Rare Letter Reveals Father-in-law's Support for Warlord Nobunaga
Saito Dosan (Wikipedia)
In a recent discovery reported by NHK News & Samurai History & Culture, a significant artifact from Japan's medieval period has emerged: a letter penned by the renowned Viper of Mino, Saito Dosan (1494 – May 28, 1556).
This missive, addressed to a neighboring feudal lord and authenticated by experts, sheds new light on the relationship between Dosan and his son-in-law, the legendary Sengoku warlord Oda Nobunaga.
The privately owned letter, recently deposited at the Mito City Museum, has undergone rigorous examination by Associate Professor Murai Yuki of the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo. According to Murai, the letter likely dates back to around 1552, a pivotal period in Japanese history marked by political intrigue and shifting alliances.
Dosan's letter, written during his rule over central Mino Province (now Gifu Prefecture), reveals his sentiments towards Nobunaga, whom he had strategically married to his daughter Nohime to forge alliances between their respective clans. Despite Nobunaga's youth and perceived shortcomings, Dosan expresses his hope that the recipient of the letter will continue to support him—a testament to Dosan's concern for his son-in-law's welfare and the stability of their political alliance.
The significance of this discovery lies not only in its rarity but also in its implications for our understanding of medieval Japanese politics and familial relationships. Associate Professor Murai emphasizes the scarcity of surviving letters from Dosan and the rarity of references to Nobunaga within them, making this artifact a valuable addition to our historical knowledge.
As we delve deeper into the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined the Sengoku period, this newly unearthed letter offers a glimpse into the personal dynamics between two influential figures of Japanese history. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of feudal society and the enduring bonds that shaped the course of events during this tumultuous era.
Oda Nobunaga (Wikipedia)
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