Date Masamune

The One Eyed Dragon was born on this day, September 5, 1567.

Warlord Date Masamune was an outstanding tactician, a brilliant leader, a fearless warrior, a most able administrator, and an aggressive and ambitious daimyo. He was highly respected amongst the samurai as being loyal, ethical but totally ruthless. Without doubt, he was one of the most intelligent daimyo of his time, and one of the most recognizable on the battlefield in his black armour and distinctive maedate helmet crest featuring an oversized crescent moon device.

Date Masamune was born September 5, 1567 to Date Terumune, lord of Mutsu, in Yonezawa Castle, modern-day Yamagata Prefecture. Masamune lost his right eye to smallpox as a child and according to the popular story, he had the offending eye removed of his own volition, cutting it out of his own face.