Japan: 'Sumimoto Hosokawa on horseback'', painting by Kano Motonobu (1476-1559) in 1507. Eisei Bunko Museum, Tokyo

Hosokawa Sumimoto (1489-1520) was a samurai commander who lived during the Muromachi Period, in 16th century Japan. A member of the Hosokawa Clan in Awa Province, he succeeded his adopted father Hosokawa Masamoto as leader of the clan, creating a rift between Sumimoto and Hosokawa Sumiyuki, who was originally going to succeed.

In 1507, Masamoto was killed by a servant of Sumiyuki's, while Sumimoto was attacked by a retainer but managed to escape to take refuge at Rokkaku Takayori, in Omi Province. A loyal follower of Sumimoto's, Miyoshi Yukinaga, raised an army and destroyed Sumiyaki, allowing Sumimoto to return and succeed the house in proper form.

When Ashikaga Yoshiki, the previous Shogun who had been deposed by Sumimoto's adopted father, was returned to power in 1508, Sumimoto was forced to flee and rebel. He fought and lost multiple battles, and eventually died after fleeing back to his home province of Awa.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History