* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Fukushima Masanori
福島正則
Chief of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake——A Sengoku warlord renowned for his unparalleled courage and spear prowess, collector of numerous famous swords
Description
The Hero of Shizugatake
Born in 1561 (Eiroku 4) in Kaito District, Owari Province, Fukushima Masanori served Toyotomi Hideyoshi from a young age as his cousin and adopted son. Through his remarkable courage, he earned renown as one of the strongest Sengoku warlords. At the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583 (Tensho 11), Masanori displayed extraordinary spear prowess by single-handedly slaying the fierce commander Haisho Ieyoshi under Shibata Katsuie's command. He was ranked foremost among the 'Seven Spears of Shizugatake' alongside Kato Kiyomasa and Wakisaka Yasuharu. Lauded by Hideyoshi for striking the first spear, Masanori became known thereafter by the epithet 'Fukushima of the Spear' and was recognized as the foremost military champion of the Toyotomi.
Tales of Valor
Masanori's courage is illustrated in numerous anecdotes. Most famous is the drinking contest involving the 'Nihongo' spear. Masanori wagered his prized 'Nihongo'—one of the Three Famous Spears of the Realm, bestowed by Hideyoshi—to his non-drinking retainer Mori Tauhei, promising to give him anything if he drank three cups. Tauhei, unable to refuse his lord's command, downed three cups of sake and immediately demanded the Nihongo in return. True to his word, Masanori gave the priceless spear to Tauhei—a magnanimous tale immortalized in Fukuoka folk songs as 'The Kuroda retainer who won the Nihongo through sake.' This anecdote exemplifies both Masanori's bold character and his samurai honor—the unwavering commitment to keep one's word.
The Collector of Famous Swords
Though renowned as a master spearman, Masanori possessed a keen eye for fine swordsmanship and collected numerous famous blades throughout his life. As a member of Hideyoshi's family, he had privileged access to masterworks from renowned smiths across the realm, collecting excellent blades from both the Soshu and Bizen traditions. At the Battle of Sekigahara, though initially siding with the eastern forces (Tokugawa) due to his personal animosity toward Ishida Mitsunari, he is said to have taken the field in the finest armor and swords. After the war, elevated to the status of a great daimyo with 498,000 koku in Aki and Bingo provinces, Masanori expanded his sword collection befitting his exalted rank. Reflecting his bold and forthright temperament, Masanori favored swords of commanding presence over meticulous refinement, particularly prizing blades in the bold, powerful style of Shizu Saburō Kanemitsu and smiths in the Soshu Masamune lineage.
Sekigahara and Loyalty to the Toyotomi
Though siding with Tokugawa Ieyasu's eastern forces at Sekigahara, Masanori never abandoned his sense of duty to the Toyotomi family. As the Siege of Osaka drew near, he was forced into allegiance to the Tokugawa, even as he yearned to aid young Toyotomi Hideyori. Into the Edo period, Masanori's reputation and popularity remained undiminished, making his very existence a latent threat to the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1619 (Genwa 5), the shogunate used unauthorized castle repairs as a pretext to strip Masanori of his titles, confiscating his Hiroshima domain and transferring him to Kawanakajima in Shinano with 45,000 koku. The precipitous fall from great daimyo to minor daimyo dealt Masanori a severe blow; he died in 1624 (Kanei 1) in despair.
Assessment as a Warlord
Though known for his bitter rivalry with the civilian-minded Ishida Mitsunari as a champion of the military faction, his governance was not purely martial in character. During his tenure in Hiroshima, he undertook major civil engineering projects including river improvements and worked to develop his domain's economy. Gruff yet loyal, magnanimous yet compassionate, his character earned the affection of both retainers and common folk. Even after his demotion, voices from across the realm lamented his fall. He is remembered through the ages as the foremost of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake and as a mighty warrior who cherished famous swords.
Connection with TOUKENZA
Among the swords said to have been bestowed upon Masanori by Hideyoshi were masterworks of Bizen Osafune and Soshu tradition. TOUKENZA offers numerous masterpiece blades from the Azuchi-Momoyama and Early Edo periods when Masanori flourished, allowing collectors to appreciate swords worthy of such a legendary warrior.
Notable Swords
- Tachi by Shizu Kanemitsu (A bold work from the Southern and Northern Courts period. The vigorous nie and wildly undulating hamon of the Soshu tradition befit Masanori's steadfast character.)
- Bizen Osafune blade bestowed by Hideyoshi (A celebrated Bizen sword granted by his lord Hideyoshi. The elegant chōji-midare hamon exemplifies the refinement of a Sengoku daimyo.)
- Nihongo (Spear; one of the Three Famous Spears of the Realm. Bestowed by Hideyoshi but famously lost to Mori Tauhei in a drinking contest—a tale of bold magnanimity.)
- Ōdachi in the Soshu tradition (A distinguished blade held as a great daimyo with 498,000 koku. Distinguished by bold proportions and commanding hamon.)