Hōjō Tsunashige (北条 綱成, 1515 – June 11, 1587) or Hōjō Tsunanari also known as "Jio Hachiman", was a samurai commander with great skill under the Hōjō clan. The brother in law of Hōjō Ujiyasu. Around the Kantō region, he fought in many battles supporting the Hōjō, also contributing to the expansion of the domain of Hōjō, he was well known for his fighting skill and also an excellent diplomat.[1]
Biography
Tsunashige's childhood name was 'Katsuchiyo'. His father was Kushima Masashige, a vassal of the Imagawa clan. Tsunashige was the stepson of Hōjō Ujiyasu's brother, Tamemasa, and son-in-law of Hōjō Ujitsuna.
He was fought for Hōjō from 1537 and known as 'Jio Hachiman' (God of worriers with yellow flags) for his soldiers yellow uniforms, along with outstandingly creative banners.[2] Tsunashige was the castellan (castle lord) in command of Tamanawa Castle and Kawagoe Castle.[1]
In 1545, during the Siege of Kawagoe Castle, despite an overwhelming attacking force, numbering around 85,000, the 3,000 men Kawagoe Castle's garrison under Hōjō Tsunashige, held off the siege until the Hojo Ujiyasu relief force arrived. He attained fame by defeating the siege.[1]
In 1551, he fought in Siege of Hirai castle against Uesugi Norimasa.
After the Siege of Fukazawa Castle, Tsunashige retired from public life, and he died in 1587.[2] Tsunashige's tomb is at Ryūhō-ji Temple near the Tamanawa castle.[4]
