Tokugawa Ieyasu Quotes

A collection of quotes by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Tokugawa Ieyasu was a prominent figure in Japanese history and the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. Born in 1543 in Mikawa province (present-day Aichi prefecture), he grew up during a time of political turmoil and warfare known as the Sengoku period.

Ieyasu began his military career as a vassal of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful warlords of the time. After Nobunaga's assassination in 1582, Ieyasu maneuvered skillfully through the chaotic political landscape and emerged as one of three unifiers vying for control over Japan. He eventually emerged victorious and established his dominance following the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.

Known for his strategic brilliance, Ieyasu was a master tactician who implemented innovative military and political reforms during his rule. He sought to centralize power, stabilize the country, and promote economic development. Ieyasu also introduced the system of alternate attendance, which compelled regional lords to spend every other year in the capital of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), thus effectively limiting their influence and maintaining control over them.

In 1603, Ieyasu was officially appointed as the shogun by the emperor, solidifying his authority. He subsequently initiated policies that promoted isolationism, which lasted until the mid-19th century. Tokugawa Ieyasu passed away in 1616, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Japan's political, social, and cultural landscape for centuries to come.