1567-1643
立花宗茂
Muneshige Tachibana
The Undefeated, Invincible Warrior
Muneshige Tachibana was a renowned samurai who lived and thrived during Japan’s Sengoku period. Known for his undefeated record in battle, he was called “The Invincible Warrior of the West” due to his numerous exploits in western Japan. Remarkably, Muneshige continued to serve actively even at the age of 70. He excelled not only in warfare but was also a shrewd politician and demonstrated exceptional abilities in martial arts, culture, and the arts.
A Tale of Two Fathers
Born in 1567 in Bungo Province (now Oita Prefecture), Muneshige was the eldest son of a samurai family. His biological father, Joun Takahashi, was a well-known samurai with the potential to become a regional leader from a young age. Under Joun’s guidance, Muneshige grew into a strong and capable young man.
When Muneshige turned 14, Dosetsu Tachibana, a fellow samurai and colleague of Joun, approached the family with a request to adopt Muneshige. Dosetsu, who was elderly at the time and without a male heir, saw in Muneshige the perfect candidate to continue his family line. Although Joun initially refused, he eventually agreed to the adoption, and Muneshige became a son of the Tachibana family. He later married Dosetsu’s daughter, though their relationship was said to be strained.
A Born Leader
An anecdote from Muneshige’s childhood illustrates his innate disposition as a warrior. While playing outside one day, he was suddenly attacked by a fierce dog. Without panicking, the young Muneshige drew his sword and drove the dog away using the flat of the blade. When his father, Joun, asked why he hadn’t simply cut the dog down, Muneshige replied, “I have been taught that swords are for cutting down enemy commanders.” Even at a young age, Muneshige saw himself as a samurai, a mindset that served him well throughout his outstanding career.
The Young Muneshige’s Rise to Fame
Muneshige’s military career began during a crisis in Bungo Province. As neighboring regions launched attacks, Muneshige distinguished himself on the front lines. In his debut battle, he successfully defeated an enemy commander, and within two years, he had led a successful invasion of an enemy castle. During one campaign, both of Muneshige’s fathers, Joun and Dosetsu, were away, leaving him to defend their castle. He faced a large enemy force with only a small number of soldiers. Through brilliant strategy and execution, he managed to repel the attackers and protect the castle. As Joun, Dosetsu, and Muneshige combined efforts to expand Bungo’s influence, tragedy struck the family.
He Lost Two Fathers
In 1585, Dosetsu passed away from illness. His death, after decades of distinguished service, threw his retainers and the entire Bungo region into confusion. The following year, Joun perished during a grueling month-long siege.
A few months after Joun’s death, the Shimazu clan, responsible for Joun’s demise, advanced on Muneshige’s castle with an overwhelming force of 30,000 troops, while Muneshige had only 3,000 men at his disposal. Although the Shimazu troops were exhausted from previous battles, Muneshige’s smaller force was highly motivated. He managed to recapture territories previously lost to the Shimazu, catching the attention of the renowned samurai, Hideyoshi Toyotomi. In recognition of his achievements, Hideyoshi granted him extensive lands, elevating him to the rank of daimyo (feudal lord). Later, Muneshige joined the war in Korea under Hideyoshi’s command and earned the title of “Japan’s Greatest Brave General.” During this period, Muneshige fought in so many battles that his sword became misshapen and no longer fit properly in its sheath.
The Death of a Third Mentor
In 1598, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, under whom Muneshige had served and helped conquer western Japan, passed away. Hideyoshi’s death sent shockwaves through the country. Although a council of regents was supposed to govern, tensions quickly escalated among ambitious warlords. This unrest led to the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, one of the most significant conflicts in Japanese history.
Man of Samurai Spirit Faces First Defeat
The Battle of Sekigahara divided Japan into Eastern and Western armies. Ieyasu Tokugawa, the leader of the Eastern forces and future unifier of Japan, recognized Muneshige’s reputation and attempted to recruit him. Despite the Eastern army’s apparent advantage, even Muneshige’s men advised him to switch sides. However, Muneshige didn’t betray the Western warlords who had supported him throughout his career and chose to fight for the Western army.
Although the battle lasted a mere six hours, it resulted in a decisive victory for the Eastern forces. Muneshige and other defeated Western commanders were forced to retreat. During this withdrawal, he encountered the Shimazu clan, the same group responsible for his father’s death years earlier. Despite the opportunity for revenge, Muneshige chose to adhere to his samurai spirit. “It is not the way of a samurai to strike down those who have already been defeated,” he reportedly said, and instead of attacking, he offered assistance to the weakened Shimazu forces.
Upon returning home, Muneshige found his territories under siege. Although the Shimazu sent reinforcements in gratitude for his earlier mercy, they arrived too late. Muneshige ultimately decided to surrender.
His Homeless Life
Following the Battle of Sekigahara, the Tokugawa clan, which had united Japan, confiscated Muneshige’s lands. Despite receiving offers from various samurai groups, Muneshige declined them all, choosing instead to live a life often struggling to find his next meal. He took a few loyal men with him, and they supported him through these difficult times.
The Great Turnaround
Muneshige’s fortunes began to change when Honda, a renowned Eastern general often compared to Muneshige in skill, recommended him to the Tokugawa clan. Muneshige participated in several campaigns, demonstrating his exceptional talents. Impressed by his abilities and loyalty, the Tokugawa eventually restored Muneshige to the status of daimyo, granting him extensive lands. Notably, Muneshige was the only daimyo from the defeated Western army to regain his former territories in the West, a testament to the high regard in which he was held, both as a warrior and as a man of principle.
Muneshige’s Final Years
Having regained his position, Muneshige devoted himself to improving his domain. He invested heavily in irrigation projects to boost agricultural production and actively promoted cultural development. Even as he passed the age of 70, Muneshige continued to lead from the front in military campaigns. On January 15, 1643, at the age of 76, Muneshige passed away. Even in his final moments, he clutched the sword given to him by his father, Joun, symbolizing the enduring bond between father and son.
.
.
.
