Nobuhide Oda is a supporting character in the anime Nobunaga the Fool. He is the father of Nobunaga, Nobukatsu, and Ichihime, and the former heir of the country of Owari on the Eastern Planet. As the head of the Oda clan, he holds authority over his domain but is portrayed as a cautious and traditional ruler who values stability and proper conduct. He is openly critical of his eldest son Nobunaga’s brash, unconventional behavior, and he and the court repeatedly suggest that Nobunaga’s younger brother Nobukatsu would be a more suitable successor. This friction highlights the generational divide between Nobuhide’s conservative approach to leadership and Nobunaga’s revolutionary ambitions.

In the story, Nobuhide is present at key political events, such as Nobukatsu’s coming-of-age ceremony, where Nobunaga disrupts the proceedings by showcasing a Giant Battle Armor. He also rejects Mitsuhide’s proposal to integrate Leonardo da Vinci’s advanced technology into the Oda clan’s military, preferring to rely on established methods. This resistance to change underscores his role as an obstacle to Nobunaga’s plans for transformation. Despite his disapproval, he remains a figure of authority within the clan, and his decisions influence the political landscape of Owari.

Nobuhide’s relationships with his children are strained, particularly with Nobunaga, whose reckless nature he cannot accept. He shows more favor toward Nobukatsu, who is more reserved and obedient. His daughter Ichihime, though less central to his interactions, is another member of his household. Throughout the series, Nobuhide does not undergo significant personal development; he remains a static representation of old-guard leadership until his relevance diminishes as events escalate. He has no notable combat abilities or supernatural traits, relying solely on his political position. His role is primarily that of a traditional lord whose caution and lack of foresight contrast with Nobunaga’s drive to change the world.