Oda Nobunaga織田信長

Oda Nobunaga was a powerful Japanese warlord and a daimyo of the 16th century who played a crucial role in unifying Japan. He was born in 1534 in Owari (present-day Aichi Prefecture) and succeeded his father as head of the Oda clan in 1551. Over the next several decades, he rose to power and expanded his territories through a combination of military conquests, alliances, and political maneuvering.

Nobunaga was known for his innovative tactics, such as using firearms in battle, and his relentless pursuit of power. He was also a patron of the arts, and his support helped spur the development of various cultural and artistic movements.

Despite his many successes, Nobunaga's reign was marked by violence and cruelty, particularly towards rival clans and those who opposed him. He was also known for his disregard for traditional samurai values, which earned him the dislike of some of his contemporaries.

In 1582, Nobunaga was betrayed and killed by his own vassal, Akechi Mitsuhide. Despite his death, Nobunaga's legacy lived on, and he is often credited as one of the key figures who laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 17th century.