Muneharu Shimizu

1537 (age 45)

Japan

When Hideyoshi Toyotomi carried out a campaign in Chugoku at the order of Nobunaga Oda, he advised Muneharu to side with his camp, promising that he would be given the province of Bitchu. Muneharu rejected it and Hideyoshi's forces marched to Okayama and attacked Takamatsu Castle. Because the castle was located in a marshland and difficult to attack, Hideyoshi built levees around it, flooded the land surrounding the castle with water from the Ashimori River, taking advantage of the rainy season. Although Takakage came to Muneharu's aid accompanied by Terumoto Mori and Motoharu Kikkawa, his elder brother, Hideyoshi avoided them and continued the siege and asked Nobunaga to send reinforcements. Then he was informed of Nobunaga's death in the Honnoji Affair. Hideyoshi thereupon proposed peace to Mori on the condition that Muneharu kill himself. Muneharu was persuaded to accept the arrangement by Priest Ekei of the Ankokuji Temple, who was trusted by the Moris. Hideyoshi sent Mosuke Horio, one of his retainers, to Takamatsu Castle to see that Muneharu killed himself. Also sent food and drinks to Muneharu for his last banquet at his request. Muneharu held a banquet with his elder brother, Gessei-Nyudo, and his retainers, and danced before he committed suicide. All of his soldiers were set free.

Muneharu Shimizu

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宗治清水

also known as Chozaemon

warrior

Background

Muneharu Shimizu was born in 1537.

Career

When Hideyoshi Toyotomi carried out a campaign in Chugoku at the order of Nobunaga Oda, he advised Muneharu to side with his camp, promising that he would be given the province of Bitchu. Muneharu rejected it and Hideyoshi's forces marched to Okayama and attacked Takamatsu Castle.

Because the castle was located in a marshland and difficult to attack, Hideyoshi built levees around it, flooded the land surrounding the castle with water from the Ashimori River, taking advantage of the rainy season. Although Takakage came to Muneharu's aid accompanied by Terumoto Mori and Motoharu Kikkawa, his elder brother, Hideyoshi avoided them and continued the siege and asked Nobunaga to send reinforcements.

Then he was informed of Nobunaga's death in the Honnoji Affair. Hideyoshi thereupon proposed peace to Mori on the condition that Muneharu kill himself. Muneharu was persuaded to accept the arrangement by Priest Ekei of the Ankokuji Temple, who was trusted by the Moris. Hideyoshi sent Mosuke Horio, one of his retainers, to Takamatsu Castle to see that Muneharu killed himself.

Also sent food and drinks to Muneharu for his last banquet at his request. Muneharu held a banquet with his elder brother, Gessei-Nyudo, and his retainers, and danced before he committed suicide. All of his soldiers were set free.

References

The Samurai Sourcebook by Stephen Turnbull
2000

Main Photo