The Man Who Killed Nobunaga

If you ask Japanese people to name a famous samurai warlord from the Sengoku (Warring States) period, most will immediately say Oda Nobunaga—a man whose life was as extraordinary as it was dramatic. Before talking about The Man Who Killed Nobunaga, let’s briefly review who Nobunaga was. The Sengoku period was a time when Japan wasn’t a unified nation but a land divided among regional lords, each striving for total unification. Nobunaga started out as a small-time daimyo (feudal lord) in what is now Aichi Prefecture. Through his merit-based promotions, innovative use of firearms in battle, and strategic brilliance, he rapidly expanded his territory. Talented retainers from across the land gathered under his banner—one of the most notable being Akechi Mitsuhide. However, in 1582, Nobunaga was betrayed by Mitsuhide at Honno-ji Temple, where he took his own life as the temple burned—a turning point in Japanese history known as the Honno-ji Incident. Soon after, Mitsuhide himself was killed by Nobunaga’s loyal retainers. This manga, The Man Who Killed Nobunaga, is based on a provocative premise: a descendant of Mitsuhide re-examines historical records and asks, “Was Mitsuhide really the man who killed Nobunaga?” The story explores the possibility that the real truth may have been very different from what’s written in history textbooks. For Japanese readers, the idea is electrifying—because everyone here knows the “official” version of the Honno-ji Incident. Suggesting that Mitsuhide might have been innocent turns the familiar story into a gripping historical mystery. Even for those overseas, the appeal is similar to conspiracy theories in the West—like questioning the true assassin in a major political killing. The manga’s biggest strength lies in that thrill of a historical conspiracy. It gives readers the same jolt you get when you realize, “Wait, this isn’t the history I learned!” And because the narrative is built on research by Mitsuhide’s actual descendant, it feels less like pure fiction and more like an alternate version of history worth considering. I won’t spoil the ending here—you’ll have to read it yourself. But whether you’re a history buff or just love political intrigue, this is a compelling story. And if you enjoyed the global hit drama Shogun and want to dive deeper into the world of Japanese samurai, this manga is a must-read.

August 8, 2025