Tsunataka Hōjō

Tsunataka Hōjō is the Hōjō clan's top martial commander. He led the Akeazone (Red Standard) forces from Sagami province. Ujitsuna Hōjō adopted him into the Hōjō clan, making him Ujiyasu Hōjō's adopted brother. Tsunataka is noted for his contributions throughout the Hōjō's campaigns, especially at Kawagoe Castle and the second battle of Konodai.

Role in Games
Tsunataka first appears in Samurai Warriors 4 at the battle of Kakegawa Castle, where he is part of the ambush laid by the Hōjō on the third floor of the citadel. He is part of the forces that cut the Tokugawa army in two under Masashige Daidōji. Of the six officers given this job, Tsunataka joins the three officers attacking the Tokugawa forces in the upper levels of the castle. At Kannagawa, Tsunataka reappears in the western path. He defends the path south of the fort that Ujikuni Hōjō captures.

In the Nobunaga's Ambition series, Tsunataka Hōjō's martial abilities, leadership and valor, are usually around the high 70s and low 80s. His managerial skills, however, are just middle of the road. Tsunataka's usually available in most scenarios before Hideyoshi's Odawara Campaign, serving his adoptive clan.

Historical Information
Hōjō Tsunataka was born to Takahashi Taketane and Toyama Yutaka’s daughter in Izu province. His father was a retainer of Ise Sozui (Hōjō Sōun) and his mother was an adopted daughter of Sōun as well. Tsunataka's father passed away when he was still a boy, at only 10 years old. Hōjō Sōun took in Tsunataka and his mother, taking over the role of mentoring the young lad, even serving as the mentor for his coming of age ceremony (Genpuku). Growing up, Tsunataka took great interest in martial arts and warfare, taking advantage of his slightly higher than normal height of about 5' 5 (5 Shaku 5 Sun).

When he came of age, Tsunataka first took the name Takahashi Tanemasa, honoring his father and keeping his clan's name alive. In 1524, he attacked Uesugi Tomosada's forces during the first battle of Kawagoe Castle at just eighteen years old. Tsunataka personally gave chase to Tomosada's forces, gaining much renown for his ability at warfare. Hōjō Ujitsuna, recognizing Tsunataka's talent and close relation to his family, rewarded him with a character from his name and bestowed the Hōjō surname on Tsunataka. He was now known as Hōjō Tsunatane.

Tsunataka proved instrumental in the Hōjō's war with the Ogigayatsu-Uesugi. In 1534, Tsunataka captured Jindaiji Castle from Nambada Norishige, one of the Ogigayatsu-Uesugi retainers. When the Ogigayatsu came to retake the fort, Tsunataka and his brother, Takahashi Ujitaka, drove them back, securing the surrounding lands for the Hōjō. In 1537, Tsunataka was made lord of Edo Castle, putting him not far from the frontline battles the Hōjō faced.

When Hōjō Ujiyasu took over leadership of the clan, he renamed Tsunataka to Tsunataka, making him one of the five colored banner commanders, specifically the red banner over the Sagomi forces the Hōjō commanded. Tsunataka accompanied Ujiyasu to the night raid of Kawagoe Castle in 1546, where he once more made a name for himself. In 1554 Tsunataka shaved his head and became a monk, entering a semi-retired state. This did not stop him from playing a key role in the second battle of Konodai, where his red banner forces fought on the front lines.

Hōjō Tsunataka passed away in 1585 in Edo Castle at 80 years old. Some mystery still surrounds Tsunataka's parentage, but currently it is assumed his father was Takahashi Taketane until other evidence can prove otherwise. His red armor and banner have survived to today and are stored in Daioji Temple, Fujimi City.