Ishida Mitsunari, the head of the Western army of ancient Japan, the wise leader who led his army of 120,000 to the furious battle in Sekigahara in the 16th century .
Early life
In 1559, Mitsunari was born to the household of Ishida, the local landlord of Omi. Mitsunari was educated like any other boy from a wealthy background and was prepared to take on his father’s role and work for the Azai family, which his father had also served.
In 1573, the Azai clan was defeated and Mitsunari was now a freeman. Mitsunari could finally choose who he was to follow.
Early career
Toyomi Hideyoshi, the legend and the man who was ambitious to unite Japan, became the obvious choice for Mitsunari, as he looked up to him since he was a child.
Mitsunari’s reputation also attracted Hideyoshi and Hideyoshi put his trust in Mitsunari, appointing him as one of his top 5 advisors. Hideyoshi’s power and influence only grew and in 1583 Mitsunari eventually became recognized as one of Hideyoshi’s top men.
Through his time working for Hideyoshi, he also got to know his future commanders and friends, Otani Yoshitsuge. They first met as joint commanders in an excursion to Kyushu, helping Hideyoshi to expand. Mitsunari was impressed by his great talents and Otani was touched by Mitsunari’s kindness and friendliness. The two swore that they would never betray the others, as comrades at war, and as friends.
The ups and downs of Mitsunari
Mitsunari’s path looked all successful and smooth until the end of the wars with Korea. Hideyoshi was hoping to settle the war with a peace agreement and he told Mitsunari to announce this decision for him. Being supportive of his boss, Mitsunari did what he was told to, but this triggered disagreement from pro-war commanders and their anger was then directed at him.
The situation worsened when the only force which was able to fight against Tokugawa collapsed. Knowing that Mitsunari was no longer as powerful as before, Tokugawa humiliated Mitsunari and ignored his influence. Mitsunari could not stand the humiliation and swore to seek revenge against Tokugawa.
In 1600, Tokugawa was in another war in Aizu, leaving his castle empty.
“This has to be my chance!”thought Mitsunari as he gathered his advisors, Shima Sakon, Otani Yoshitsuge and Kamo Yorisato to plot a plan against Tokugawa.
Otani warned Mitsunari,”My lord, this is a war that cannot be won.” Shima and Kamo agreed with Otani, as soldiers, they knew how strong Tokugawa’s men were.
“Forgive me that I could never betray my faith and stand all the humiliation.” Mitsunari looked at Otani with determination in his eyes. “Tokugawa is not my lord, and I swear to my own name, Ishida Mitsunari would never be under Tokugawa!”
The Western Army was now formally established, with Mitsunari and his commanders, Shima Sakon, Otani Yoshitsugu and Kamō Yorisato heading to Sekigahara for their ultimate battle between the forces.
Mitsunari and Otani advanced into Osaka castle. The two commanders who were once fighting for Hideyoshi were not united, fighting for themselves. What they had to face was heavy defence forces placed by Tokugawa. However, with Mitsunari and Otani’s strong attack, the castle fell and it seemed that Mitsunari would soon storm the Tokugawa’s main cities.
Tokugawa was shocked by their speed but simultaneously, he gathered his forces and marched towards Sekigahara.
As the Western Army was waiting for their enemy to appear, Mitsunari asked Otani one final question.
“Otani, do you regret fighting the impossible war with me, instead of keeping your name as the glorious victor?” he asked regretfully, but with slight joy, knowing that he was not fighting this alone.
“Mitsunari, my friend,” Otani answered firmly, “I choose to side with you and for that decision, I hold no hesitation or regret.” he grabbed his katana and ordered his troop to advance into the battlefield as their first enemy appeared.
Knowing that his friends were fighting side by side with him, Mitsunari had no fear and his troop of 6,900 defended successfully against the strong attacks from the Eastern Army which outnumbered them greatly.
Shima and Kamo were very experienced commanders. While Mitsunari was fighting the main armies, they directed another group of the Eastern Army down the hill and fought with huge advantage.
However, the morale of the Western Army was always low as many commanders knew it would be impossible to win. Kobayakawa, who was a spy from the Eastern Army turned against Mitsunari. Seeing one of the key commanders betraying Mitsunari, many other commanders who were suspicious of Mitsunari followed.
Mitsunari could not do anything but watched his commanders turn against him one by one. He was angry but helpless, but Shima, Otani and Kamo stood firm for him. They were surrounded by the Eastern Army and none of them betrayed Mitsunari even at their very last moments.
Mitsunari saw his friends falling one after another in front of his very eyes. His defeat was sealed and all he felt now was regret and guiltiness for dragging his friends in this war. He was captured but was unable to end his own life with his Catholic faith.
At the very last moment of his life, as he was facing execution together with those who refused to surrender to Tokugawa, he cursed the Tokugawa family. He would never forgive those who betray him, and above all, Tokugawa who took everything from him and all the humiliation.
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