Sakakibara Yasumasa (1548-1606) was a daimyo of the late Sengoku and early Edo Period serving under the Tokugawa clan. Yasumasa was considered one of the Tokugawa clan's greatest military commanders; and was labeled as one of its 'Four Guardian Kings' (Tokugawa-shitenno); bearing the court title of 'Shikibu-Sho'.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536/1538-1598) was a preeminent daimyo of the same era; and regarded as Japan's second 'great unifier'. He brought about the end of the Warring States Period; and ruled during a preiod known as the Momoyama Period; named after Hideyoshi's castle.

Japan went through various cultural advances under Hideyoshi's rule; such as the edict that only the samurai class could bear arms; as well as the construction and restoration of various temples in Kyoto. He also infamously ordered the execution of twenty-six Christians by crucifixion.