Shibata forces · Maeda
Maeda Toshiie
“Matazaemon of the Spear”
In his youth a page of Nobunaga known as a flamboyant "kabukimono," he became the fierce warrior celebrated as "Matazaemon of the spear." He campaigned in the north under Shibata Katsuie, but at Shizugatake, torn between his old friend Hideyoshi and his overlord Katsuie, he left the field and decided the battle. He later became one of the Five Elders of the Toyotomi regime and laid the foundation of the million-koku domain of Kaga.
- Epithet
- “Matazaemon of the Spear”
- Rank / office
- Provisional Major Counsellor
- Domain / base
- Kaga
- Banner / crest
- Plum blossom
- Side
- Shibata forces
- Lived
- 1538–1599 (aged 62)
When I die, do not cremate me. Bury me in the earth.
Attributed to Maeda Toshiie
Life
- Tenbun 21 The Flamboyant Young Warrior Served as Nobunaga's page and made his name with flashy dress and his work with the spear.
- Tenshō 11 Withdrawal at Shizugatake Torn between his old friend Hideyoshi and his lord Katsuie, he left the field and settled the battle.
- Tenshō 13 A Million Koku in Kaga Ruled Kaga, Noto and Etchū from Kanazawa and became a great daimyo.
- Keichō 3 The Five Elders By Hideyoshi's dying wish he was entrusted with the guardianship of the young lord Hideyori.
Battles in this archive2 battles
- Battle of Tedorigawa 23rd day of the 9th month, Tenshō 5 Tedori River, Kaga Province Serving under Katsuie, he was near the rear. He rallied his men in the confusion and just managed to cross the river and withdraw. Watch ▸
- Battle of Shizugatake 21st day of the 4th month, Tenshō 11 Shizugatake, Ōmi Province Deployed on Mount Shigeyama but withdrew without fighting. His silence, caught between his friend Hideyoshi and his overlord Katsuie, decided the battle. Watch ▸
Related sites
- Kanazawa Castle
- Oyama Shrine (Kanazawa)
FAQ
- Who was Maeda Toshiie?
- A fierce warrior in Oda Nobunaga's service known as "Matazaemon of the spear," who later ruled Kaga, Noto and Etchū and founded the million-koku domain of Kaga. In the Toyotomi regime he was one of the Five Elders and was entrusted with the guardianship of the young Hideyori.
- What did Toshiie do at Shizugatake?
- He deployed under Shibata Katsuie, but torn between his old friend Hideyoshi and his overlord Katsuie he left the field in mid-battle. His withdrawal is said to have been one of the decisive factors in Katsuie's defeat.
- What was Toshiie's relationship with Hideyoshi?
- They were old friends from their youth under Nobunaga. After Shizugatake Toshiie followed Hideyoshi and supported the Toyotomi regime as one of the Five Elders.