Shimazu Takahisa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shimazu Takahisa
|
|
|---|---|
|
島津貴久
|
|
Shimazu Takahisa
|
|
| Head of Shimazu clan | |
| In office 1527–1566 |
|
| Preceded by | Shimazu Katsuhisa |
| Succeeded by | Shimazu Yoshihisa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 28, 1514 Izaku Castle |
| Died | July 15, 1571 (aged 57) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Relations | Shimazu Katsuhisa (adopted father) |
| Children | Shimazu Yoshihisa Shimazu Yoshihiro Shimazu Toshihisa Shimazu Iehisa |
| Parent |
|
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Shimazu clan |
| Rank | Daimyō |
| Unit | Shimazu clan |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Kajiki (1549) Siege of Iwatsurugi (1554) |
Shimazu Takahisa (島津 貴久, May 28, 1514 – July 15, 1571) was an important leader, known as a daimyō, during Japan's Sengoku period. He was the fifteenth head of the powerful Shimazu clan. Takahisa was the son of Shimazu Tadayoshi.
Contents
Who Was Shimazu Takahisa?
Shimazu Takahisa was born on May 28, 1514, likely at Izaku Castle. In 1526, he was adopted by Shimazu Katsuhisa. This made him the new head of the Shimazu clan. He took on the big job of leading his family.
What Were His Main Goals?
Takahisa wanted to take back three important areas for his clan. These were Satsuma, Osumi, and Hyūga. He worked hard to achieve this goal. While he made good progress, it was his sons who would finish the job.
How Did He Prepare Future Leaders?
Takahisa was a smart leader who planned for the future. He trained his sons to become strong leaders. His sons included Shimazu Yoshihisa, Yoshihiro, Toshihisa, and Iehisa. These brothers later helped the Shimazu clan control the entire island of Kyūshū for a short time.
How Did Takahisa Connect with Other Cultures?
Takahisa was very open to new ideas and people from other countries. He played a key role in bringing new things to Japan.
Bringing Western Firearms to Japan
In 1543, a ship carrying Portuguese people crashed on Tanegashima island. This event was very important. Takahisa was the first daimyō to get Western firearms from them. These new weapons changed how battles were fought in Japan.
Meeting St. Francis Xavier
In 1549, Takahisa welcomed St. Francis Xavier to his lands. Xavier was a Christian missionary. Takahisa met him at Ijyuin Castle. At first, Takahisa allowed Xavier to teach Christianity in his area. However, local Buddhist monks did not like this. Because of their pressure, Takahisa later stopped supporting Christianity.
Diplomatic Ties with Ryūkyū Kingdom
Takahisa also built good relationships with the Ryūkyū Kingdom. This kingdom was a group of islands south of Japan. Having good ties helped with trade and communication.
What Were His Important Battles?
Takahisa used his new firearms in battle. He also faced challenges from within his own lands.
Siege of Kajiki Castle (1549)
In 1549, Takahisa used the new "Portuguese-derived" firearms. He used them to attack and capture Kajiki Castle. This showed how powerful the new weapons were.
Siege of Iwatsurugi Castle (1554)
In 1554, some of his own local lords, the Ito clan and Kimotsuki clan, rebelled against him. Shimazu Takahisa had to fight them at the Siege of Iwatsurugi Castle. He took action to keep control of his lands.
When Did Takahisa Retire and Pass Away?
In 1570, Takahisa decided to step down as the head of the family. He gave the position to his son, Shimazu Yoshihisa. Takahisa passed away the following year, in 1571.
Notable People Who Served Takahisa
Takahisa had many loyal and skilled people who served him. Some of them were:
- Ijuin Tadaaki
- Tanegashima Tokitaka
- Niiro Tadamoto
