Hirate Masahide

Hirate Masahide was a warrior of Owari, born in 1492, who took his own life on 25 February 1553 (13th day of the intercalary first month, Tenbun 22) at the age of 62. A senior retainer of Oda Nobuhide active in diplomacy, he later served as guardian to Nobunaga. He is also regarded as a cultured man versed in tea and waka.

Nobuhide's diplomat

In the fifth month of 1543 he went to Kyoto as Nobuhide's representative and presented the court with 4,000 kan for repairs to the imperial palace wall. In 1548 he arranged peace with Saito Dosan of Mino and negotiated the betrothal of Nobunaga and Nohime.

Guardian of Nobunaga

He became Nobunaga's guardian when the boy was born in 1534 and saw his first campaign in 1547 through without incident.

Suicide

He committed seppuku on the 13th day of the intercalary first month of 1553. Accounts of the reason differ: to remonstrate with Nobunaga's eccentric behavior, discord with Nobunaga, or a dispute that began when his eldest son Goroemon refused to give up a horse. According to the Shincho Koki, he chose death because his efforts to support Nobunaga seemed in vain.

Afterward

Nobunaga built Seishuji temple to pray for Masahide, with Takuan Soon as founding abbot. No sword associated with him was found in the sources checked.