, who was a younger brother of the famous warlord Takeda Shingen.

Later that year, Nagachika helped Nobunaga put down a rebellion in Echizen Province. This rebellion was led by a group called the Ikkō-ikki. Because of his loyalty and success, Nobunaga rewarded Nagachika. He was given control of Ōno Castle.

A Time of Change: After Nobunaga's Death

In 1582, a sad event happened called the Honnoji Incident. Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and died. Nagachika’s oldest son and heir, Kanamori Naganori, also died during this time. He was fighting alongside Nobunaga's son, Oda Nobutada, at Nijō Castle.

After Nobunaga's death, many leaders fought for power. In 1583, during the Battle of Shizugatake, Nagachika first supported Shibata Katsuie. However, when another important leader, Maeda Toshiie, switched his loyalty to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nagachika decided to do the same. He left the battle without fighting and then pledged his loyalty to Hideyoshi.

Loyalty to Toyotomi Hideyoshi

After joining Hideyoshi, Nagachika continued to serve him. In 1584, he fought under Hideyoshi's command in the Battle of Komaki-Nagakute.

In 1585, Hideyoshi sent Nagachika on a mission called the "Toyama Campaign." Nagachika was sent to defeat the Anegakōji family in Hida Province. He succeeded in this mission and became the ruler of Matsukura Castle and Takayama Castle.

Supporting Tokugawa Ieyasu

Later, in 1600, Nagachika decided to support Tokugawa Ieyasu during the important Sekigahara campaign. He led 1,140 of his own men to the famous Battle of Sekigahara. This battle was a major turning point in Japanese history.

A Master of Tea

Kanamori Nagachika was not just a skilled warrior; he was also a respected tea master. He greatly admired Sen no Rikyū, who was one of the most famous tea masters in Japan's history. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered Rikyū's death, Nagachika bravely helped Rikyū's son, Sen Dōan, by giving him a safe place to stay.

Images for kids

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  Statue of Kanamori Nagachika at Shiroyama Park, Gifu Prefecture, Japan