[History Series] Why Was Nobunaga Able to Think Outside the Existing Rules? (2)
In the previous article, we examined how Nobunaga, unlike other daimyo, was driven by an intense sense of crisis and the desire for territorial expansion, leading him to embrace the revolutionary ideology of "Tenka Fubu" (ruling the country by force).
In this second installment, to gain a deeper understanding of Nobunaga's ideology, we will compare it with the goals held by other daimyo who lived during the same era.
The World as Seen by Other Daimyo vs. The World as Seen by Nobunaga
When compared with the worlds aimed for by the influential daimyo of the time, the uniqueness of Nobunaga's ideology stands out.
Yoshimoto Imagawa and Shingen Takeda (Reconstruction of the Old Order) Yoshimoto Imagawa, as an old guardian of the Muromachi Shogunate, and Shingen Takeda, as a member of a prestigious family, both respected existing authority and aimed to establish their own positions within that framework. Their goal was to support the Shogunate and build a stable samurai society and they did not seem to have the idea of "complete destruction of the old regime" like Nobunaga did.
Nagamasa Azai and Yoshikage Asakura (Maintaining Independence as Local Lords) Nagamasa Azai, who lived through the same era as Nobunaga, defeated the Rokkaku clan, his long-time masters, and won independence for the province of Omi. Also, Yoshikage Asakura of Echizen prioritized the stability of his own country even if it meant refusing the Shogun's requests. Their goal was ultimately to protect the peace and independence of "their own country". They did not have the grand vision that Nobunaga held of "unifying all of Japan."
Kenshin Uesugi (Upholding "Righteousness") Kenshin Uesugi was deeply devout in his faith in gods and Buddha, and he dedicated his life to "righteous wars" to restore the old order of the Ashikaga Shogunate and the Kanto Kanrei. Rather than expanding his own territory, his goal seemed to be to establish legitimate authority and correct the disorder of the world.
Motonari Mori (Skillful Diplomatic Strategy) Motonari Mori, who built power in the western provinces, expanded his influence by using skillful diplomatic strategies and alliances between powerful enemies like the Ouchi and Amago clans, rather than aiming for national unification. His goal was to establish control over the western provinces, and he did not have the idea of "changing the rules themselves" like Nobunaga.
While these daimyo each aimed for goals within existing frameworks, such as "supporting the Shogun," "national independence," "realizing righteousness," and "regional stability", Nobunaga sought to destroy those very frameworks. This seems to be the decisive difference between him and the other daimyo.
Comparing them in this way, it becomes clear that only Nobunaga had a completely different perspective and set of judgment criteria than the other daimyo.
So, how did this revolutionary ideology translate into Nobunaga's concrete actions?
Next time, we will examine how Nobunaga's ideology bore fruit in his actions through three examples: the burning of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, the expulsion of the Shogun, his plans to send troops to Korea, and his purpose for interacting with the Namban (Westerners).
[Next Time]
Why Was Nobunaga Able to Think Outside the Existing Rules? (3)
Three Actions Born from the "Tenka Fubu" That Drove Nobunaga
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