Photo/Illutration The ending of the letter written by Oda Nobukatsu and dated Oct. 14, 1585, carries the “kao” hieroglyphic signature of Nobukatsu followed by a closing remark, “To Lord Tokugawa.” (Provided by the Chido Museum)

TSURUOKA, Yamagata Prefecture--A letter penned by a feudal warlord to future shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is causing a massive stir because it conflicts with the accepted version of history.

The missive recently discovered here was sent by Oda Nobukatsu to Ieyasu in October 1585 following the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute the previous year during which Ieyasu fought against Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who later unified Japan.

It is believed that Nobukatsu, the second son of powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, sent the letter to Ieyasu in an attempt to mediate between him and Hideyoshi.

Experts labeled it a discovery of huge historical importance because it showed that Nobukatsu tried hard to persuade Ieyasu to become subordinate to Hideyoshi.

Ieyasu eventually founded the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867.

The Battle of Komaki and Nagakute refers to a series of confrontations that broke out in March 1584 after Nobukatsu killed retainers whom he suspected were secretly associated with Hideyoshi and broke off relations with the warlord.

The forces of Hashiba Hideyoshi (later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi) and those of Nobukatsu and Ieyasu fought in the northern Owari region (in the vicinity of present-day Komaki in Aichi Prefecture), the Mino region (present-day Gifu Prefecture) and elsewhere from that same month to November.

Nobukatsu fought alongside Ieyasu. However, he was unable to withstand fierce attacks from Hideyoshi’s forces. As a result, he later forged a separate peace pact and became a “daimyo” lord obedient to Hideyoshi.

The letter is thought to have been written while tensions continued between Hideyoshi and Ieyasu.

It shows how Nobukatsu was trying to mediate between the two, encouraging Ieyasu to make peace with Hideyoshi and become his retainer.

“Hideyoshi is well aware of your (Ieyasu’s) thoughts and I am certain that he will work things out in a careful manner, so you should rest assured,” he wrote.

Hiroyuki Shiba, a part-time lecturer at Toyo University’s Faculty of Letters, was stunned by the discovery.

“It was previously thought that the Tokugawa side had absolutely refused to build a relationship with Hideyoshi, but the letter shows that (Nobukatsu) was trying to play the role of mediator,” Shiba said. “It is valuable historical material because it shows Nobukatsu’s active involvement.”

Shiba also oversees historical authenticity for “What Will You Do, Ieyasu?” an annual year-long historical drama series currently aired by Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK).

The letter is on display at a special exhibition running at the Chido Museum in Tsuruoka city until June 12.

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