Mōri Takamoto

Mōri Takamoto (1523-1563) was the eldest son of Mōri Motonari and 13th head of the Aki Mōri clan. He took over the headship in 1546 when Motonari announced his retirement, though Motonari kept real power until his death in 1571.

He is described as gentle and cultured, stronger in administration and finance than in strategy, and often lamented his perceived inadequacy beside his father and capable brothers. He took part in the Battle of Itsukushima (1555) against Sue Harukata, oversaw the conquest of former Ōuchi lands (Bōchō keiryaku, 1557), and was appointed by the shogunate as guardian of several provinces.

He died suddenly in August 1563 at Sasabe while preparing a campaign against the Amako. Contemporary records point to illness; a later poisoning theory is not supported by primary sources. After his death clan revenues reportedly fell sharply, showing how much his administrative work had been underappreciated. No sword personally associated with him was found in the sources checked.