Who Is Oda Nobuhide (Tiger of Owari)?

Oda Nobuhide was the father of Oda Nobunaga, a warrior who grew in power in Owari Province during the Warring States era. He is also called "the Tiger of Owari." The Shinchō Kōki refers to him as "Bingo-no-kami" and introduces him as a man of talent. He fought the Saito clan of Mino and the Imagawa clan of Suruga, laying the foundation for Nobunaga's rise.

In the story, his illness and death set off a major event. His funeral at Bansho-ji temple is a huge affair attended by some three hundred monks. There, his heir, Nobunaga, hurls powdered incense at the altar while his younger son, Kanjuro, behaves with perfect courtesy, and the clan begins to compare the two brothers.

The year of his death is given as either 1551 or 1552. The Shinchō Kōki says he died of an epidemic illness. He is also known for his large donations to the imperial court and Ise Shrine.