Azai Hisamasa

Re-evaluating the 2nd Lord of Odani Castle

Azai Hisamasa, second Lord of Odani Castle committed seppuku on this day, September 23, 1573, having lost the siege of Odani Castle to Oda Nobunaga just three weeks earlier.

Born to Azai Sukemasa in 1526, Hisamasa inherited his domain in northern Omi (Shiga Prefecture) in 1542 on the death of his father. History has not been kind to Hisamasa, and he appears to have lacked the strong leadership skills and military abilities his father had shown. Under Hisamasa, the Azai continually lost battles, lands and authority to the rival Rokkaku clan, eventually ceding to the Rokkaku, and coming under their power.