Who was Ishida Mitsunari, a prominent military commander who played an active role in the Battle of Shizugatake?

Mitsunari’s representation as “inferior in military strength” was proven wrong as he showed great achievement in the Battle of Shizugatake

During the battle of Shizugatake, that marked the start of Hideyoshi’s unification of Japan, only the “Seven spears”, including Kato Kiyomasa and Fukushima Masanori were noticeably praised. Naturally, the victory was not solely achieved by these seven warriors, but the emphasis on their achievements could be attributed to their central role as trusted vassals from the Owari region, which is closely associated with Hideyoshi.

 On the other hand, little is known about the contributions of the other vassals from Omi, such as Ishida Mitsunari, Otani Yoshitsugu, Hitotsuyanagi Naomori, and Ishikawa Sadatomo. However, Hideyoshi later praised their deeds, coining them the “Advance Guard”. Therefore, at the time of the Battle of Shizugatake, Hideyoshi had two leading groups, the Seven Spears and the Advance Guard, among his closest vassals.

let’s introduce two vassals of that time. 

　First, Mitsunari, who is generally known to have handled logistical matters (such as food and supplies) and was considered inferior in military strength in Hideyoshi’s battles. Indeed, during Hideyoshi’s campaign against Odawara, Mitsunari was appointed as the overall commander of the attack on Musashi Shinobu Castle, yet he chose to persist with a water attack that ultimately failed. This failure was a result of his loyalty to follow Hideyoshi’s orders, but Mitsunari was labeled as “incompetent in battle,” and that stigma haunted him for the rest of his life.

However, before that incident, Mitsunari had contributed not only in logistical duties, but also on the battlefield. One of the symbolic examples of his achievements was among the Advance Guard.

Before the Battle of Shizugatake, Mitsunari and Hideyoshi advanced together toward Gifu Castle. Learning of Sakuma Morimasa’s advance as the vanguard of Shibata Katsuie, Mitsunari took charge of organizing the troops for the ‘Great Retreat from Gifu’ (similar to a large-scale U-turn operation). He arranged the required number of soldiers, food, and funds to secure the path for the retreat, and all preparations were under his responsibility.

During the Battle of Shizugatake, along with Otani Yoshitsugu, Hitotsuyanagi Naomori, and Ishikawa Sadatomo, Mitsunari aimed to the forefront. The Seven Spears group consisted of more than ten members rushing forward, meanwhile the Advance Guard advanced as a cohesive unit. Hideyoshi wanted to see the rivalry among his close aides and vassals. 

Ishikawa Sadatomo, who was leading the way, impaled with his spear a soldier who stood in front of him. Mitsunari, who was right behind him, also speared through the neck of another enemy. Otani Yoshitsugu, who had just lost his helmet, came alongside Mitsunari and cheered him up, “Mitsunari, relax your strength. If you exert too much, fatigue will catch up with you.”and Mitsunari gently squeezed Yoshitsugu’s hand holding the spear in response.

Thus, Mitsunari took three or four enemies, leaving behind their heads. Carrying them on his waist would hinder his movements. This advice came from Yoshitsugu. The Battle of Shizugatake ended in a decisive victory for Hideyoshi’s forces.

When Mitsunari returned to his house in Nagahama on May 5th, he was informed that his wife was expecting their first child.

This article is presented to you by