Toyotomi Hideyoshi

c. 1537 – 18 September 1598

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (c. 1537-1598) was a Japanese samurai and daimyo who rose from peasant origins to complete the unification of Japan in 1590. Serving first under Oda Nobunaga, he became imperial regent (kampaku) and enacted sweeping social reforms including the sword hunt and land surveys. His rule ended the Sengoku period, though his invasions of Korea in the 1590s ended in failure.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Life events

Born in Nakamura, Owari Province, to a peasant family
c. 1537

Hideyoshi was born to a peasant-foot soldier family in Owari Province; his traditional birth date is given as 1537, though some sources say 1536.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Entered the service of Oda Nobunaga as a lowly attendant
c. 1558

Around 1558 Hideyoshi joined the Oda clan of Owari, beginning his rise from sandal-bearer to trusted general.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married One (Nene), his lifelong principal wife
1561

Hideyoshi married One, later known as Kodai-in, who became an influential figure in his household and politics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Made daimyo of Nagahama in Omi Province after the fall of the Azai clan
1573

Nobunaga rewarded Hideyoshi's service against the Azai clan with his first castle and domain at Nagahama.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Avenged Oda Nobunaga at the Battle of Yamazaki
2 July 1582

After Nobunaga's death at Honno-ji, Hideyoshi defeated the traitor Akechi Mitsuhide at Yamazaki, positioning himself as Nobunaga's successor.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed kampaku (imperial regent) by the emperor
1585

Hideyoshi was granted the office of kampaku in 1585 and the surname Toyotomi in 1586, legitimizing his national authority.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Completed the unification of Japan with the Siege of Odawara
1590

The defeat of the Hojo clan at Odawara in 1590 brought the last major holdout under Hideyoshi's control, ending the Sengoku period's fragmentation.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Launched the first invasion of Korea (Imjin War)
23 May 1592

Hideyoshi ordered a massive invasion of Joseon Korea in 1592 as a step toward conquering Ming China; the campaign stalled and ultimately failed.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Fushimi Castle
18 September 1598

Hideyoshi died in 1598 while his second Korean campaign was still under way, leaving his young son Hideyori under a council of regents.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓