The Izu Sea Forces (2)

Shimizu Yasuhide (1532-1591) was one of 5 chief retainers under Hojo Ujiyasu (1515-1571), Ise Shinkuro’s grandson. The five chief retainers used different colors of banners; yellow, red, blue, white, and black. Ysuhide’s banners were in a white color. The Shimizu Family had been based in Kanoyazaki Castle, and Yasuhide was additionally stationed at Shimoda Castle in 1588 or 1589 to build up a defense against Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598). Shimoda Port was one of the most important ports along the Eastern Sea Region, and played an important role even at the end of the Edo Period. Yasuhide was the number 1 among the Izu Sea Forces. In 1590, Shimoda Castle was attacked by Hideyoshi’s navy; which was composed of the troop of 2,500 of Chosokabe Motochika (1538-1599), the troop of 1,500 of Kuki Yoshitaka (1542-1600), the troop of 1,300 of Wakisaka Yasuharu (1554-1626), and more. Yasuhide surrendered the castle and gave in on April the 23rd, after holding it for over 50 days with the troop of 600.