Description

Sakuma Morimasa (1554–1583) was a fierce Sengoku warrior known by the epithet "Oni Genba" (Demon Genba) and a commander under Shibata Katsuie who fought fiercely against the Hashiba Hideyoshi forces during the Battle of Shizugatake (1583). He was a nephew of Sakuma Nobumori. Though his reckless charge during the Battle of Shizugatake proved fatal, his valor earned him the fearsome epithet "Oni Genba" from both allies and enemies alike.

Morimasa was born into a samurai family in Owari Province and rose to prominence under Shibata Katsuie at a young age. Serving as Katsuie's senior retainer with Echizen (present-day Fukui Prefecture) as his base, he earned a renowned military reputation through numerous battles in the Hokuriku region. His fierce combat style earned him the nickname "Oni Genba," and his ferocious, demonic fighting spirit struck terror into enemies.

In Tenshō 11 (1583), following the Honnō-ji Incident (1582) and the ensuing succession dispute, the Battle of Shizugatake erupted between Shibata Katsuie and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In this battle, Morimasa distinguished himself by mounting a sudden assault on Ōiwayama Fortress, defended by Nakagawa Kiyohide, and capturing it—a great achievement. However, when orders from Katsuie arrived commanding him to cease pursuit and withdraw, Morimasa—driven by the fierce general's instinct—continued the pursuit of his own accord. This independent action proved catastrophic. Hideyoshi counterattacked with overwhelming force against Morimasa's isolated unit, and Morimasa suffered a decisive defeat.

Following the Battle of Shizugatake, Morimasa was captured while fleeing and handed over to Hideyoshi. Though Hideyoshi reportedly recognized Morimasa's valor and offered him a position as a retainer, Morimasa refused. He was subsequently paraded through Kyoto and executed at the age of thirty. The short but fierce life of the fearsome general "Oni Genba" is remembered in later generations as the epitome of Sengoku bushidō.

Regarding his connection to the katana, Morimasa is said to have been a practitioner of rough, aggressive swordplay befitting the name "Oni Genba." In the fierce battles of the Hokuriku region, practical heavy-duty blades were essential, and Morimasa's favorite sword is said to have been such a weapon suited for actual combat. There is also a tradition that the blade which survived the intense fighting at Shizugatake later passed into the hands of sword collectors in Owari and Kaga provinces. During the fierce assault on Ōiwayama Fortress, Morimasa himself is said to have wielded his sword to cut down enemy soldiers, and his swordsmanship was worthy of a top-rank Sengoku warrior.