Kiyosu Conference and the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

The Kiyosu Conference remains a pivotal moment in Japanese history, serving as the stage where Toyotomi Hideyoshi established his path to power following the death of Oda Nobunaga. While popular historical depictions, often fueled by Edo-period military chronicles, portray Hideyoshi as a cunning strategist who outmaneuvered rivals like Shibata Katsuie by presenting the young Sanboshi (Oda Hidenobu) as the legitimate successor, historical analysis suggests a more complex reality.

Sanboshi, the three-year-old grandson of Nobunaga and son of Nobutada, became the symbol of the Oda clan's legitimacy. By championing Sanboshi's position, Hideyoshi was able to secure a leadership role within the Oda hierarchy. As Sanboshi grew, he was granted the name Hidenobu—incorporating a character from Hideyoshi's name—signifying his integration into the Toyotomi political order.

Though he eventually became the lord of Gifu Castle with a significant fief, Sanboshi's life was ultimately shaped by the shifting tides of power between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa eras, leading to his demise following the Battle of Sekigahara.