The Commoner Taiko

Throughout history, many heroes have emerged, leaving their mark on their respective eras and becoming legends. Japan is no exception, with many such heroes in its history. One of the most notable is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from humble beginnings to become Japan's supreme ruler. Known as the "Commoner Taiko," Hideyoshi is an idol for many of Japan's modern young people striving for success.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was born into a farming family in Nakamura Village, Owari Province (now Taiko-dori Entrance, Nagoya train station). His original name was Hiyoshi (in ancient Japan, only samurai had surnames). In those times, social status was immutable—children inherited their parents' status. However, during the mid-16th-century Sengoku period, constant wars between regional lords meant that peasants were recruited as foot soldiers during off-seasons. Hiyoshi's father was one such soldier. Dissatisfied with his lowly status, young Hiyoshi aspired to get closer to his lord to showcase his abilities.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

(1537-1598)

The lord of Owari was Oda Nobunaga, a forward-thinking and unconventional young man, often mocked by his retainers as the "Big Fool of Owari" for his eccentric behavior. However, Hiyoshi saw Nobunaga as a rare hero. Knowing Nobunaga's disdain for old customs, Hiyoshi believed he could demonstrate his talents under such a leader. Nobunaga went hunting daily with a few retainers, and Hiyoshi figured out his route. One day, he climbed a tree and waited for Nobunaga. When Nobunaga passed by, Hiyoshi, excited, fell from the tree. Instead of punishing him, Nobunaga found Hiyoshi amusing and took him in as a sandal bearer. Despite the menial job, Hiyoshi saw it as a golden opportunity. He put great thought into his duties, ensuring Nobunaga's sandals were warm even on cold winter mornings by keeping them in his kimono. This impressed Nobunaga, who arranged for Hiyoshi to marry a samurai's adopted daughter, giving him the samurai status and the name Kinoshita Tokichiro.

Oda-Nobunaga

(1534-1582)

As a samurai, Tokichiro's intelligence and resourcefulness shone. Nobunaga, expanding his territory, targeted Mino Province (now Gifu Prefecture). Tokichiro's strategies, including building a fort overnight, helped conquer Mino, earning him the rank of Nobunaga's lowest-ranking retainer, allowing him to attend military meetings. With Kyoto as Nobunaga's next target, Tokichiro played key roles in various battles, becoming the commander in many sieges. Nobunaga rewarded him with Nagahama Castle and the name Hashiba Hideyoshi, marking his rise from a peasant to a castle lord and one of Nobunaga's Four Heavenly Kings.

After securing Kyoto, Nobunaga pursued unifying Japan. Hideyoshi was tasked with subjugating the Chugoku region. During this campaign, Nobunaga was betrayed and killed by Akechi Mitsuhide at Honnoji Temple. Seizing the opportunity, Hideyoshi quickly negotiated peace with the Mouri clan and marched back to Kyoto in a record 10 days. His surprise arrival defeated Mitsuhide, establishing Hideyoshi as the de facto leader of the Oda clan. Subsequent battles secured his position, with even the powerful Tokugawa Ieyasu submitting to him.

Now the most powerful lord in Japan, Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle to showcase his might and fostered relations with the Emperor and court nobles, earning the unique surname Toyotomi and the title of Kanpaku (equivalent to Prime Minister). His name became legendary as he unified Japan, ending the Sengoku period.

"I appeared as a dewdrop, and disappeared as it is.
All of my beloved Naniwa is just a dream of dreams."

From serving Oda Nobunaga in 1554 to unifying Japan in 1591, Toyotomi Hideyoshi took nearly 40 years to transform from the lowest social status to the highest in ancient Japan. This achievement, which would typically take several generations for a family to accomplish, was realized by Hideyoshi within his lifetime through his talents, hard work, and timely decisions. Hideyoshi's unique journey has made him an inspirational figure for many young people in Japan. After unifying Japan, he began restoring temples and shrines damaged during the wars. Many temples in Kyoto today were restored during Hideyoshi's era, preserving their legacy.

However, Hideyoshi's remarkable life was also filled with regret. He had his only son at the age of 57 and passed away eight years later due to illness. Unable to watch his son grow up, train him as a capable samurai, or ensure a smooth succession, Hideyoshi died with a heavy heart. He foresaw that his young heir would not be able to control the seasoned warlords, making the Toyotomi family's dominance short-lived. His final poem reflects this sorrow: "I appeared as a dewdrop, and disappeared as it is. All of my beloved Naniwa is just a dream of dreams." Hideyoshi passed away in 1598. As he predicted, Tokugawa Ieyasu eventually seized power, marginalizing the Toyotomi family and establishing the Tokugawa Shogunate. In 1615, the Siege of Osaka led to the death of Hideyoshi's son, ending the Toyotomi lineage. The rise and fall of the Toyotomi family, from peak to extinction, spanned a mere 20 years, leaving a poignant mark in history.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was established in the 10th century and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto god of scholarship.

In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi hosted a grand ten-day tea ceremony at the shrine to celebrate his conquest of Kyushu and demonstrate his authority to the Kyoto court and citizens. This tea ceremony was unique as it allowed not only samurai and court nobles to participate but also commoners who brought their own tea bowls could join for free. At the center of the main hall of Kitano Tenmangu, a golden tea room was constructed, supervised by Sen no Rikyu, known as the founder of the Japanese tea ceremony. Sen no Rikyu integrated Zen Buddhism with the tea ceremony, laying the foundation for modern Japanese tea culture. The event saw participation from over a thousand people, including Kyoto residents. This historic tea gathering played a significant role in making the tea ceremony accessible to common people, transforming it from an elite activity to a widespread cultural practice. Over the following 300 years of the Edo period, the tea ceremony became a quintessential part of Japanese culture. Today, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a must-see attraction in Kyoto. The shrine houses several 400-year-old artifacts and is a renowned spot for plum blossom viewing in spring. The main hall, where the golden tea room once stood, is now a designated national treasure. The shrine also holds a collection of ancient paintings, scrolls, and samurai swords. Additionally, there is a well believed to have supplied water for the historic tea ceremony. As a shrine dedicated to the god of scholarship, it is highly revered by students. Each year, before entrance exams, many students visit to pray for success in their studies and exams.

Daigoji Temple

Located in the southeastern suburbs of Kyoto, Daigoji Temple has over 1,100 years of history and is Kyoto's oldest wooden structure.

Destroyed multiple times during the Sengoku period, it was restored to its former glory by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the spring of 1598, to celebrate his unification of Japan and his restoration of the temple, Hideyoshi hosted a grand cherry blossom viewing party at Daigoji. This event, following the grand tea ceremony at Kitano Tenmangu, was another significant celebration. For the occasion, Hideyoshi not only built pavilions and gardens at Daigoji but also planted 700 cherry trees. Hideyoshi, accompanied by his family, including his eight-year-old son Hideyori, invited many lords and their families, with the total number of guests reaching around 1,300. The 66-year-old Hideyoshi hoped to establish Hideyori as his successor during this event, displaying his affection for his son throughout the celebration. The sight of Hideyoshi struggling to climb a cherry tree for his son showed other lords his advancing age, hinting to Tokugawa Ieyasu that Hideyoshi's time was limited. The Daigoji cherry blossom viewing marked the peak of Hideyoshi's life. Just four months later, he passed away due to illness. Today, Daigoji Temple is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. The annual Taiko Cherry Blossom Festival remains a significant event, attracting numerous visitors to admire the over 1,000 cherry trees of 13 different varieties. Besides the cherry blossoms, Daigoji itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to national treasures like the Kondo Hall and the five-story pagoda. Despite its rich history, Daigoji remains relatively unknown to international tourists, presenting a unique and valuable destination for foreign visitors.

Toyokuni Shrine

Multiple Toyokuni Shrines exist across Japan to commemorate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with the Kyoto shrine being the original dedicated to him. After the Toyotomi clan's fall in 1615, Tokugawa Ieyasu initially abandoned the shrine. However, it was rebuilt by the Meiji government during the Meiji Restoration. The present-day Toyokuni Shrine features a magnificent Chinese-style gate and a treasure hall displaying Hideyoshi's personal belongings. As an exemplar of rising from a commoner to the highest ruler, Hideyoshi's life story attracts many admirers, with the shrine drawing continuous visitors, especially those aspiring for success.

Kodaiji Temple

Located in eastern Kyoto、 Kodaiji Temple was built to honor Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

In 1606, Tokugawa Ieyasu funded its construction to appease former Toyotomi retainers and Hideyoshi's widow. Lady Nene, Hideyoshi's wife, became a nun here, praying for her husband's soul.

The temple's elegant design includes notable sites such as the Founder’s Hall, Mausoleum, and teahouses. Kodaiji is also a prime spot for autumn foliage, offering special nighttime illuminations that attract numerous visitors.

Osaka Castle

In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi began constructing Osaka Castle between Kyoto and the bustling Sakai port to showcase his power and wealth. Utilizing Japan's finest craftsmen and laborers from his vassals, the castle took 15 years to complete, finishing just before his death. Adorned with gold leaf from Kanazawa, Osaka Castle was considered unparalleled in grandeur.

However, its history was tumultuous. After being destroyed in 1615 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it faced multiple reconstructions. The current main tower, rebuilt in 1931 with reinforced concrete, houses a museum and offers elevator access. Despite being a reconstruction, Osaka Castle remains a symbol of Osaka and a source of pride for its residents. Each morning, locals jog around the castle, appreciating its majesty while staying fit.