The Sengoku period (1467–1615) was one of the most turbulent and blood-soaked eras in Japanese history.
The warlords who survived this time were not only skilled in battle but also left behind strange legends, eerie tales, and terrifying mysteries.
Some sought to unify Japan, some perished due to betrayal, and some were feared even after death…
Here, we introduce ten legendary Sengoku warlords whose stories blur the line between history and horror.
1. Oda Nobunaga – The Demon King of the Sixth Heaven
Oda Nobunaga was a brilliant strategist who nearly unified Japan, yet his ruthless nature earned him the nickname “The Demon King of the Sixth Heaven” (a figure from Buddhist mythology representing absolute evil).
He burned down temples, executed monks, and ruled through fear, making him a figure of terror even in his time.
🔹 The nickname “The Sixth Demon King” and the horror of burning down the temple
- The “Sixth Demon King” (the most evil demon king in Buddhism) burned down Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei and massacred thousands of monks and residents.
- He called himself the “Sixth Demon King” (the most evil demon king in Buddhism) and made people tremble.
- However, he was also the man who came closest to unifying Japan through rational policies and the use of guns.
👻 Scary Stories
After his assassination at Honno-ji, reports surfaced that his ghost had been seen wandering Kyoto, seeking vengeance against those who betrayed him.
2. Toyotomi Hideyoshi – The Monkey Who Became Emperor
Born a peasant, Toyotomi Hideyoshi rose to become the ruler of Japan.
However, his obsession with power led to the tragic suicide of tea master Sen no Rikyu, whom he forced to take his own life.
It is said that Hideyoshi was haunted by Rikyu’s vengeful spirit until his death.
🔹 The Genius of Becoming and the “Curse of Sen no Rikyu
- Although he was born a peasant, he served under Oda Nobunaga and became a powerful figure in his own lifetime.
- He had Sen no Rikyu (a great master of the tea ceremony) commit suicide, but later a rumor spread that the ghost of Sen no Rikyu had appeared.
- During the invasion of Korea, the morale of the soldiers was so low that they were said to have been “cursed by the specter of Joseon.
👻 Scary Stories
After Hideyoshi’s death, ghostly sightings of Rikyu’s spirit were reported within Osaka Castle, seemingly cursing the Toyotomi clan’s downfall.
3. Tokugawa Ieyasu – The Man Who Made a Pact with Foxes
Tokugawa Ieyasu ended the Sengoku period and established the Edo shogunate.
From childhood, there were rumors that he was protected by a white fox spirit, which helped him escape death multiple times.
🔹 The Legend of the “White Fox Who Guided the Tennoujin
- The story remains that Ieyasu made a vow to a white fox at a temple in Mikawa.
- After that, he escaped death many times and was said to be “protected by the fox.
- He eventually opened the Edo shogunate, bringing 265 years of peace.
👻 Scary Stories
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, where Ieyasu is enshrined, is believed to still house his spirit, watching over Japan to this day.
4. Takeda Shingen – The Warrior Who Refused to Die
Takeda Shingen, famous for his “Fūrinkazan” (Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain) banner, was one of the most formidable warlords.
After his death, his retainers kept his passing a secret for three years to maintain their power, leading to rumors that he had become an immortal warrior.
🔹 “Even if he dies, he will rise again” Tiger of Kai
- The most powerful warlord known for his banner of “Fu-Rin-Kazan”.
- There is an anecdote that “Shingen’s body was kept secret for three years.”
- Even after his death, the Takeda forces continued to use Shingen’s name to deceive the enemy.
👻 Scary Stories
Even today, people claim to see Shingen’s ghost in Yamanashi Prefecture, warning warriors of approaching danger.
5. Uesugi Kenshin – The Avatar of Bishamonten
Uesugi Kenshin was revered as the embodiment of Bishamonten, the god of war.
His mysterious death led to speculation that he was assassinated by a ninja or that he was actually a woman in disguise.
🔹 “The theory that she was a woman” and her divine strength
- Believed to be an incarnation of Bishamonten (god of war), she was a warrioress.
- He loved drinking and slept with a barrel of sake, but one day he suddenly and mysteriously died.
- There is a theory that she was actually a woman, adding to the mystery of the cause of her death.
👻 Scary Stories
After Kenshin’s death, multiple sightings of his spectral figure have been reported in castle ruins associated with his name.
6. Akechi Mitsuhide – The Traitor Who Never Died
Akechi Mitsuhide betrayed Oda Nobunaga at Honno-ji, yet was swiftly killed by Hideyoshi.
However, some believe he survived and assumed a new identity as Tenkai, a powerful monk who advised the Tokugawa shogunate.
🔹 The theory that he survived after the “Honnoji Incident”.
- He betrayed his lord, Oda Nobunaga, and killed him at Honnoji Temple, but was soon killed by Hideyoshi.
- However, there is a theory that “Mitsuhide survived and became Priest Tenkai.
- In other words, a terrifying hypothesis that he may have supported the Edo Shogunate behind the scenes.
👻 Scary Stories
Kyoto locals still tell of Mitsuhide’s vengeful spirit appearing in the area where he plotted his rebellion, whispering words of treachery.
7. Naoe Kanetsugu – The Warlord Who Wore “Love” on His Helmet
Naoe Kanetsugu wore a helmet inscribed with the kanji for “love”, though it symbolized the wrath of the Buddhist deity Fudō Myō-ō rather than compassion.
He was feared on the battlefield, as enemies believed his presence brought divine punishment.
🔹 A unique military commander who wore a helmet of “love” on the battlefield
- A famous general who was loyal to the Uesugi family under the slogan of “righteousness and love.
- However, the character for “love” represented “Fudo Myoo’s mercy and fear.
- It is said that when he wore his helmet on the battlefield, the enemy soldiers were eerily afraid of him.
👻 Scary Stories
It is said that those who touch Kanetsugu’s armor experience strange accidents or misfortune.
8. Saitō Dōsan – The War Merchant Who Cursed His Son
Once a merchant, Saitō Dōsan seized power and became a warlord, only to be betrayed and killed by his own son.
However, his headless corpse was never found, fueling rumors that his spirit still seeks revenge.
🔹 “From Oil Seller to Daimyo” and Defeated by His Son
- He was a genius who rose to prominence, but was finally defeated by his son, Yoshinaga.
- It is said that Doso’s body was “headless” and that he left behind a curse.
👻 Scary Stories
Legends claim that those who mock Saitō Dōsan suffer from strange illnesses or accidents shortly after.
9. Shimazu Yoshihiro – The Demon of the Battlefield
Shimazu Yoshihiro led a legendary suicidal charge at the Battle of Sekigahara, breaking through enemy lines with only a few hundred men.
His sheer ferocity earned him the nickname “Oni Shimazu” (Demon Shimazu).
🔹 The Miracle of “Breaking Through the Enemy
- At the Battle of Sekigahara, Ieyasu’s main camp was breached with only a few hundred soldiers.
- The enemy army was so valiant that they thought, “Here comes the devil Shimazu!The enemy army was horrified.
👻 Scary Stories
In Kagoshima, there are still stories of Yoshihiro’s ghost appearing on battlefields, wielding his sword against invisible foes.
10. Sanada Yukimura – The Last Samurai
Sanada Yukimura, wearing his blood-red armor, led a desperate final stand against the Tokugawa army with only 6,000 men against 100,000.
His defiance made him a symbol of the ultimate warrior.
🔹 A man called “the best soldier in Japan
- In the battle of Osaka, he waged a rampage against 100,000 Tokugawa troops with only 6,000 men.
- Sanada’s red armor became a symbol of the army of death, and the enemy trembled.
- In his final moments, he died a heroic death, saying, “If you bring back my head, you will make a name for yourself.
👻 Scary Stories
People claim to have seen a red-armored samurai wandering the ruins of Osaka Castle, forever fighting an unseen enemy.