Hanzo HATTORI

Hanzo HATTORI was a famous ninja and samurai of the Sengoku era, who served the Tokugawa clan as a ninja, credited with saving the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu and then helping him to become the ruler of united Japan. He was born in Mikawa Province, but often returned to Iga Province, the home of his family. He started his training as a samurai at age eight, and became a leader of the Iga ninja at age 18. He fought in many battles, such as the siege of Kakegawa, the battle of Anegawa, and the battle of Mikatagahara. He was known for his fearless and ruthless tactics, which earned him the nickname Oni no Hanzo, or Demon Hanzo. He was also skilled in politics and strategy, and helped Tokugawa Ieyasu escape from the pursuit of Akechi Mitsuhide's troops after the death of Oda Nobunaga. He also rescued Ieyasu's family from the Imagawa clan, and helped him consolidate his power. He was loyal to Ieyasu until his death, and was succeeded by his son, Hattori Masanari, who also served the Tokugawa clan as a ninja. Hanzo HATTORI died in 1596, at the age of 55, in a fire set by his rival, Fuma Kotaro. He was buried at Sainenji, a temple that he built in Edo (now Tokyo) to commemorate Ieyasu's son, Nobuyasu. He is regarded as one of the most famous and influential ninja in Japanese history, and his legacy lives on in popular culture.