Hojo Soun

Hojo Soun, originally a samurai of the Imagawa clan, became a ronin after his lord's death. He seized control of Izu Province in 1491, establishing the Later Hojo clan and beginning his rise to power.

Hojo Soun captured Odawara Castle from the Omori clan through a combination of military force and deception. Odawara became the Later Hojo clan's stronghold and a symbol of their power in the Kanto region.

Hojo Soun expanded his territory by conquering Sagami Province, defeating local lords and the Uesugi clan. This established the Later Hojo as a major power in the Kanto region, controlling key trade routes.