Why is Tokugawa Leyasu revered in Japan?

           Tokugawa Leyasu was a warrior, statesman, and founder of the Tokugawa dynasty of shoguns. At the time of his birth, Japan was torn by civil war, with violent feuds between territorial lords which had lasted for nearly a century. Leyasu’s father’s death had left him as leader of the clan known as Matsudaira.

              In 1567, he allied with Oda Nobunaga, a powerful neighbour, and spent the next decade-and-a-half campaigning with Nobunaga while expanding his own influence and wealth. He had by now gained a considerable military reputation. When Nobunaga was assassinated in 1582, Leyasu acquired more territory, and allied with Nobunaga’s successor, Hideyoshi.

            The leading military figures in Japan now began to scheme against each other, and civil war again broke out. In 1600, Leyasu defeated his enemies in the Battle of Sekigahara, thereby achieving supremacy in Japan. In 1603, Emperor Go-Yzei, the ruler only in name, gave Leyasu the historic title of Shogun or military governor. Japan was now united under Leyasu’s control. He worked hard to restore stability to Japan, and encouraged foreign trade.

             Leyasu died on 17th April 1616 and his mausoleum at Nikko has become one of the most important shrines in Japan.