Maeda clan

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The Maeda Clan was one of the most powerful samurai families in Japan. Many believe they would have been the ruling family in Japan had it not been for the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867). They were second to the Tokugawa only in rice production and fief size.

The Maeda family ruled Kanazawa from 1583 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Kanazawa still remains an excellent tourist destination due to the fact that it was spared from the bombings of World War II. It boasts a preserved samurai and geisha district, as well as Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden (perhaps the best-known garden in Japan).

Perhaps the most famous member of this clan was Toshiie Maeda (1538-1599), son of Toshimasa. Toshiie was one of the leading generals under Oda Nobunaga, and later fought against Hojo under the command of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A shrine dedicated in his honor, Oyama Jinja, can be seen in Kanazawa.

Toshiie divided his fief among his sons. Toshinaga participated in the Battle of Sekigahara, and built Kanazawa Castle. He is also noted for being the wealthiest daimyo in Tokugawa Japan with over 1.2 million koku (Turnbull, 1998). Other brothers included Toshinaka, and an adpoted brother named Toshitsune who both fought at Osaka.

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