Ii Naotaka (March 16, 1590 - August 16, 1659) Ii Naotaka was the second son of Tokugawa general, Ii Naomasa, and later Daimyo of Omi (Shiga Pref.) following his fine efforts during the Siege of Osaka in 1614. The story of the Maneki Neko, the lucky cats seen in shops and homes across Japan, [...]

Hosoi Heishu (August 3, 1728 – June 29, 1801) Hosoi Heishu was a samurai scholar born in the sleepy village of Hirashima, modern-day Arao, in Tokai City Aichi Prefecture, about 40 minutes drive south of Nagoya. Heishu was born in 1728 in a home where the Meitetsu Shurakuen Station now stands. Heishu was taught [...]

Kuroda Kanbei (December 22, 1546 – April 19, 1604) Kuroda Kanbei, also known as Kuroda Yoshitaka, and later in life, Kuroda Josui, was a military advisor and 
daimyo of the late Sengoku period. A brilliant strategist, he was a highly respected warrior, known 
for his quick wit, bravery and loyalty. Kuroda Kanbei Yoshitaka [...]

Minamoto no Yorinobu (December 21, 986 - June 1, 1048)   Minamoto no Yorinobu Minamoto no Yorinobu was born a member of the influential Minamoto clan, son of the statesman Minamoto no Mitsunaka, an acting governor of ten provinces, Commander in Chief and Defender of the Northern Districts, and [...]

Kato Kiyomasa (July 25, 1562 - August 2, 1611) Kato Kiyomasa was an Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo period Daimyo, much respected warrior and 
castle architect. Kato Kiyomasa, Sengoku period hero Kiyomasa was born in modern day Nakamura Ward, 
Nagoya City. An interesting episode involves the young Kato Kiyomasa being sent to live with [...]

Matsudaira Tadayori (1582 - October 26, 1609) The Daimyo Matsudaira Tadayori was was a highly ranked vassal of the Tokugawa clan, born in the year Oda Nobunaga was killed, 1582, and killed in an argument following a tea ceremony in Edo in 1609. During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, he was entrusted [...]

Horio Yoshiharu (1542 - July 26, 1611) Horio Yoshiharu was born in Niwa-gun, Owari (Aichi Prefecture) in 1542. Yoshiharu, also known as Horio Mosuke, was called “Hotoke no Mosuke”, or “The Buddha Mosuke”, after the enlightened god, Hotoke, because of his serene demeanor, and ability to remain calm even under intense pressure. His father [...]

Kujo (Fujiwara) Yoritsune, the 4th Kamakura Shogun, (February 12, 1218 - October 14, 1252) The 4th Kamakura Shogun, Kujo Yoritsune was born February 12, 1218, in the Year of the Tiger, in the Month of the Tiger and on the Day of the Tiger, and so his parents named him Mitora (Three Tigers). He [...]

Ko Morofuyu (?? - February 13, 1351) Ko Morofuyu One of the most important generals in the service of the first Ashikaga Shogun, Ashikaga Takauji, Ko Morofuyu was the administrative governor of Mikawa Province (Aichi Prefecture) and the military governor of Musashi Province (Saitama Prefecture) and later governor of [...]

Itagaki Nobukata (1489- killed in battle, March 23, 1458) Itagaki Nobutaka Itagaki Nobukata was one of the famed 24 Generals of Takeda Shingen who often led troops into battle when Takeda Shingen was unable to, or was otherwise indisposed. In the 1542 Siege of Fukuyo and the following Battle [...]