The Oda clan was a prominent Japanese family during the late 15th and 16th centuries, known for its significant role in the unification of Japan. Founded by Oda Nobuhide, the clan gained power in the Owari Province and became influential under the leadership of Oda Nobunaga, who is credited with initiating the unification process during the Sengoku period. The Oda clan's military strategies and alliances helped them expand their territory and influence. Nobunaga's innovative tactics and use of firearms transformed warfare in Japan. The clan's legacy continued even after Nobunaga's death, as it laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate.