Saitō Tatsuoki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saitō Tatsuoki
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An ukiyo-e of Saitō Tatsuoki
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| Head of Saitō clan | |
| In office 1561–1567 |
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| Preceded by | Saitō Yoshitatsu |
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| Born | 1548 |
| Died | September 6, 1573 (aged 24–25) Battle of Tonezaka, Echizen Province |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Saitō clan |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Inabayama Castle (1567) Battle of Tonezaka (1573) |
Saitō Uhyōe-Taihitsu Tatsuoki (斎藤 右兵衛・大筆 龍興, Saitō Uhyōe-Taihitsu Tatsuoki, 1548–September 6, 1573) was an important leader, called a daimyō, in Japan during a time known as the Sengoku period. He was the third head of the powerful Saitō clan in Mino Province. Saitō Tatsuoki was the son of Saitō Yoshitatsu. His grandfather was the famous Saitō Dōsan. He was also related to Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's most famous historical figures, because Nobunaga's first wife, Nohime, was Tatsuoki's aunt.
Contents
Biography
Becoming a Leader
Saitō Tatsuoki became the head of his family, the Saitō clan, when he was just 13 years old. This happened in the year 1561, after his father passed away. However, many people thought he was not a very strong or skilled leader. He was quite different from his father and his famous grandfather.
Rivalry with Oda Nobunaga
Tatsuoki soon found himself in a big conflict with Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga was a very powerful and ambitious daimyō who wanted to unite Japan. In 1567, Tatsuoki's forces faced a major defeat against Nobunaga's army. This battle was a turning point for the Saitō clan.
After this loss, the Saitō clan was no longer a major power in Japan. They could not compete with the other strong families during the Sengoku period.
Life in Exile
After Oda Nobunaga took over the Saitō lands in 1567, Tatsuoki had to leave his home. He went into exile, meaning he lived away from his own territory. There are a couple of stories about how he managed to escape.
One story says that Tatsuoki left his castle the night before Nobunaga's final attack. He took a boat and fled down the Sunomata River. Another story suggests that after Nobunaga's soldiers broke through the castle gates, Tatsuoki and his men were trapped. Nobunaga offered them a chance to surrender safely, and Tatsuoki accepted. He then marched out of the castle with his family and followers.
No matter how he escaped, Tatsuoki eventually found his way to Nagashima in Ise Province. He lived there for some time. Later, he sought safety with another powerful leader, Asakura Yoshikage.
Final Battle and Death
Saitō Tatsuoki's life in exile ended in 1573. He was killed during the Battle of Tonezaka. At the time of his death, he was only 25 years old.
See also
- Akaza Shichirōemon - a loyal follower of Saitō Tatsuoki
