Shogun's Akechi Jinsai: The True Tale of the General Who Inspired the Creation of the Character

At this point, it's clear that Akechi Jinsai, the father of Toda Mariko in the renowned series Shogun, draws inspiration from the Sengoku period general Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀, March 10, 1528 – July 2, 1582). Mitsuhide, once known as Jubei, earned the moniker of the “13-day shogun” after his fateful betrayal of Oda Nobunaga during the notorious Honno-ji Incident, where he audaciously declared himself shogun. He embarked on a quest to seek acknowledgment from the Imperial Court and numerous daimyo. As Hashiba Hideyoshi, who would later become known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was entrenched in the siege of Takamatsu Castle in Bitchu Province, and with Tokugawa Ieyasu similarly engaged in a distant battle, Mitsuhide nurtured the hope that a wave of supporters would rally to his cause, offering him the shield he needed against the looming threat of their vengeance. Some may have indeed pledged their allegiance even before the coup unfolded. Ultimately, though, none of the daimyo were prepared to risk their necks. In the gripping days that ensued, Mitsuhide honored his loyal troops by plundering the lavish Azuchi Castle of Nobunaga, which eventually met its fiery demise.

Hideyoshi would be the first to seek retribution for Nobunaga’s death. Upon receiving the news, he swiftly called for a truce with the defenders of Takamatsu Castle, which he had nearly brought to their knees through relentless flooding and bombardment. Without delay, he marched his army back to Kyoto, leaving scant opportunity for Mitsuhide to ready himself.

When Hideyoshi arrived, Mitsuhide's ranks had shrunk to a mere ten thousand warriors, which was only half the strength of Hideyoshi's formidable army. Mitsuhide readied himself to confront the greater forces positioned to the south of Kyoto, just before the town of Yamazaki. In that place, the clash of warriors would unfold, nestled between the sturdy base of the wooded Tennozan mountain and the meeting point of the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers. Moreover, a stream known as Enmyoji-gawa cascaded down from the mountainside, merging with the main rivers and creating a natural barrier on the battlefield. Mitsuhide's forces established their camp behind this stream, while Hideyoshi strategically claimed the heights above.

In a daring move, a few of Mitsuhide’s men sought to traverse the stream and launch an attack on Hideyoshi’s forward position nestled on the mountainside. However, their bold attempt was met with fierce resistance, as they were swiftly repelled by arquebus fire. Ultimately, Hideyoshi encircled the smaller force by advancing across Enmyoji-gawa on the opposite flank, resulting in a sweeping defeat. At Shoryuji Castle, a bastion of resilience, some of the Akechi forces made their last stand, positioned strategically between the tumult of the battlefield and the serene southwestern outskirts of Kyoto. Yet, they found themselves promptly overwhelmed once more.

Mitsuhide fled and sought refuge in Sakamoto Castle to the northeast. Regrettably, as he became an ochimusha (fallen warrior), the famous general was vulnerable to attacks by peasant bandits. As night descended upon the village of Ogurisu, a tragic story began to unfold - a story of a man meeting his demise at the hands of a bandit, a mysterious figure wielding a bamboo spear, lurking in the shadows.

Mitsuhide is enshrined today in a quaint alley in Umemiyacho, a serene residential area in Kyoto's picturesque Higashiyama district. Although his humble resting place may accurately reflect the significance of his reign as shogun, it surely understates his significance in the Japanese popular imagination.

Akechi Mitsuhide is said to have been born on March 10, 1528 in Tara Castle, nestled in Mino Province, which we now know as Kani in Gifu Prefecture. Like Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide began his military journey as a humble foot soldier. He was in the service of Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the 13th shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, who held the reins of power from 1546 to 1565, though his rule was merely a façade. In the midst of a tumultuous siege in 1565, he chose to end his own life, paving the way for his cousin Askikaga Yoshiaki to ascend as shogun just three years later. Mitsuhide had previously taken on the role of guardian for Yoshiaki.

He also stood shoulder to shoulder with Oda Nobunaga, engaging in numerous battles that unfolded both before and after the fall of the Ashikaga Shogunate. In the year 1580, Nobunaga made the fateful decision to dismiss his most crucial commander, Sakuma Nobumori. Mitsuhide took the reins from Nobumori, stepping into the role of commander and leading the mightiest force in the Kinki region. This move was often said to be linked to the Honno-ji Incident.

In the year 1582, Mitsuhide received orders from Nobunaga to journey westward, lending his support to Hashiba Hideyoshi, who was engaged in battle against the Mori clan. Defying his command, Mitsuhide gathered a formidable force of 13,000 warriors and advanced towards Nobunaga's stronghold at Honno-ji. On June 21, Mitsuhide proclaimed, "The enemy is at Honno-ji!" Following their encirclement, his forces set fire to the temple. Oda Nobunaga met his end amidst the chaos of battle, or perhaps by his own choice. Oda Nobutada, the son of Nobunaga fled the temple; however; he was soon cornered at Nijo Castle, where he met his tragic end. Though he did not strike the fatal blow to Nobunaga himself, Mitsuhide boldly took credit for the demise of the great warlord.

Mitsuhide's betrayal of Oda stunned the capital, compelling him to act promptly in order to ensure his position. Mitsuhide made numerous attempts to sway the other clans and to extend gestures of friendship to a terrified Imperial Court; however, his efforts were unsuccessful.

Akechi Jinsai was depicted by the talented actor Yutaka Takeuchi in the series Shogun.

[Photos: Mitsuhide soon to meet his demise at the hands of the bandit. The grave of Akechi Mitsuhide at Umemiyacho in Kyoto. Akechi Jinsai from the series Shogun.]