Despite not having complete control over Higo, the Hosokawa clan of the Kumamoto Domain held the status of feudal lords, or Daimyo, in the region.

Under the rule of the Shimazu clan, they willingly gave up their role as a powerful defense force in the southern region and instead adopted advanced weapons and tactics.

In a similar vein, the Aso clan experienced a comparable destiny as they were methodically dismantled by the Shimazu army during their conquest of Kyushu.

This marked a significant turning point for both clans, as they had to navigate the challenges of relinquishing their traditional roles and embracing new strategies for survival and prosperity.

The Shimazu clan, on the brink of conquering Kyushu, faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the formidable army led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Hideyoshi responded to the pleas of Oita and Otomo, mustering a massive force that ultimately subdued Kyushu, including the region of Higo which was abandoned by the Shimazu clan.

Following the defeat of the Shimazu clan, Kato Kiyomasa, the ruler of Kumamoto Castle, emerged as a prominent figure in the northern part of Higo Province.

This system, which appointed senior vassals as branch lords and gave power to peasants, continued even after the Battle of Sekigahara.

Unlike other feudal lords, Toshige resided in Teppozu, Edo and did not practice sankin kotai, the system of alternate attendance.