Born into a warrior family of Tōdō village in Ōmi (Shiga). He is said to have been big and strong.
As a foot soldier of Azai Nagamasa he fought at the Anegawa. He then changed masters several times, gaining recognition along the way.
He entered the service of Hashiba Hidenaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's brother, distinguishing himself in many campaigns and honing his skill as a castle builder.
After Hidenaga's line died out he served Hideyoshi directly and was granted Uwajima in Iyo, where he built Uwajima castle.
In the Keichō campaign in Korea he fought at the head of a naval force.
After Hideyoshi's death he drew close to Tokugawa Ieyasu early, fighting for the Eastern Army at Sekigahara; he reportedly worked to induce Western commanders to defect. Afterwards he received half of Iyo, including Imabari.
He drew up the plans for the major rebuilding of Edo castle. Having worked on many castles, including Imabari and Sasayama, he is famed as a master castle builder.
He was moved to Tsu in Ise and to Iga, and greatly expanded Iga-Ueno castle, partly as a bulwark against the Toyotomi in Osaka.
In the sieges of Osaka he fought for the Tokugawa, clashing fiercely with Chōsokabe Morichika's army at Yao in the summer campaign.
He attended the ailing Ieyasu, who trusted him deeply, and remained valued by the shoguns Hidetada and Iemitsu after Ieyasu's death.
He died in Edo. Sometimes criticized for changing masters so often, he had risen by sheer ability from foot soldier to great lord.
Toyotomi HideyoshiTokugawa IeyasuAzai NagamasaToyotomi HidenagaKatō Yoshiaki
Mōri TerumotoHori HidemasaSuminokura RyōiGamō UjisatoUesugi KagekatsuOda NobutadaKatakura KagetsunaIshida Mitsunari
People of the Sengoku/Azuchi-Momoyama period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.