Kōsokabe Chikayasu (香宗我部親泰, 1543 – 1593), third son of Chōsokabe Kunichika who was adopted by the Kōsokabe Clan in 1558 was a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku period, who served the Chōsokabe clan.[1] He was the castle lord in command of Aki Castle.[2][3] Throughout Chikayasu's life, he led many an army throughout his older brother Motochika's campaigns in Shikoku and contributing to the expansion of the domain of the Chōsokabe clan.[1]

Kōsokabe Chikayasu
香宗我部親泰
Lord of Aki Castle
In office
1569–1585
Personal details
Born1543
Okō Castle, Tosa Province
Died1593(1593-00-00) (aged 49–50)
Nagato Province
RelationsChōsokabe Kunichika (father)
Kōsokabe Chikahide (adopted father)
Chōsokabe Motochika (Older brother)
Military service
Allegiance Chosokabe clan
Toyotomi clan
UnitKōsokabe Clan
CommandsAki Castle
Battles/warsBattle of Yanagare (1569)
Battle of Shimantogawa (1575)
Battle of Nakatomigawa (1582)
Battle of Hiketa (1583)
Invasion of Shikoku (1585)
Kyushu Campaign (1587)
Korean Campaign (1592)

Biography edit

Chikayasu was the third son of Chosokabe Kunichika and a younger brother of Chosokabe Motochika. He was adopted by Kosokabe Chikahide in 1558 and following the defeat of the Aki family at Battle of Yanagare in 1569, he was given Aki castle.

He went on to serve Motochika loyally throughout his career. In 1575, he fought at the Battle of Shimantogawa (Battle of Watarigawa) against Ichijo family.[4] He played a notable role in the Chosokabe victory at the Battle of Nakatomigawa in 1582 and captured Tsu castle, afterwards being given Tomioka castle in Awa province.

He was known as a diplomat as well as warrior, and worked at arranging a Chosokabe-Oda alliance. He sent messages to Oda Nobuo and Tokugawa Ieyasu when the latter two were facing Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1584. After these endeavors, his talents became widely known.

In 1585, with his brother Chōsokabe Motochika, Chikayasu fought in the Invasion of Shikoku against Hideyoshi's forces.

In 1587, Chikayasu participated in the Toyotomi Hideyoshi Kyushu Campaign against Shimazu clan.

In 1592, Chikayasu participated in the First Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea, along with his brother Chōsokabe Motochika.

Death edit

 
Tomb of Kōsokabe Chikayasu

Chikayasu died of illness in Nagato province en route to join the Korean Campaign in 1593. His eldest son Chikauji had also died of illness the previous year.

The death of Chikayasu was a significant blow to the Chōsokabe clan. He was an alter ego of Motochika, engaged in battles across Shikoku. His younger son, Sadachika, left Tosa province following the Sekigahara Campaign and settled in Shimôsa province.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "香宗我部親泰" (in Japanese). 戦国武将列伝. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  2. ^ "香宗我部親泰 元親の実弟・戦国土佐の外交役、遺品で紹介 具足など9件" (in Japanese). 毎日新聞. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  3. ^ 川口素生編 『戦国名物家臣列伝』 学習研究社 P.133
  4. ^ Turnbull, Stephen (1998). The Samurai Sourcebook. Cassell & Co. p. 216,218,227. ISBN 1854095234.