On This Day

Akechi Mitsuhide

16th-century samurai; assassin of Oda Nobunaga

Born: Died: Japanese

Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀; March 10, 1528 – July 2, 1582), first called Jūbei from his clan and later Koretō Hyūga no Kami (惟任日向守) from his title, was a Japanese samurai general of the Sengoku period. Mitsuhide was originally a bodyguard of the last Ashikaga shōgun Ashikaga Yoshiaki and later, one of the trusted generals under daimyō Oda Nobunaga during his war of political unification in Japan.

Mitsuhide rebelled against Nobunaga for unknown reasons in the Honnō-ji Incident in 1582, forcing the unprotected Nobunaga to commit seppuku in Kyoto.

Mitsuhide attempted to establish himself as shōgun, but was pursued by Nobunaga's successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi and defeated at the Battle of Yamazaki. The 13-days short reign of Mitsuhide is listed as the inspiration for the yojijukugo set phrase mikkatenka (三日天下; short-lived reign).

He is still popular in present culture. A ceremonial activity in his honor was held on April 15, 2018, in Kyoto, coinciding with the local shrine's 100th anniversary.

Notable For

16th-century samurai; assassin of Oda Nobunaga

Akechi Mitsuhide's Historical Timeline

  1. Akechi Mitsuhide is born

    Akechi Mitsuhide, Japanese 16th-century samurai; assassin of oda nobunaga, known for 16th-century samurai; assassin of oda nobunaga, was born on 1528-03-10.

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Akechi Mitsuhide born?
Akechi Mitsuhide was born on 1528-03-10 (Japanese).
What is Akechi Mitsuhide known for?
16th-century samurai; assassin of Oda Nobunaga
What historical events involved Akechi Mitsuhide?
Akechi Mitsuhide was involved in 1 recorded historical event, including Akechi Mitsuhide is born.
When did Akechi Mitsuhide die?
Akechi Mitsuhide died on 1582-01-01.

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