The Code of the Chosokabe Clan
Chosokabe clan was a samurai family group claiming descent from Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of unified China. They served the Hosokawa, Miyoshi, and Ichijo clans before being subjugated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Kunichika knew victory was within reach and rallied his men to battle. With each attack coming downhill from them, he gave an inspirational speech before leading his army into battle.
Introduction to the Chôsokabe Clan
It formed during the Sengoku period and dominated Tosa Province (present-day Kochi Prefecture) and Shikoku Island. Their most renowned member was Chosokabe Motochika, who united all of Shikoku.
Motochika was born to Kunichika, the 20th head of his clan. Although frail and gentle as a child, Motochika proved his worth as a warrior through martial skills and courage, allowing him to overcome this label and earn respect.
After their murderous coup, Motochika continued his father’s battle against and subjugation of the Motoyama clan, eventually consolidating power across much of Shikoku by destroying temples and defeating local militias.
Motochika had initially held on for almost one-third of Shikoku until events outside forced him to surrender to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s rising power, though Tosa Province would be spared; most of Shikoku fell under Hideyoshi’s invasion force which totaled 90,000.
The Rise and Reign of the Chôsokabe Clan
Chosokabe Motochika was a significant daimyō (feudal lord) from the Azuchi-Momoyama period, hailing from what is now known as Kochi Prefecture. Born to Chosokabe Kunichika, his journey to power was fueled by a personal vendetta — members of the Motoyama clan assassinated his father. In retaliation, Motochika subjugated his father’s murderers and expanded his rule, eventually consolidating most of Shikoku Island.
In the Sengoku period, the might of a daimyō was primarily determined by the productivity of their lands, with rice cultivation being the primary economic driver. Unfortunately for Motochika, the Tosa domain he controlled was not optimal for rice farming. This agricultural disadvantage posed economic and political challenges.
Motochika adopted a fierce strategy to strengthen his position: destroying temples and structures associated with rival clans, and eliminating potential strongholds and threats. This move was not just about economics; it was a strategic maneuver to diminish his enemies’ influence and power bases within the Tosa domain.
Distinctive in appearance and strategy, Motochika’s forces stood out. He had his troops don trousers, an unusual sartorial choice in this era, which symbolized their strength and endurance. Their clan crest, featuring wood sorrel, further signified their tenacity and vigor.
Despite his might in Shikoku, Motochika was not an isolated power. He allied closely with Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s great unifiers. Motochika’s loyalty to Nobunaga was profound; he even became the godfather to Nobunaga’s eldest son. Their military collaboration saw them joining forces in significant campaigns, including the Odawara siege and the Korean invasion.
However, the tides of history are unpredictable. By 1585, facing the overwhelming force of another of Japan’s great unifiers, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Motochika had to cede most of his territories. He retained control only over the Tosa province, marking the decline of the Chôsokabe’s expansive rule.
Understood. Let’s explore the intrinsic values and principles of the Chôsokabe Clan, focusing solely on their core beliefs and traditions:
Values and Principles of the Chôsokabe Clan
One of the foundational principles of the Chôsokabe clan was unwavering loyalty. Their samurai were expected to be steadfast in their dedication to the clan’s head and its overarching ideals. This commitment was not merely a matter of tradition but was embedded into their day-to-day functioning. A noteworthy aspect of the Chôsokabe leadership approach was its meritocratic nature. Rather than relying solely on lineage, they believed in elevating individuals based on their abilities, dedication, and achievements. This ensured that competent leaders steered the clan through the turbulent waters of feudal Japan.
The Chôsokabe were renowned for their emphasis on the martial art of archery. They believed in mastering this craft, making the bow and arrow an extension of the samurai’s being. This dedication was not only tactical but also spiritual. Archery was seen as a pursuit of perfection, a balance between power and grace, and a reflection of the samurai’s inner character.
Though they were fierce warriors, the Chôsokabe clan also understood the importance of a strong economic foundation. They believed that true power lay in conquering territories and efficiently managing and cultivating them. Their landholdings were seen as both a resource and a responsibility. Efficient farming, especially rice cultivation, was paramount, ensuring prosperity and stability for the clan and its subjects.
The Chôsokabe believed in the sanctity of the land. While they were strategic about territorial expansion, they also emphasized the importance of nurturing and safeguarding the territories they governed. This was not just about economic productivity; it reflected their broader philosophy that the land was a living entity deserving respect and care.
In the ever-evolving landscape of feudal Japan, the Chôsokabe clan believed in continuous improvement. They encouraged innovation in tactics, administration, and governance. This value ensured that they remained adaptive and resilient in facing challenges.
Despite their emphasis on loyalty and cohesion, the Chôsokabe clan also recognized the strength of diversity. They believed that every member brought unique strengths regardless of rank or role. This principle was mirrored in their inclusive leadership approach, where varied perspectives were sought and valued.
The Chôsokabe clan’s values and principles were a blend of martial prowess, economic wisdom, spiritual connection to the land, and an inclusive leadership ethos. These core beliefs guided them through the challenges of the Sengoku era and cemented their place in Japanese history.
Chôsokabe Motochika
Chosokabe Motochika was the twenty-fifth chieftain and an esteemed military strategist of the Chosokabe Clan. Born at Okou Castle in Tosa province (modern-day Kochi Prefecture) to Kunichika and Saito Mitsumitsu of Mino, Motochika first earned recognition as an heir apparent when he defeated Motoyama Clan at the Battle of Nagahama (1560), eventually subjugating Shikoku including subduing Ichijo Clan in 1565.
In the game, he stands firmly behind Nobunaga and refuses to surrender to Toyotomi forces threatening Setouchi. For this steadfast loyalty and refusal to capitulate, Nobunaga rewards him with the title dji daimyo, an honorific title of great prestige.
Motochika was an expert spear fighter and a highly respected general among Oda warlords. He was known as an incorruptible general who always displayed loyalty and pride for his people.
Motochika was famous for the 100-Article Code, an unwavering commitment to providing all individuals with martial talent the opportunity to prove themselves regardless of background or race. Over time he became one of Hideyoshi’s vassals serving in his campaigns to unify Japan: fighting at Odawara (1587), leading a naval contingent during its siege (1590), participating in Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea (1592) before dying peacefully at his villa in Fushimi in 1599.
Strategic Alliances and Confrontations
At some point in Japan’s Sengoku period, there was always some sort of war somewhere across the nation, and the Chosokabe clan was no exception to this trend. Though founded as an honorable lineage claiming descent from Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China, its fortunes quickly turned sour as they served various noble clans: Hosokawa, Miyoshi, then Ichijo.
Motochika Chosokabe, the twenty-first leader of the clan, was undoubtedly its most celebrated daimyo. Renowned for his cruelty, exceptional leadership skills, and tactical genius, he became an iconic force during the Sengoku period in Japan.
Motochika Oda’s second son, Chikasada, was also an impressive samurai. He participated alongside Motochika in his initial battle. Eventually, he joined the Kira clan under his brother’s orders as a family retainer – helping Motochika defeat the Ichijo clan and helping Nobunaga Oda during the invasion of Shikoku.
The Chosokabe clan is an exciting early-game faction to consider playing as. Their daimyo has several beneficial traits, with his children giving extra bonuses for military units and farm income, plus it is near some trade route spots; all these factors combined can make them highly wealthy if trading partners emerge early on and funds are used to upgrade castles, roads, and ports early.
Legacy and Future
Chosokabe clan members can be seen in numerous Sengoku-era franchises such as Samurai Warriors, Nobunaga’s Ambition, and Total War: Shogun 2. Their portrayals may vary somewhat, but the clan is generally seen as master archers with bonuses to farming income, allowing them to become relatively wealthy early in a campaign.
The Chosokabe Clan Code sets forth the guiding principles on which their family must operate, demanding they remain true to their values while always acting with honor and decency. This code becomes especially vital when conflicts arise between clans or within one family.
