📖 Warring States Period

The Sengoku period was the most tumultuous time in Japanese history. The Muromachi shogunate, which had ruled Japan for over 200 years, was increasingly declining, leading to various daimyōs losing control and establishing their own territories, marking the beginning of the Sengoku period characterized by internal strife and the struggle for dominance. This era, which revered the acquisition of territory and power through military might, was marked by constant change and the emergence of numerous formidable leaders, filled with countless heroic tales that resonate deeply. As a result, the Sengoku period has become one of the most popular themes in modern Japanese television dramas, anime series, and video games. While many people may know the names of certain warlords and battles, they may not be well-acquainted with the Sengoku period itself. This article will introduce the historical changes of the Sengoku period and the captivating stories of its prominent figures.

A prevailing social trend of the strong overpowering the weak, an era that glorifies the use of military force to seize territory and power. It was a time when many formidable leaders emerged, with central figures being Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, collectively known as the "Three Heroes of the Warring States." This was the most tumultuous period of warfare, with two of the three major battles in Japanese history occurring during the Warring States period. The vibrant Warring States era is increasingly popular, with numerous television dramas, anime series, and video games set against its backdrop. Many castles built during the Warring States period still exist in Japan, allowing one to experience the historical features and cultural atmosphere of that time.