※圖片為示意圖。Wakisaka Yasuharu
脇坂安治
One of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake and Commander of the Toyotomi Navy
介紹
Life and Origins
Wakisaka Yasuharu (1554–1626) was born in Wakisaka, Omi Province. He first served Azai Nagamasa, then after the Azai clan's fall entered the service of Oda Nobunaga and subsequently Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi. He fought his first battle at age 16 and distinguished himself at the siege of Miki Castle in Harima, reportedly receiving a red battle surcoat bearing the "warinagai" crest that became the Wakisaka family emblem.
The Seven Spears of Shizugatake
Yasuharu earned lasting fame at the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583, fighting alongside Fukushima Masanori and Kato Kiyomasa against Shibata Katsuie's forces. He was honored as one of the "Seven Spears of Shizugatake" and granted 3,000 koku in Yamashiro Province — notably the oldest of the seven at age 30.
Naval Commander
In 1585, Yasuharu became lord of Sumoto Castle in Awaji and a daimyo in his own right. He absorbed the Awaji naval forces, transforming Sumoto into a naval base, and emerged as a leading commander of the Toyotomi navy. During the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), he led naval forces alongside Kato Yoshiaki and Kuki Yoshitaka, and also directed a naval blockade during the siege of Odawara.
Switching Sides at Sekigahara
At the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Yasuharu initially deployed with the Western army, but when Kobayakawa Hideaki defected to the Eastern side, Yasuharu followed suit and attacked the forces of Hiratsuka Tamehiro and Toda Katsushige, destroying them. Though this reversal is debated as either betrayal or pragmatism, he retained his domain under the new Tokugawa order.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1609 he was transferred with an increased stipend of 53,500 koku to Ozu in Iyo Province, retiring to Kyoto in 1615. He died in 1626 at age 73. Having served the Azai, Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa in turn while consistently proving himself through military and administrative skill, Yasuharu is remembered as one of the few Seven Spears who survived as a daimyo to the end of his life. A cross-bladed spear said to have been used by him at Shizugatake is preserved today at Tatsuno Shrine.