Oda Nobunaga

Profession: Great Unifier of Japan

Biography: Oda Nobunaga was a Japanese daimyō (feudal lord) in the late 16th century who attempted to unify Japan during the late Sengoku period. He initiated the unification of Japan, a mission completed after his death by his generals Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

His rule was characterized by his creative military tactics, an attitude which encouraged trade, and notably his openness to foreign influences—especially in the adoption of firearms, which had recently been introduced by Portuguese traders—which gave him a substantial advantage over his rivals.

Nobunaga brutally put down any resistance, successfully unifying much of Japan after launching his war against the other daimyō in the 1560s. He came to manhood in 1546 and launched his first campaign in 1547, but it was not until his father died in 1551 that he solidified his power base.

This solidification gave way to his continued campaigns over the next decades, in which he carefully and progressively brought much of Japan under his control. Those who resisted or betrayed him were dealt with quickly and with a ruthlessness that discouraged others from doing the same.

Despite his successful efforts towards unification, Nobunaga's reign was cut short when he was betrayed by one of his own generals, Akechi Mitsuhide, in 1582. This abrupt end at Honnō-ji has given rise to numerous legends and folk tales throughout Japanese culture.

Born: June 23, 1534
Birthplace: Nagoya, Owari, Japan
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: June 21, 1582 (aged 47)
Cause of Death: Seppuku, a form of Japanese ritualistic suicide by disembowelment. Nobunaga was left with little choice after one of his own generals, Akechi Mitsuhide, was about to assassinate him..