Shibata Katsuie and Kitanosho Castle

Katsuie and his Wife Committed Seppuku in Kitanosho 440 Years Ago Today!

Shibata Katsuie set his castle ablaze and killed himself on this day, June 14, 1583.

Shibata Katsuie, also known as Shibata Gonroku, was born in the castle overlooking Owari Province’s Kamiyashiro village, currently Nagoya City’s Meito-Ku in 1522. He originally served under Oda Nobunaga’s younger brother, Oda Nobukatsu, and was part of Nobukatsu’s plan to overthrow Nobunaga. In fact, Katsuie led the charge against Nobunaga, but was defeated in the 1556 Battle of Ino. Nobunaga had his younger brother executed, but spared Katsuie. Despite the former animosity, Katsuie became a high ranking commander under Nobunaga, and a very brave and loyal commander he proved to be too!