Ikoma Chikamasa

Ikoma Chikamasa (1526–1603) was a warrior who served as a mounted attendant (inner circle retainer) under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was granted Sanuki Province (present-day Kagawa Prefecture), and became the first daimyo of Takamatsu Domain. Enjoying Hideyoshi's deep trust, he also participated in the Korean campaigns. He is known for constructing Takamatsu Castle (also called Tamamo Castle) and devoted considerable effort to the administrative reorganization of Sanuki. Though he sided with the Western Army at the Battle of Sekigahara, his eldest son Ichimasa's allegiance to the Eastern Army enabled the Ikoma clan to retain their domain, and his administrative acumen became the foundation for the formation of early-modern castle towns in Sanuki. He favored the practical swords forged by Sanuki smiths and is regarded as a precursor to early-modern daimyo who excelled more in administration than in military prowess.