Japan

Japan during the late Warring States period (戦国時代, Sengoku jidai) serves as the main setting of the Samurai Warriors series. Specifically, the particular time zones of interests are the segments which near the unification of the land, the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568~1603) and the first twelve years of the Edo period (1603~1868). While the first game mainly focuses on Nobunaga's reign of power, the second game expands it and goes in depth with events that happened after his death. The newest title aims to include more events within the era that preceded the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

Though the eras share a similar title, it should not be confused with the Chinese Warring States period, which took place in 476 BCE~221 BCE.

Three Unifiers of Japan
The Three Unifiers of Japan (三英傑) is a modern term used to describe the three powerful lords who ended the period of wars. They are:


 * Nobunaga Oda
 * Hideyoshi Toyotomi
 * Ieyasu Tokugawa

Each of these men were known for being the main seat of power during their lifetime and their efforts ultimately lead to the unification of Japan. Their relations with one another are highly romanticized in various mediums, as they not only worked together but their families are also related to one another. There is a saying regarding each lord's progress during this time period: "Oda pounds the national rice cake, Hideyoshi kneads it, and in the end Ieyasu sits down and eats it."

There is also an old jangle that children are taught to teach them the mindset of each ruler.
 * What if the bird will not sing?
 * Nobunaga said, "Kill it."
 * Hideyoshi said, "Make it want to sing."
 * Ieyasu said, "Wait."

These three leaders are celebrated each year at the Nagoya Festival in Japan.

Three Decisive Battles
Within this time period, there were three large conflicts that are considered to have defined the manner of warfare in the entire era. These battles were:
 * The Battle of Chigokugawa - 1359
 * The Battles of Kawanakajima - 1553 ~ 1564
 * The Battle of Sekigahara - 1600

Three Greatest Castles
Since the Edo Period, there are three castles that are considered to be the greatest in Japan today. Notable historical figures from this time period also contributed to repairing these castles.
 * Nagoya Castle - Ieyasu is said to have built it.
 * Himeji Castle - Kuroda Yoshitaka and Ikeda Terumasa are considered to have greatly renovated it.
 * Kumamoto Castle - Katō Kiyomasa mainly contributed to repairing it.

It is also said that Osaka Castle and Matsumoto Castle were originally candidates for the same title.

Seven Spearmen of Japan
The Seven Spearmen of Japan (日本七槍) or the Seven Spear Pillars of Japan (日本槍柱七本) refers to seven spear wielders who were personally praised by Hideyoshi.
 * 1) Ono Shigeyuki - Tachibana retainer famous for surviving sixty-seven wounds in the same location, ancestor of Yoko Ono
 * 2) Honda Tadakatsu - highly valued Tokugawa vassal
 * 3) Shimazu Tadasune - Shimazu Yoshiro's son and successor
 * 4) Gotō Mototsugu - Kuroda vassal, died as Toyotomi Hideyori's vassal at the Siege of Osaka
 * 5) Naoe Kanetsugu - Uesugi advisor and vassal, praised for his honest character
 * 6) Iida Naokage - Katō general who loyally served Kiyomasa, considered one of the three greatest in the Katō family during his time
 * 7) Kikkawa Hiroie - sixteenth clan head of the Kikkawa family, retainer family of the Mōri