MARRIAGE
REASON TO THE MARRIAGE WITH THE HUSBAND
Above is an image of the symbol of the Oda Clan
Nohime was born under Saito Dosan, Nohime’s father, who was a general in the Mino Province (now Gifu) and was called “Mino’s Mamushi”. He was known for his military tactics and cruel-ness. Her mother is Ominokata, daughter of Mitsutsugu Akechi. Kodai-in was born as the second children child of Sugihara Sadatoshi (father) and Asahi (mother). Her father was a descendant of Taira no Sadamori. Lady Tsukiyama was born under her father, Sekiguchi Chikanaga, who was an Imagawa retainer. Their family was all in a higher status which connected their marriage to daimyos. Nohime married Oda Nobunaga at the age of 15 in 1549 and it was her 3rd marriage. Her father, Saito Dosan sent her to marry other families as a tactic so that the families would not have any war and be at peace. Saito Dosan was in war with Oda Nobunaga’s father, Oda Nobuhide, but made a peace negotiation by sending out her daughter to marry Oda Nobunaga. Kodai-in married to Kinoshita Tokichiro, an Ashigaru at the time later to be known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi at the age of 14. She married him when he did not have the fame yet, so her mother Asahi-dono, was against the marriage. Lady Tsukiyama married Tokugawa Ieyasu the age of 14. Being the niece of Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto, it was a political marriage like other high-class families, to keep alliance of the Houses of Imagawa and Tokugawa clans. As they all married during their 14 or 15, which was the average marrying age during this period of time. All of their marriage was for the realtion of their family with their husband’s.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HUSBAND
Above is an image of the symbol of the Toyotomi Clan
Oda Nobunaga appreciated Nohime’s supportive role at home. There are not many records of her as Nobunaga’s wife, but their relation was not poor since journal article refers their relation as Nohime supporting Oda Nobunaga. Kodai-in was married to Toyotomi Hideyoshi for 37 years which shows how much he respected and relied on her being the dictator. The long marriage years and relationships shows their close connection as Kodai-in helped in many political activities. As for Lady Tsukiyama, there is a rumor that she betrayed her husband, Tokugawa Ieyasu. She has asked Lord Takeda Katsuyori to kill her husband and take Nobuyasu, her son, under protection. There were not many records for the relation between Nohime and Oda Nobunaga, but for the other two wives, their relationship with their husbands is clearly stated. Reading the articles, Kitanomandokoro was in a good relationship with her husband as they trusted each other by their long period of time together. They discussed together political affairs and made decisions based on her idea too. Toyotomi Hideyoshi asked her for her advice in public administrations and policymaking as they were sending each other letters when they were not living together. On the contrast, as there were an article stating Lady Tsukiyama’s betrayal, their relation was not good as Tokugawa Ieyasu had many other wifes. There might have been problems with their relationship including issues with the other wives. Nohime did not have any children with Oda Nobunaga. This fact may had been heartbreaking for Nohime since having birth to have an offspring (especially sons) to take over the status of the husband to be a leader of the clan. She is thought to be infertile. So, she adopted Nobutada to be the legitimate son of Oda Nobunaga. Kodai-in did not have any children with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Several academic journals state how put she was for not being able to bear children since in the Sengoku period, women's job was to fulfil sexual desire of the husband and have children that would take in the husband's job. Lady Tsukiyama had two children with Tokugawa Ieyasu. Two years after their marriage she had her first son, Matsudaira Nobuyasu and gave birth to Kame Hime, her first daughter two years after. It was only Lady Tsukiyama out of these three wives that beared offsprings. Nohime was believed to be barren and unable to produce children. Kodai-in also could not bear children, so she adopted several children with Toyotomi Hideoyoshi.
HER CHARACTERISTIC, PERSONALITY, AND FEATURES
Above is an image of the symbol of the Tokugawa Clan
By the life Nohime experienced, one could tell that she was a strong woman being born under Saito Dosan who was known to be cruel and unfair. Then, she married Oda Nobunaga and at that time she married him, he was known as “Utsuke”, or a fool. Although, is there not much articles from the past written about Nohime so she stays as a mysterious historical figure. As Kodai-in was supporting Toyotomi Hideyoshi in making his political military affair decisions, we could tell that her personality was strong being able to speak up her ideas and thoughts. She was known to be courteous, respectful, and genius on how she had the brain to share her perception and viewpoints on political matters that will have a huge impact in Japan. She was exposed as a first woman in the Osaka castle. Kitamonandokoro and Toyotimi Hideoyoshi used letters to plan political strategies together such as discussing the tax rate and the future military plan. She also was the founder of the Koda-ji in Kyoto. The records of Lady Tsukiyama are shown as a motherhood. She takes actions to protect her son and daughter, more than supporting her husband. She took any opportunities that would save her and the children even if it leads to betraying her own clan.