Hosokawa Harumoto

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Hosokawa Harumoto (細川 晴元; 1514 – March 24, 1563) was the head of Hosokawa clan in the end of Muromachi period and Sengoku period of the 16th century of Japan. His childhood name was Soumei-maru (聡明丸). His father was Hosokawa Sumimoto, and his mother was Seitaiin (清泰院). His lawful wife was the first daughter of Sanjo Kimiyori. Hosokawa Nobuyoshi was his son.

Harumoto succeeded to a house at the age of seven, after his father, Sumimoto died in 1520. Harumoto grew up supported by Miyoshi Motonaga, who was his caretaker.

In 1531, Harumoto defeated Hosokawa Takakuni, and regained the power. In addition, he feared Motonaga who had got credit and killed him next year.

After that, Harumoto ruled the whole area of Kinai (Yamashiro Province, Yamato Province, Kawachi Province, Izumi Province and Settsu Province) and took hold of the Ashikaga shogunate as the Kanrei.

In 1543, Hosokawa Ujitsuna who was the foster son of Takakuni, raised his armies, and in 1549, Miyoshi Nagayoshi who was a dominant retainer and the first son of Motonaga betrayed Motoharu and took side with Ujitsuna. Because of that, Harumoto was defeated. Harumoto, Ashikaga Yoshiteru who was the 13th shogun and Ashikaga Yoshiharu who was the father of Yoshiteru were purged to Omi Province.

After that, Harumoto and Yoshiteru had battled with Nagayoshi for the power of the Ashikaga shogunate. However, Harumoto was beaten, and he retired after he reconciled himself with Nagayoshi in 1561. He died from a disease in 1563.

The head family of the Hosokawa clan broke down as a result of his sunset.