Date Masamune, The One-Eyed Dragon

Date Masamune (1567-1636), a prominent daimyo from northeastern Japan, is widely recognized as one of the great military leaders of the Sengoku period in Japan. He is also known as the founder of the city of Sendai, where he established his court. He was one of the closest allies of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who in the early 17th century unified the country and proclaimed himself Shogun of Japan.

                                Statue of Date Masamune in Sendai City

Masamune was also known, both by allies and enemies, by the awe-inspiring nickname "The One-Eyed Dragon." This was due to him losing one eye as a result of smallpox during his childhood, leaving him with one eye, a physical characteristic that added ferocity to his authoritative and noble appearance.

 

Indeed, this valiant samurai had a significant connection with the dragon, as evident in various aspects of his private, public, and military life. This connection was especially manifested in his leadership qualities and courage in campaigns. The relationship between Masamune and the dragon went beyond being a mere superficial or legendary symbol; it was deeply integrated into his identity and political strategy, as seen in various encounters and conflicts with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

                               Date Masamune, The One-Eyed Dragon

Masamune, who strongly identified with the qualities associated with the dragon, adopted this mythological creature as a central symbol in all his life. This symbolic choice was not only aesthetic but also communicated his charismatic leadership, great ambition, cunning, and power to his followers, associates, and particularly to his fierce adversaries. By appropriating one of the symbols associated with the ancestors of the imperial house, Masamune sent a striking message and established his own legitimacy as a leader.

The cloudless moon of my heart is my guide,
casting light on the darkness of this sorrowful world
as I set out on my journey.
(Date Masamune death poem)

"The One-Eyed Dragon" left a significant and undeniable legacy in a turbulent period of Japanese history, both nationally (contributing fundamentally to the unification of the fragmented and war-torn Japanese territory) and internationally. He was the promoter and sponsor of the famous Keicho Embassy, a delegation of samurais sent aboard the Date Maru with the main purpose to establish diplomatic and commercial relations with Spain and the Pope in Rome, as well as seek support for Christianity in Japan.

 

Did you know that... Masamune was known for his wide variety of interests, including Noh theater, Japanese and Chinese poetry, tea ceremony and cooking? It should be noted that he is especially known for being the alleged inventor of dishes such as fried tofu and soybean paste rice cake, as well as for his personal dedication to cooking.