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Azai
Azai-mon
Historical Information
Located at: Ōmi, Shiga Prefecture
Served:
Kyōgoku
Oda
Tokugawa
Crest(s)/Banner(s): Three kikkō with hanabishi in the center surrounded by a circle
Talent(s): Warrior clan
Major Figure(s): Nagamasa, Yodo-dono

The Azai clan, also known as the Asai clan, was a prominent clan during Japan's Warring States period. They were known for their disciplined military and were considered upper to middle-class lords. Their origins may date back to the Fujiwara clan, specifically the Kan-inryu division, which is also the root of the ancient Sanjouke, Saionji, and Taokudaiji families. The Azai clan had at least 76 generals before their clan's end.

The Azai clan's crest, a hexagonal pattern with divine connotations, is believed to have originated from the Izumo Grand Shrine. The crest features a hanabishi, a crest from the Heian period, which is a symbol of their alliance. The Azai crest uses a four-leafed water caltrop flower, believed to originate from China, as a symbol of their alliance.

Clan Heads[]

  1. Sukemasa
  2. Hisamasa
  3. Nagamasa

Other Figures[]

  • Takamasa - Sukemasa's second son
  • Masahiro - Sukemasa's third son
  • Hidemasa - Sukemasa's fourth son
  • Taya Akimasa - Sukemasa's mukoyōshi
  • Masamoto - Hisamasa's second son, said to have taken care of finances, committed suicide in Raku Castle while the Oda army attacked Odani Castle
  • Masayuki - Hisamasa's third son, died during the Battle of Anegawa
  • Harumasa (Daimonja Shinjuro; speculative) - Hisamasa's fourth son, went into hiding after Nagamasa's downfall and was briefly helped by Maeda Toshiie, said to have served a merchant family for the rest of his living days
  • Manbukumaru - Nagamasa's eldest son (possibly with Oichi), crucified by Hashiba Hideyoshi on Oda Nobunaga's orders
  • Manjumaru - Nagamasa's second son, rescued but forced to become a priest at a young age
  • Chōmei - Nagamasa's third son (with Yasei no Kata), fled from Nobunaga's army and was last heard to have been seen in Owari
  • Seiji - Nagamasa's fourth son
  • Iyori (Masanobu, Seiken, Masaharu; speculative) - real parents unknown, he is speculated to have possibly been Nagamasa's illegitimate son or Inori's son (different branch within the Azai family). Served Toyotomi Hideyasu and Ikoma Kazumasa, fought in the Battle of Sekigahara and the Siege of Osaka. He demonstrated great bravery in the latter conflict. Said to be the basis for one of the Sanada Ten Braves.

Ladies[]

Three Azai Sisters[]

The Three Azai Sisters (浅井三姉妹, Azai Sanshimai) is a contemporary term used to describe Nagamasa and Oichi's three surviving daughters. These maidens were entrusted to Hideyoshi after their mother's death. Each woman was famous for being sent to different daimyo.

  • Chacha - Toyotomi Hideyoshi's famous concubine who gave birth to Toyotomi Hideyori.
  • Hatsu - married her relative, Kyōgoku Takatsugu. Nagamasa's older sister, Kyōgoku Maria, was married to Takatsugu's father, Takayoshi.
  • Oeyo - Tokugawa Hidetada's concubine and second wife who gave birth to Senhime. Senhime was later married to Hideyori.

Other Maidens[]

  • Kuraya - Sukemasa's cousin and wife
  • Chōan - Sukemasa's concubine, Hisamasa's mother
  • Seishōin (Tsuruchiyo) - Sukemasa's daughter, Taya Akimasa's wife
  • Aeba no Tsubone - Sukemasa's granddaughter, Chacha's wetnurse and maid
  • Kaizu no Tsubone - Sukemasa's granddaughter, maid of Chacha and Senhime
  • Ōmi no Kata - Sukemasa's daughter, Saitō Yoshitatsu's wife
  • Shōankekyu-ni (Akuhime) - Hisamasa's eldest daughter
  • Kyōgoku Maria - Hisamasa's daughter, Kyōgoku Takayoshi's wife.
  • Ono-dono - Hisamasa's wife, Nagamasa's mother
  • Oichi no Kata - Nagamasa's wife, Nobunaga's younger sister
  • Hirai Sadatake's sister - Nagamasa's other wife
  • Yasei no Kata - Nagamasa's concubine
  • Azai Kusu - Nagamasa's illegitimate daughter (mother is debated but not certain), Kyōgoku Tatsuko's maid


Major Vassals[]

The Three Great Generals of Azai[]

The Three Great Generals of the Azai (浅井三将) were three officers of the Azai who served all three generations. They were considered highly reliable and skilled in both war and administration.

  1. Akao Kiyotsuna
  2. Kaihō Tsunachika
  3. Amenomori Kiyosada

Other Vassals[]

  • Endo Naotsune
  • Isono Kazumasa
  • Atsuji Sadayuki
  • Miyabe Keijun
  • Shinjo Naoyori
  • Ogawa Suketada
  • Tōdō Takatora
  • Nomura Naotaka
  • Iguchi Tsunechika
  • Ōnogi Hidetoshi
  • Mitamura Kunisada
  • Anyouji Ujitane
  • Azami Tousei
  • Yuge Iezumi
  • Wakisaka Hidekatsu
  • Nakajima Naochika
  • Katagiri Naosada
  • Katagiri Katsumoto
  • Hori Hidemura

Fictional Followers[]

From Other Sources[]

  • Yoshitsugu Ōtani - Historically served Hideyoshi after the Azai's destruction
  • Takatora Tōdō - Historically served Hideyoshi after the Azai's destruction
  • Mitsunari Ishida - Historyically served Hideyoshi after the Azai's destruction. Mitsunari's father, Masatsugu, however, was a retainer of the Azai.
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