Takeshi Mutō
Shogun & Hero of Japan Takeshi Mutō (a.k.a. Melon Warrior (瓜子士, Urikoshi), The Little General (少し一般的な, Sukoshi ippantekina))
Takeshi Mutō (1551-1648) was a semi legendary Japanese military and political leader. He rose to prominence during the closing of Sengoku period and subsequent unification of Japan, and led many successful campaigns through the Unification wars. As head of the new Mutō clan he was declared Shogun of Japan from 1585-1648. Takeshi would dominate Asian and partially global affairs for more than a decade while leading Japan against a series of coalitions in the Pacific Wars. He won most of these wars and the vast majority of his battles, building a large empire that ruled over nearly the entire pacific. Cited as one of the greatest commanders in history, his wars and campaigns are studied at military schools worldwide. He remains one of the most celebrated and controversial political figures in Asia.
Early life
Takeshi's birth and family is shrouded in mystery and myth. The only 'record' we have of his birth is the Japanese Folktale of Urikoshi. The tale states that Takeshi was found by a childless couple after they cut open a melon. This is widely regarded as fantasy and a piece of propaganda to glorify him. Barely anything is known about his childhood as well, however when he turned 6 in 1557 he was sent to Mount Hiei to become a monk. He continued to train for 12 years, his training was overseen by Myouren Hijiri who gained a reputation for being an extremely lax, in spite of this (or because) he became known as the biggest stick in the mud there. Him and his mentor were known to argue and debate philosophy, at the monastery this was considered a big event as the two were considered some of the wisest there. At the age of 18 in 1569 he had completed his training and was sent out as a Sohei.Early Career
Upon becoming a Sohei in 1569 he would participate in a series of skirmishes with the Nichiren sect and quickly made a name for himself as not only a talented fighter but a genius leader of men. in 1569 he would be deployed to fight off a growing contingent of ronin farther south in clan Azai. Despite his troops being heavily outnumbered in each engagement he was able to put down the ronin revolution.Commissioning
Throughout his campaigns Takeshi gained even more of a reputation of not only being a military genius, but being fiercely obsessed with his work. This got the attention of Oda Nobunaga, he had been mulling over what he should do with the Sohei, and the idea of Takeshi being turned against him and his clan was what pushed him over the edge. on September 29, 1571, Nobunaga led his army of 30,000 to siege mount Hiei. He successfully overran the temple destroying Enryaku-ji and massacring thousands including Myouren Hijiri, Takeshi's mentor. Takeshi fled from Kyoto and searched for an apprentice in an attempt to pass down the Tendai tradition, traveling for 10 years he was able to find a few willing and many of his adventures are things of myth and legend, throughout his travels he eventually went back to Kyoto in 1583 where he was found and many attempts were made on his life, all culminating in him killing General Hanzō Gushiken. Later seeing the chaos the Emperor of Japan and knowing of Takeshi's reputation commissioned him to unite Japan once and for all.Shogun of The Mutō clan
Takeshi would strike a series of victories and proclaim himself head of the Mutō clan. In 1588 he succeeded in uniting Japan under the new Mutō Shogunate. Takeshi would then implement a number of reforms, these were often sporadic and reactionary, however many of these laws and systems still exist in modern Japan. The entire list of reforms and laws would be compiled and become collectively referred to as Mutō's Code. He would lead in a series of wars and form the new Japanese empire, encompassing all of the Pacific, Australia, and Antarctica. He is crediting with building the foundation for what would become modern Japan and warfare.Image
Takeshi is seen Asia wide icon of military genius and liberation. Many legends and stories of him have been written and documented the validity of all these stories is widely disputed as many of them are suspected to be inflated propaganda. Since his death many towns, streets, ships, and fictional characters have been named after him. He has been portrayed and discussed in thousands of films, books, and articles. His real face has never been seen or depicted by any of his contemporaries or anybody after. His face was constantly put behind the white hood that the Sohei wore constantly. In the rare case when art was made of him without the hood he was always depicted as bald, and this is as far as we can tell historically accurate. Most of the art made of him was Ukiyo-e style, and it seemed those would remain as his only depictions forever, however in 1932 a small shack in Italy was uncovered and in the basement was a realist painting of Takeshi Mutō, Aika Mutō, Eiki Nakayama, Namiyo Murata, and Kiyoshi Sawaya. This depiction is largely considered accurate, as His secretary, Kiyoshi Sawaya , described him just as the painting depict him saying "his complexion or what I can see of it, seem normal for someone of his standing, and as to be expected of a Monk, he was extremely short, shorter than his wife and certainly had the stature of a Monk, and that is to say he has the stature of a child. Despite his thin body he had a surprisingly muscular build, probably from years on the battlefield." Affectionately he would acquire the name "少し一般的な" (the little general) However this name was not of mockery, and instead marked the camaraderie he had with his troops. He would and proceeds to be celebrated as a war hero in Asia to this day, and throughout all of the changes he still is on the modern 10,000 Yen bank note. In Spain and France he was demonized as a menace. Many false stories would come up about how he ordered his Samurai to slaughter innocents. In Spain he was given the nickname "arpía malvada de oriente" (The evil harpy of the orient). This nickname was given to him based off how his farther stretching armies would have a Japanese Golden Eagle which would release it to fly back to Takeshi's main army in which the Japanese Golden Eagle would then become associated with the coming of Takeshi. France would nickname him "Diable du Pacifique" (Devil of the pacific) for obvious reasons. In England and the Netherlands he was depicted as an insolent child who needed to be punished. He was often drawn this way on posters and such and the campaign against him is commonly sighted to be the first mainstream use of mass media propaganda. A nursery rhyme in England also stated that Takeshi would eat naughty people. Many posters were made and sent out by all sides, and many of these made it back to Takeshi in Japan he had few opinions on them, except for one, the one being a series of poster called 'Justice for the Japanese Devil' The poster depicts variations of a basic idea of a Japanese men being walked in a line with a gun pointed at them with a caption of "Bring Justice to the Japanese Devil!". Takeshi is quoted as saying"Notice, they aren't pointing a gun at my head, they're pointing it at my people. If my people are to find peace, I'm ready to sacrifice 1000 of my heads if I had 1000 of them." -Takeshi Mutō 1592His image in Europe would soften in the modern day, however just like them he is not held in as high regard as most of Asia does.
Reforms
Mutō's Code
See main article Mutō's Code Takeshi would enact a wide range of laws and reforms which would collectively be known as Mutō's code. These sweeping reforms would encompass all of Japan and soon leak into parts of Korea and China alongside all of Japan's own colonies. These were not part of one bill or enactment, but a long list of reforms Takeshi did over his time in power.Warfare
Takeshi's warfare style was that of a modified version of many of the concept he read in the art of war. The growth of the importance of artillery would stem from his making of highly mobile artillery units and he is often credited with making the new highly mobile form of warfare Tatsumaki sensō (tornado war). Takeshi's new emphasis on not just outmaneuvering but destroying the enemy made wars more costly however more decisive.Personality
Takeshi prior to being commissioned He was known to be humorless and extremely uptight, he was extremely obsessed with his work and would never deviate from that path. After being commissioned it's unknown what happened to Takeshi, however he changed. He still made it a point to maintain strict efficient work habits. He was described as reserved, humble, but confident. He ditched being humorless, and instead cultured a great sense of humor, taking a particular interest in rakugo shows and popularizing them. One thing many know him for was his affinity for birds and anything cute, his many secretaries describing it as an "obsession that transcended his common sense at times". Top on his tiers of cuteness would be his Wife, Aika Mutō , followed by a close second of penguins. His obsession with Penguins would start with his conquering of Australia he found the blue fairy penguins in the south. He then put an expedition south and found Antarctica and declared it part of the Japanese empire, here he found more penguins and he would make periodic visits to Antarctica to observe the penguins. Despite his short height he was never one to care, and his height was actually that of which was expected from a Monk of his time. Outside of that he was known to almost always doubt himself, Kiyoshi Sawaya wrote.Takeshi Mutō, A phenomenal explorer who'd rather stay home. A devastating warrior who'd rather not fight. A negotiator without a peer who prefers to sit alone in a cave and Meditate. Hōkyō Monk. Grand General of Japan. Hero of Japan. And yet inside he feels like he's none of these things. Kiyoshi Sawaya, 1650He was also described as a loner by nature and an introvert, however he was only known by this designation by people close to him. It was documented that whenever he did not have any work to do, and he was doing nothing he would often go out to random farms and start working for no pay. He was known to go to places of the working class to help out there.
Religion
Takeshi was a devout buddhist, however his buddhism was an offshoot of Tendai. His form was more based of the Theravada schools than Tendai, believing that many Mahayana schools had gone too far. This belief did not leak into his reform, and he was extremely tolerant of all forms of buddhism. In private he would call pure land buddhism "A grand perversion of the buddha's word." Officially he was still a Tendai buddhist, and would make a point to reestablish many old temples such as Enryaku-Ji. While he would never force it upon people he wanted everyone under his rule to practice some form of buddhism. When Portuguese merchants and missionaries started preaching the wonders of Catholicism he let them do so in the name of tolerance, and he saw the church in the same way he saw pure land buddhism, and that is to say that he saw them as a relatively harmless but ultimately slightly erroneous religion.Death
In his final years, both Aika and Takeshi's health was failing. Not only physical but mentally, those near him described his breathing as labored and raspy, he wore his armor in public more fearing an attack on his life. Thankfully, no decisions were made in this state as he had given up power a couple years ago. Knowing his failing health Takeshi and Aika went on one last expedition of Antarctica. Records are unclear on his final death, some say that he and Aika willingly ran into a massive snowstorm ordering the ship to leave them there. Some say that he simply sat down in a lotus position once they got there. Their bodies were never reported to be found, however they were confirmed dead. Both of their funeral's were held in 1648, April 3rd, at Enryaku-Ji.Memory and Evaluation
Criticisms
Takeshi remains a controversial figure, and there is little agreement on his legacy, historians debate whether Takeshi was a "Paragon of Japan who laid the foundations for the modern day." Or a "An imperialistic Megalomaniac who wrought greater misery than any man before the coming of Fernsby." Nobody can argue about his military record and genius, being able to kick out the major powers of the time, however many historians credit him as a warmonger who simply wanted to replace European rule with his own. Takeshi did end the lawlessness, disorder, and civil wars that came with a majority of the Sengoku period. He was, however, considered fair by his opponents. In prison Tokugawa charged that he was unconcerned with the Japanese people, and not at all troubled when faced with the death of thousands. The validity of this statement is questioned, however in his actions historians point out that Takeshi did very little for himself. The biggest point of criticism that many rally against him is his annihilation some of the indo pacific peoples , mostly focusing on the supposed organized annihilation of the Paupaun people. His defenders are quick to point out that they responded to his diplomacy attempts with war, and that it was not his intention to wipe out Sulawesi, Borneo, and Java. Paupau is a different case, as there are no records saying it was an organized and intentional wipeout, however the results stand that they were all wiped out. Another criticism commonly levied against him is his eradication of Freemasonry and Freemasons in Japan and all conquered territories. Many are quick to argue that he was going off what he knew, and what he knew was given to him by others. Takeshi was also known for plundering conquered areas, Artifacts and arts from all over the Pacific were taken and brought to Shouri Castle and other museums saying famously during the Sumatra campaign "あなたが合うことができる限り" (As much as you can fit). Often times he is compared to Fernsby, however his defenders are quick to say that "Takeshi left codes of law, prosperity, and a national identity that lasts to this day, Fernsby left nothing but destruction."Propaganda and Memory
Takeshi's use of Propaganda was almost non-existent he is quoted as saying "I have no use for this concept (Propaganda) I wish for the next generations to know the real me, not an idealized me. My regime does not need artificial legitimization, the prosperity it has brought is plain to see." (Takeshi Mutō, 1622). He was known for allowing the press, books, theatre, and media to have freedom. The Kabuki play "Jaakuna bōkun Taku" (邪悪な暴君 タク, Evil Tyrant Taku) was an anti-Takeshi satire play starring Taku a fill in for Takeshi. Takeshi knew that mobs would probably go to the performances, and so he deployed his Samurai there to protect the watchers and actors. Many thought that Takeshi would shut it down, and were surprised when on March 9th, 1614 he went to see a performance of it. He said, "I enjoyed the performance, everyone did their parts well, and many parts got a good laugh out of me." (Takeshi Mutō, 1614). During his life what some may consider propaganda for him was common, however he made it clear that he did not like it very much, however after his death he was Lionized and Glorified even more than during his life making it hard now to separate Takeshi the legend, and Takeshi the man.Long Term Influence
In Japan, many of his laws still stand today, and many of the treaties he made are still followed loosely. The Indo Pacific, would never loosen from Japan's rule the main reason being they don't want to, making Japan the worlds oldest Empire still. His admiration of the Germanic peoples, and Italians would eventually lead to their alliance in WW1, and he would popularize monogamy in Japan. Outside of Japan he was mostly ignored, he was simply a good military commander who had beat them many times. He was studied in Military Academies and many other institutions, one notable thing being the Mutō test, a test in which the testee is put in a situation where their force of 2,000 are up against Takeshi's force of 1,000. The testee is then expected to plan an attack on the open ground, and every-time Takeshi will win, the test is a lesson in futility, and it's supposed to tell new commanders that there is such thing as a no-win scenario and the best option can be not engaging or retreating, and despite there technically being a way to win, no person at any academy has been able to beat Takeshi.Wives, Mistresses, and Children
Takeshi married Aika Mutō in 1583, when they were both 32. Historical records are scarce about Yūkawa's familial origin, however the story of Urikoshi states that she is daughter of none other than the Emperor. The two would never divorce and never grow apart, the two finally died together on an expedition to Antarctica. Takeshi had no legitimate or illegitimate sons or daughters.
Mental characteristics
Gender Identity
Male
Education
Sohei training
Employment
Shogun of Japan
Accomplishments & Achievements
Unifying Japan
Conquering of Philippines, Paupau, Australia, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Antarctica, and Sulawesi
Mental Trauma
Validity is unknown, however some modern historians believe that Takeshi was, at least early on, codependent on the Emperor, Wife, and Country. He would rarely make decisions himself, and seemingly always needed a guiding hand.
Social
Religious Views
Devout Buddhist
Speech
His speech was known to be raspy and commanding.
Relationships
Wealth & Financial state
Was the most wealthy man in the world for 3 years, however most of this wealth did not go towards him as he invested it in Japan.
Takeshi Mutō would fight in 80 Military engagements, he commanded 77, these included skirmishes, battles, sieges, won 72 losing 8, giving him a 90% win ratio. Of purely pitched battles he would fight 68, he would win 63, and lose 5, giving him a 93% win ratio, he is credited as having only 2 total losses as well. His 8 losses being
-Battle of Puerto Galera: Strategic loss, Tactical Loss
-Siege of Toyama Castle: Strategic loss, Tactical Victory
-Battle of Nagano: Strategic Loss, Tactical Victory
-Battle of Semarang: Strategic Loss, Tactical Loss
-Battle of Kobe: Strategic Stalemate, Tactical Victory
-3rd Battle of Kyoto: Strategic Stalemate, Tactical Victory
-Skirmish at Biak: Strategic Victory, Tactical Loss
-2nd Siege of Indra Patra: Strategic loss, Tactical victory.
Current Location
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Shogun of Japan, Hero of Japan, Grand General of Japan, Napoleon of the East.
Age
97
Date of Birth
23, March
Date of Death
23, March
Life
1551
1648
Family
Spouses
Aika Mutō
(Wife)
Siblings
Children
Pronouns
He, Him, His
Gender
Male
Eyes
Dark brown
Hair
Assumed to be bald
Height
157cm, (5'2)
Weight
64kg, (142 lbs)
Ruled Locations
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