Shimazu Yoshihisa

Shimazu Yoshihisa (February 9, 1533 – March 5, 1611) was the eldest son of Shimazu Takahisa and the 16th Chief of the Shimazu clan of Satsuma Province. He is remembered as a superb general who successfully subjugated Kyushu with the help of his three brothers. Yoshihisa eventually triumphed and gained control over the whole Kyushu region in 1584.

The Kyūshū campaign of 1586-1587 was part of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's efforts to control Japan at the conclusion of the Sengoku era. Toyotomi Hideyoshi launches the Kyushu Campaign in 1586. By April 1587, Hideyoshi had arrived at Shimonoseki, passing through Chikuzen and Chikugo on his way to fight Yoshihisa in Higo. Mōri forces led by Kobayakawa Takakage joined Hidenaga's force at this moment, as the Mri had recently been suppressed. Hidenaga then pushed Shimazu forces back into Hyga and Bungo. The Shimazu fought admirably, but they lacked discipline and training and had few firearms; they were consistently outnumbered by better quality and quantity. The different island daimyos had sided with Hideyoshi by the end of May 1587. Shimazu was routed in Satsuma in June, and Hideyoshi besieged Kagoshima Castle. Yoshihisa requested peace, and a truce was reached. Hideyoshi offered lavish terms for long-term peace to Yoshihiro and Iehisa's sons; though Yoshihisa originally refused, Hideyoshi tried again and was successful this time.

He died of illness in Kokubu Castle on January 21, 1611. He was buried at Kagoshima at what was previously the site of Fukushoji; his tombstone, along with those of the other leaders of his clan, still stands. There are additional memorials to him in Kokubun, Ima Kumano Kannonji in Kyoto, and Koyasan. Though no image of Yoshihisa survives, there is a bronze statue of him at the Taiheiji representing his surrender to Hideyoshi. The statue was created after his death.

Japanese name: 島津義久

Born: February 9, 1533, in Izaku Castle
Died: March 5, 1611, in Kokubu Castle, Kagoshima

Notable battles: Siege of Takabaru, Battle of Mimigawa, Siege of Iwaya Castle, Kyushu Campaign (1586-1587)