Akamatsu

The Akamatsu were a warrior clan of Harima Province, claiming Murakami Genji descent, who rose in the early fourteenth century. Their founder Norimura answered Prince Morinaga's call in 1331. He later backed Ashikaga Takauji, and his defence of Shirahata Castle pinned down Nitta Yoshisada's army, helping decide the Battle of Minatogawa in 1336. The house grew into shugo lords of Harima, Bizen and Mimasaka.

In 1441 Akamatsu Mitsusuke murdered Shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori at his own banquet; Yamana Sozen's army overran Harima and Mitsusuke killed himself. The house revived after its retainers recovered the imperial jewel from Southern Court partisans in 1457, and Masanori regained the three provinces through service in the Onin War.

Later invasions and the rise of Oda Nobunaga left the Akamatsu a minor family; their daimyo line ended on the losing side at Sekigahara in 1600.