Hirate Masahide

Hirate Masahide (平手 政秀, June 4, 1492 – February 25, 1553) was a Japanese samurai who served the Oda clan for two generations.

In 1533, a well-known regent Yamashina Tokitsugu visited Owari Province, the domain of the Oda clan.

Other signs of his importance as a diplomat can be found in the fact that he paid a visit to Kyoto in the name of Nobuhide to offer the funds needed to repair the Emperor's residence.

When Nobuhide's son Nobunaga was born in 1534, Masahide became the second highest ranking Karō as well as the tutor of the newborn heir.

Masahide served the Oda family faithfully in many ways, but he was also deeply troubled by Nobunaga's eccentricity.