Lecture 20: 1600 Sekigahara—Samurai Showdown
helped Toyotomi gain control of Japan while biding his time and
building up his own strength. He was in his mid-50s and at the apex
of his wealth and power, with a network of allies who were loyal
friends. Yet in his climb to prominence, he had made a number of
enemies, and there were many who resented his prosperity.x ,Q 0D\ QHDU GHDWK 7R\RWRPL VXPPRQHG WKH ¿YH PRVW
powerful lords, including Tokugawa, to act as a council of regents
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son was old enough to rule.x The leader of this group was Ishida Mitsunari, a descendant of
a famous family that had fallen on hard times. It was these three
men: Tokugawa, the powerful general and wealthy lord; Ishida, the
clever administrator; and Kobayakawa, the young samurai, who
would determine the outcome at Sekigahara.x Soon, two coalitions began to emerge: one centered on Tokugawa
and his long-time friends and allies and the other surrounding
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faction because Ishida was defending the legacy and wishes
of Kobayakawa’s adoptive father, Toyotomi. This was also the
group that supported the claim of Kobayakawa’s adoptive brother,
Toyotomi’s 5-year old son. On the other hand, Kobayakawa
remembered the great favor that Tokugawa had done for him after
the Korean debacle.The Armies and Their Technology
x The armies at Sekigahara fought with nearly identical weapons
and armor.
o 7KHHOLWHVDPXUDLZHUHKLJKO\WUDLQHGZDUULRUVSUR¿FLHQWZLWK
a variety of weapons, including sword and bow. Some were
mounted, although many fought on foot.o The ashigaru were lower-ranked and carried long stabbing
spears called yariZKLOHRWKHUVZHUHWUDLQHGWR¿UHSULPLWLYH
matchlocks.