Dota Gozen

The grave of Dota Gozen at Shitennō-ji in Tsu, Mie

Dota Gozen (土田 御前, 1511 – February 26, 1594) was married to Oda Nobuhide and was the mother of Oda Nobunaga, a major feudal warlord in the Sengoku period of Japan. She was also the mother of three of his brothers, Nobuyuki, Nobukane and Hidetaka; and two of his sisters, Oinu and Oichi. It is assumed that she is the daughter of Dota Masahisa, but that is unclear because her real name is unknown. She is buried at Shitennō-ji in modern-day Tsu, Mie Prefecture.

Rivalry between sons

According to rumors, Dota did not like Nobunaga and instead preferred his well-mannered brother, Nobuyuki. When Nobuyuki lost a family struggle to his brother, she stepped in, asking Nobunaga to take mercy on his brother and Nobunaga acquiesced. However, Nobuyuki eventually tried to usurp Nobunaga's powers again and, this time, Nobunaga killed him.

Family

• Father: Dota Masahisa
• Husband: Oda Nobuhide (1510–1551)
• Sons:
  • Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582)
  • Oda Nobuyuki (1536–1557)
  • Oda Nobukane (1548–1614)
  • Oda Hidetaka (died 1555)
• Daughters:
  • Oichi (1547–1583)
  • Oinu (died 1582)