Honda Tadakatsu was a legendary Japanese samurai, general, and daimyo known for his unwavering loyalty to Japan's three great unifiers. He gained prominence during the Sengoku period, a time of civil strife and social upheaval. As the Ashikaga shogunate's power declined, regional daimyos asserted more political authority, commanding stronger armies. Despite the ceremonial significance of the Shogun title, the nation fell into constant warfare as the influence of shoguns waned. Amid this chaos, Honda Tadakatsu emerged as a legendary figure, celebrated for his unmatched swordsmanship and unwavering bravery. Remarkably, he fought in 57 battles without a single wound, earning the title "The Warrior who surpassed Death itself." His distinctive armor, featuring a helmet with great antlers, symbolized his fearless spirit and audacity in battle. Honda Tadakatsu was one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Tokugawa, the elite samurai generals who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Shogun who ended the Sengoku period. This episode delves into the life and legacy of Honda Tadakatsu, the warrior who defied death. 00:00 Introduction 02:35 Early Life 04:39 Battle of Anegawa 09:02 Campaign against Takeda clan 11:41 The Battle of Mikatagahara 15:18 The End of the Takeda Clan 19:24 Events after the Death of Oda Nobunaga 24:37 Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa 26:32 Sekigahara Campaign 30:07 Death & Legacy All credit for the music goes to: No Copyright Music Track: Under the moonlight (Matouqin) NCM version Music provided by YouTube Free Music Library (NCM) Watch: Under the moonlight (Matouqin) 00:00: Introduction02:35: Early Life04:39: Battle of Anegawa09:02: Campaign against Takeda clan11:41: The Battle of Mikatagahara15:18: The End of the Takeda Clan19:24: Events after the Death of Oda Nobunaga24:37: Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa26:32: Sekigahara Campaign30:07: Death & Legacy #HondaTadakatsu #samurai #Sengokuperiod #Tokugawa #Japanesehistory #battle #warrior #shogunate #legendarysamurai #FourHeavenlyKings See show notes: https://inlet.fm/history-profiles/episodes/6864a0e9ed2989242c095edf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices