Asakura Sōteki

Asakura Sōteki (1477–1555) was a military commander who served the Asakura clan, the Sengoku daimyō family of Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture). As the eighth son of Asakura Takakage (Eirin Takakage), the seventh head of the Asakura clan, he was active from his base at Ichijōdani and is regarded as a renowned general. As a strategist and senior commander who supported the peak of the Echizen Asakura clan, he is counted among the foremost military strategists of the Sengoku period.

Sōteki was born in 1477 as the eighth son of Asakura Takakage. In Bunki 3 (1503), he became district governor (gunji) of Tsuruga, and from then on he managed the military affairs of the Asakura clan. Over three generations he assisted the Asakura house: his nephew Sadakage, who succeeded his elder brother Ujikage; Sadakage's son Takakage (Sōjun); and Yoshikage. He continued to support the stability and prosperity of Echizen. His military philosophy is recorded in the Asakura Sōteki Waki, said to have been compiled by his retainer Hagiwara Munetoshi from Sōteki's talks, and its content was highly valued in the warrior society of later ages.

Sōteki's military talent was especially displayed in his battles against the Kaga Ikkō-ikki (the Ikkō-ikki of Kaga). Against the Ikkō-ikki movements that threatened Echizen's borders, including the Battle of Kuzuryūgawa in 1506, Sōteki responded with skillful tactics and protected the safety of Echizen. In diplomacy and warfare with neighboring provinces such as Wakasa, Ōmi, and Kaga, his judgments saved the fortunes of the Asakura clan many times.

The Asakura Sōteki Waki records the famous saying “A warrior may be called a dog, or may be called a beast; winning is what matters” (whether a warrior is called a dog or a beast, winning is fundamental). It concisely shows the realistic view of war held by Sengoku warlords.