Watanabe Moritsuna



Watanabe Moritsuna (渡辺 守綱) (1542–1620) was a Japanese samurai of the Watanabe clan, who served the Tokugawa clan. Born in Mikawa Province.

He joined Ieyasu in 1557 and fought in major military campaigns under Ieyasu Tokugawa.

There are also poem about "Three Hanzos" which attributed to him as part of three Tokugawa's notable warriors:


 * 1) Watanabe Moritsuna as Yari no Hanzō (Hanzō the spear)
 * 2) Hattori Hanzō as Oni no Hanzō (Hanzō the demon)
 * 3) Atsumi Gengo as  Kubi-Tori Gengo (Gengo the headtaker)

He was also counted as member of the Tokugawa 16 divine generals (Tokugawa jūrokushinshōjin).

It was recorded that Moritsuna using the European style (Nanban Do Gusoku) armor set, with Spanish Morion helmet and one piece body plate.

Aside from that, Moritsuna Watanabe was also an author of Watanabe Chūemon.

Biography
Watanabe Moritsuna joined the Ikkō-ikki rebels in Mikawa along with his father Takatsuna, and for a time became an enemy of Tokugawa Ieyasu. After the uprising subdued by Ieyasu, Moritsuna were pardoned and returned to join the Tokugawa clan rank.

In 1561, Moritsuna achieved military merit during the battle of Nagasawa castle, as he managed to personally slay the enemy general during the battle. After this battle, he participated with the Tokugawa clan pacification of the rest of Mikawa province.

In 1569, During the Siege of Kakegawa Castle in Tōtōmi Province, Watanabe worked together with Honda Shigetsugu, and other Tokugawa samurai fought in close combat, until they manage to breach the castle gate on the night of the 22nd.

During the Battle of Mikatagahara, Moritsuna and Hattori Hanzō performed with exceptional skill with their spears. This prompting Moritsuna to gain a nickname of Yari no Hanzō (Spear Hanzo) while Hanzō being nicknamed as Oni no Hanzō, (Hanzō the demon). It was said that during this battle, he divided the unit under his command into two groups, and then fought the retreating battle to cover Ieyasu as he personally blocked any enemies incoming attack with his spear.

In 1584, Watanabe participated in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute.

After the Siege of Odawara (1590), Watanabe was given control of domain in Musashi of 3,000 koku and also command of 50 ashigaru infantry.

In 1608, his domain were increased for to Musashi for 4,000 koku, Owari Iwasaku for 5,000 koku and Mikawa for 5,000 koku were added, making him a daimyo with a total of 14,000 koku domain.