Watanabe Moritsuna

Watanabe Moritsuna (1542-1620) was one of the Tokugawa Sixteen Divine Generals who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu, a Mikawa warrior known as a master of spear techniques. He was a master of the spear who was praised alongside Hattori Hanzō (Masashige), who was called "Oni-Hanzō," and earned the epithet "Yari-Hanzō" for his martial prowess. During the Mikawa Ikkō-ikki uprising of 1563, he temporarily joined the uprising side but received Ieyasu's pardon and returned to service, maintaining complete loyalty thereafter. He consistently stood at the front lines in major battles including the Battle of Anegawa and the Battle of Mikatagahara, accumulating distinguished military achievements. He also participated in the Battle of Sekigahara on the Eastern side, contributing to the establishment of the Tokugawa government. Embodying the straightforward hardiness of Mikawa warriors, he was regarded as a model of loyalty throughout the Edo period. He served Ieyasu and Hidetada until late in life, dying at age 78.