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Akechi forces · Akechi

Akechi Hidemitsu

“Akechi Samanosuke”

A senior retainer and confidant of Akechi Mitsuhide, said to have been his son-in-law. He is held to have led the vanguard at Honnō-ji. On hearing of the defeat at Yamazaki he withdrew to Sakamoto Castle, leaving the legend of "Samanosuke's crossing of the lake" on horseback. When the castle fell, unable to bear burning its famous treasures, he is said to have handed them to the besiegers with an inventory before taking his own life.

Epithet
“Akechi Samanosuke”
Rank / office
Sama-no-suke
Domain / base
Sakamoto, Ōmi
Banner / crest
Bellflower
Side
Akechi forces
Lived
birth unknown–1582

Life

  1. Tenshō 10 The Honnō-ji Incident As Mitsuhide's confidant he played a leading part in the surprise attack on Nobunaga.
  2. Tenshō 10 The End at Sakamoto Castle Entrusted the treasures to the enemy and died in the castle with his kin.

Battles in this archive1 battles

  1. Honnō-ji Incident 2nd day of the 6th month, Tenshō 10 Honnō-ji, Kyoto, Yamashiro Province Mitsuhide's son-in-law. The fierce commander who attacked Honnō-ji from the western lane and cut off escape. He would later race for Mount Tennō. 3,500 troops Watch ▸

Related sites

  • Sakamoto Castle ruins (Ōtsu)