Tokugawa Ieyasu

The Omi-Mikawa Alliance was a pact concluded between Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu. “Omi” refers to Owari Province, Nobunaga’s domain, and “Mikawa” refers to Mikawa Province, Ieyasu’s domain. The two cooperated against surrounding powers and, especially after the downfall of Imagawa Yoshimoto, strengthened their coordination over his former territories. This alliance was a factor that reshaped the broader balance of power in the Sengoku period and served as the foundation upon which both later built formidable regimes.

Yamamoto Kansuke

Yamamoto Kansuke was a retainer of Takeda Shingen, known as a brilliant military strategist of the Sengoku period. He demonstrated his talents in operational planning and diplomacy in battles such as Kawanakajima, and is remembered as one of the key figures who greatly supported the Takeda clan’s military efforts. He is also known for offering advice on Takeda Shingen’s personal affairs, making him a figure with a wide range of notable episodes.

Uesugi Kagekatsu

Keiji Maeda was a formidable warrior of the Sengoku period, famed in particular as a “kabukimono” (an eccentric dandy). Though originally a member of the Maeda clan, he later served Uesugi Kagekatsu, who ruled Echigo, and distinguished himself as a retainer of the Uesugi family. It is said that their relationship went beyond a simple lord–vassal bond and was one of mutual respect.

Taishaku Chestnut (coat color)

Kato Kiyomasa’s beloved horse was the famed “Taishaku Kurige,” said to be a massive, rampaging steed. Its fearsome presence is preserved in the saying, “If you touch the Edo wake, step aside and pass—Taishaku Kurige,” showing that it was feared by the citizens of Edo.

Red Armor

Aka-zonae refers to military units of the Sengoku period whose equipment—such as weapons, armor, and banners—was unified in a striking red color. Famous examples include Ii Naomasa’s “Ii Red Regiment” and Sanada Yukimura’s “Sanada Red Regiment.” It is said that standardizing everything in red made it easier to distinguish friend from foe, strengthened unit cohesion, and produced a visually intimidating effect.

fool

When Nobunaga was young, he was called a “fool” (utsuke) because his behavior was strikingly unconventional and free-spirited, unbound by the common sense of the time. This nickname was used by people then to mean “an oddball,” and it symbolizes Nobunaga’s innovative character and drive. It’s a prompt that invites us to explore how he astonished those around him and carved a path through the Warring States era.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

The character “秀” in Tokugawa Hidetada’s name was taken from Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As Tokugawa Ieyasu pursued the unification of the realm, he needed to build a relationship with Hideyoshi, who was a dominant figure at the time. It is said that by giving his legitimate son Hidetada the character “秀” from Hideyoshi’s name, Ieyasu signaled closeness and an intention of loyalty.