Tokugawa Ieyasu was a prominent Japanese leader who played a crucial role in unifying Japan during the early 17th century. He established the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years, bringing stability and peace after a long period of civil war known as the Sengoku period. Born in 1543, Ieyasu was a skilled strategist and politician. His victory at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 solidified his power, leading to his appointment as shogun in 1603. His legacy includes the promotion of trade, culture, and the arts, which flourished under his rule.