Database: Oda Nobunaga
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Nobunaga, the first of Japan's three great unifiers in the late 16th century, inherited the leadership of his house in Owari at a young age in 1552. He swiftly expanded his control over the entire province. His historical prominence began with the decisive defeat of his powerful neighbor, Imagawa Yoshimoto, at the Battle of Okehazama in 1560. Following this victory, he allied with the future Tokugawa Ieyasu, who controlled the eastern flank from Mikawa, and worked to conquer Mino in 1567.
As Nobunaga's influence continued to rise, he received calls for assistance ffom Emperor Ogimachi and Ashikaga Yoshiaki, prompting his entry into Kyoto in 1568. Nobunaga had Yoshiaki appointed as shogun by the emperor. His growing power forced his rivals to unite against him. In 1570, with the aid of his ally Ieyasu, he defeated Asai Nagamasa, a powerful lord in Omi, and Asakura Yoshikage at the Battle of Anegawa. The following year, he targeted the monks of Mount Hiei, massacring them and destroying the military power base of the monastery. In 1573, he decisively crushed the power bases of the Asai and Asakura, annexing their domains.
That same year, Nobunaga expelled Shogun Yoshiaki, bringing an end to the Ashikaga shogunate. The following year, he emerged victorious against the Ikkô sect, whose followers were mercilessly massacred. In 1575, again with Ieyasu's support, he annihilated the Takeda at the Battle of Nagashino. Between 1575 and 1579, Nobunaga constructed a fortified castle at Azuchi on the shores of Lake Biwa, attracting his vassals to settle at its base. He also destroyed the Iga League in 1581. Nobunaga was forced to commit suicide in 1582 due to the betrayal of one of his vassals, Akechi Mitsuhide.