IYEYASU, Tokugawa, Japanese general and statesman: b. Okasaki, Mikawa, 1542; d. 1616. He served as a soldier under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, and gradually rose to distinction. Obtaining land in Mikawa and the neighboring province of Suruga, he built the strong castle of Shidzuoka, a town still intimately associated with his family and dynasty. When Hideyoshi died in 1598, Iyeyasu promised to look after the interests of his son, Hideyori, a boy of six. But the child, as the son of an upstart, could not keep together the large following to which his father s abilities alone had given cohesion. Hidenolu, nephew of Nobunaga, a professed adherent of Christianity, represented a third party. The great battle of Selugahara, fought near Lake Biwa, 15 Oct. 1600, finally decided matters and made Iyeyasu master of Japan. He had been establishing himself at 'Vedo, which he now made the centre of his rule. From this city he pacified Japan, adopt
ing in his foreign relations that isolating policy which made it a hermit country for the next two and a half centuries. He founded the magnificent dynasty of the Tokugawas, which ruled Japan vigorously until 1868, always, how ever, acknowledging fealty to the ancient im perial house at Kioto. In 1616 Iyeyasu died, having given °peace" to his country. He was buried at Nikko, one of the noblest mausoleunis in the world; and was deified under the post humous title of Gongen-Sama. An interesting historical document bearing the title 'Testi mony' or 'Legacy of Iyeyasu' was written by him. The usual name by which it is referred to is (Hyaldcajo,) or Hundred Articles. Con sult Griffis, W. E., 'The liflikado's Empire.'