The Dog Shogun

Tokugawa Tsunayoshi died —possibly killed — on this day, February 19, 1709. But by who, or what,...and why?

The Fifth Shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi was born February 23, 1646, the son of the third Shogun, Iemitsu, younger brother to the fourth shogun Ietsuna, grandson of the second Shogun, Hidetada and great grandson to Tokugawa Ieyasu, He was initially brought up as a scholar instead of a warrior, as it was feared his lively spirit might lead to him usurping his quieter, less active elder brothers. Eventually, his brother Ietsuna became shogun, but died aged 39. A power struggle ensued before Tsunayoshi was chosen to take command. Rather than rely on the advice of generals and regents as other shogun had, Tsunayoshi relied on the advice of his mother.