The year was 1185, in the region of Kii, Yuasa.
The castle on the mountain was surrounded by the forces of Kumano.
Inside the castle, the remaining members of the Taira clan were holding out.
At the center was Taira no Tadayasu, the Steward of Tango.
He was the grandson of Taira no Kiyomori and the son of the Minister of the Interior, Taira no Shigemori.
On March 24 of the same year, the Taira clan was defeated at Dan-no-ura.
Emperor Antoku sank into the sea, and prominent members of the clan, including Taira no Tomomori, also perished.
The ‘Tale of the Heike’ recounts that his brothers, Taira no Sukemori and Taira no Arimori, joined hands with their cousin Taira no Yukimori and sank into the sea.
However, Tadayasu was not at Dan-no-ura.
After the Battle of Yashima, he had parted ways with the clan and sought refuge with Yuasa Muneshige in Kii Province.
According to an episode in the twelfth volume of the ‘Tale of the Heike’, upon hearing this news, former retainers of the Taira clan gathered in Yuasa.
Echichu Jirobei.
Kazusa Gorobei.
Akushichibei.
Hida Shirobei.
Additionally, warriors from Iga and Ise joined, forming a force of several hundred horsemen.
Minamoto no Yoritomo ordered the Kumano Betto to pursue and eliminate them.
The forces of Kumano advanced on Yuasa.
Yet, the castle defenders fiercely resisted.
Over two to three months, eight times.
The Kumano forces repeatedly attacked the castle, only to be repelled each time, as the tale recounts.
Finally, the Kumano Betto sent a messenger to Kamakura, requesting permission to gather reinforcements from nearby provinces.
However, Yoritomo did not permit the mobilization of a large army.
Instead, he ordered the blockade of the castle’s access points.
Control the mountain paths.
Ensure that no people or supplies could enter from the sea.
If supplies could not reach the castle, resistance would eventually become impossible.
And so, Yoritomo spread a certain message.
If there are any surviving children of Taira no Shigemori, they should be spared.
Yoritomo himself had once been captured during the Heiji Rebellion and was nearly executed.
It was said that it was Shigemori, the father of Tadafusa, who worked tirelessly to save his life.
To repay the debt he owed to the father, Yoritomo would spare the children.
Tadafusa believed those words.
He left the castle, which had resisted for so long, and presented himself at Rokuhara in Kyoto.
Then he was sent to the Kanto region.
According to the “Tale of the Heike,” Yoritomo met with Tadafusa and encouraged him to return to the capital.
However, on his way back to Kyoto, Tadafusa was killed near the bridge at Seta in Omi Province.
The story suggests it was Yoritomo’s scheme, exploiting the debt owed to Shigemori.
Meanwhile, the diary “Kikki” by court noble Yoshida Tsunefusa records Tadafusa’s transfer to the Kanto and his execution in December of the first year of Bunji.
The eight sieges at Yuasa, the promise of clemency, and the execution on the way back to Kyoto.
None of these events can be fully confirmed by contemporary records.
However, the fact that Tadafusa, who survived Dan-no-ura, lost his life in December of the first year of Bunji after the fall of the Taira clan, is not just a tale preserved in later military chronicles.
Tadafusa, who left the castle relying on his father’s favor.
Tracing his life reveals the presence of warriors who remained in Kii Province even after the fall of the Taira clan.
The Son of Taira no Shigemori — The Noble Known as the Tango Chamberlain
Taira no Tadafusa was born as the son of Taira no Shigemori.
His grandfather was Taira no Kiyomori.
Shigemori, the father, was the eldest son of Taira no Kiyomori and fought in the Hogen Rebellion and the Heiji Rebellion, rising to the position of Inner Minister at the imperial court.
Tadachika is generally considered to be Shigemori’s sixth son.
However, the order of birth among the brothers varies according to different genealogies, with some traditions considering him the fifth son or the youngest.
His birth year is not known.
Shigemori’s sons included Koremori, Sukemori, Kiyotsune, Arimori, Moromori, and Tadachika.
Others like Munenari are also known, and the number and order of birth vary between genealogies.
There is a theory that Tadachika’s mother was Shigemori’s principal wife, Fujiwara no Tsuneko.
Tsuneko was the daughter of Fujiwara no Ienari and served as a wet nurse to Emperor Takakura.
In the court, she became a lady-in-waiting, also known by titles such as the Senior Assistant Lady-in-Waiting.
However, there remain discrepancies in older genealogies regarding the mothers of Shigemori’s sons.
It is difficult to confirm Tadachika’s mother with certainty.
Tadachika himself held a court position.
In “The Tale of the Heike,” he is referred to as “Tango no Jijū.”
The Jijū was an official who served close to the emperor, and the Tango Governor was a provincial governor of Tango Province.
He was appointed to the Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, and served as Jijū and Tango Governor, according to historical records.
Tango Province corresponds to the northern part of present-day Kyoto Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan.
It was relatively close to Kyoto and connected to the northern regions via maritime routes.
There is no record confirming that Tadachika actually went to Tango to perform his duties there.
Many sons of powerful aristocratic and warrior families in the Heian period held provincial titles while remaining in Kyoto.
It is believed that Tadachika, like his brothers, served at the court as a member of the Taira clan.
His eldest brother, Koremori, was known as a beautiful courtier who performed the “Seigaiha” dance at the court.
Sukemori was fond of poetry and left a collection of poems about his relationship with Kenreimon-in Ukyō no Daibu.
Kiyotsune and Arimori also held various positions in the Imperial Guard.
Moromori became the governor of Tango, Wakasa, and Bitchū, and it is recorded that he played the shō at Emperor Go-Shirakawa’s fiftieth birthday celebration.
Tadachika was called “Tango no Jijū” during a time when the prosperity of the Taira clan continued.
However, after the death of their father Shigemori, the positions of the brothers began to change.
Jishō 3 (1179) — The Komatsu Family After the Loss of Shigemori
Jishō 3 (1179), July 29.
Taira no Shigemori has passed away.
He was 42 years old.
As the eldest son of Taira no Kiyomori, Shigemori supported the Taira clan and had a close relationship with Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
When tensions between Kiyomori and the Emperor escalated, Shigemori often acted as a mediator.
Now, Shigemori is gone.
Although his eldest son, Koremori, was in line to inherit his father’s position, it was Shigemori’s brother, Taira no Munemori, who became the central figure of the Taira clan.
Munemori was the son of Kiyomori’s lawful wife, Taira no Tokiko, and the brother of Tokuko, the consort of Emperor Takakura.
With strong ties to the imperial family, Munemori held a high position at the court.
In November of the same year, Kiyomori led his forces into Kyoto and confined Emperor Go-Shirakawa in the Toba Palace.
This was the political upheaval of the third year of the Jisho era.
In May of the following Jisho 4 (1180), Prince Mochihito and Minamoto no Yorimasa raised an army.
In August, Minamoto no Yoritomo also rose in arms in Izu.
Shigemori’s eldest son, Koremori, became the commander of the punitive expedition to the eastern provinces, but his forces were routed at the Fuji River, forcing a retreat to Kyoto.
As rebellions against the Taira spread across the land, Kiyomori also passed away in the intercalary second month of Jisho 5 (1181).
With the loss of both his father and grandfather, Tadafusa had no choice but to follow the leadership of Munemori.
Subsequently, Minamoto no Yoshinaka (Kiso Yoshinaka) expanded his influence in the Hokuriku region, posing a threat to the Taira.
In May of Juei 2 (1183), the army led by Koremori and others suffered a crushing defeat at Kurikara Pass.
In the ensuing Battle of Shinohara, they were defeated again, and Yoshinaka’s forces advanced towards Kyoto.
The Taira clan, finding it increasingly difficult to defend the capital, finally decided to withdraw from Kyoto.
July, 1183—Leaving Kyoto with His Brothers
July 25, 1183.
The Taira family, escorting Emperor Antoku and the Imperial Regalia, headed west.
The previous night, Emperor Go-Shirakawa had slipped out of Kyoto and moved to Mount Hiei.
Munemori was unable to take the Emperor west or continue resisting in the capital.
Tadachika also left Kyoto with his brothers.
The “Tale of the Heike” describes Koremori’s sorrowful farewell to his wife and children.
Tomomori also parted with Kenreimon-in Ukyo no Daibu.
In Ukyo no Daibu’s poetry collection, it is recorded that Tomomori, sensing his impending death, wished for prayers for his soul in the afterlife.
It is not known whom Tadachika met or what he discussed during his departure from the capital.
The Taira clan passed through Fukuhara and advanced west, aiming for a resurgence in Kyushu.
However, Ogata Koreyoshi of Bungo Province rebelled.
Ogata had once served Tadachika’s father, Shigemori, as a samurai.
According to the “Tale of the Heike,” Tomomori attempted to persuade Ogata, his father’s former retainer, but was unsuccessful.
The Taira left Dazaifu, moved along the coast of Kyushu, and then returned to the Seto Inland Sea.
During this flight, it is said that Kiyotsune drowned himself at Yanagigaura.
Further relocating their base to Yashima, the Taira defeated the forces of Minamoto no Yoshinaka (Kiso Yoshinaka) at Mizushima in Bitchu Province.
In November, they also triumphed over the forces of Minamoto no Yukie at Muroyama.
Thus, having reestablished their strength in the west, the Taira advanced again toward the vicinity of Fukuhara in the first month of the following year, 1184.
Tadachika, along with his brothers, prepared to confront the Minamoto forces.
Mikusayama—The Mountain Path Guarded by Shigemori’s Sons
February, 1184.
The Taira positioned their forces at Ikuta Forest and Ichi-no-Tani, ready to face the advancing Minamoto army.
Minamoto no Noriyori approached from the front, while Minamoto no Yoshitsune advanced from the rear.
On the mountain path where Yoshitsune’s forces advanced, Shigemori’s sons were stationed.
According to the “Tale of the Heike,” Volume Nine, “The Battle of Mikusa,” the commander was Tomomori.
Arimori, Tadachika, and Morimasa also joined the ranks.
Named as samurai generals were Iga Heinaibei Kiyouji and Ebi Jiro Morikata.
Yoshitsune moved his forces to the eastern side of the mountain, closing in on the Taira camp.
Should they attack that day, or wait until the next morning?
When Yoshitsune asked his retainers, Tashiro Nobutsuna advised a night assault.
By the next morning, reinforcements might join the Taira.
We should attack tonight.
Yoshitsune agreed with this opinion.
According to the ‘Tale of the Heike,’ the Genji forces prepared torches and set fire to houses along their advance route as they crossed the mountain path.
Meanwhile, many of the Taira soldiers were resting in preparation for the battle the next morning.
At midnight.
Yoshitsune’s army launched their attack.
The sudden assault threw the Taira camp into chaos.
The ‘Tale of the Heike’ describes how soldiers with bows searched for arrows, while those with arrows searched for bows.
When the mounted warriors of the Genji charged in, the Taira forces could no longer hold their ground.
Tadachika, along with his brothers, fled.
According to the ‘Tale of the Heike,’ Sanemori, Arimori, and Tadachika headed towards Takasago in Harima Province.
They then boarded a small boat and crossed over to Yashima in Sanuki Province.
However, Morimori took a different path.
He returned to Ichinotani with Taira no Seikei and Ebi Jiro Morikata.
Three days later, on February 7th.
The forces of Minamoto no Noriyori and Yoshitsune attacked the Taira army at Ichinotani.
Taira no Tadanori, Taira no Tomomori, and Taira no Atsumori were killed in succession, and Taira no Shigehira was captured.
Morimori also lost his life.
The ‘Tale of the Heike’ recounts that as Morimori tried to escape to the sea, his small boat capsized, and he was pulled up with a grappling hook and killed.
Sanemori, Arimori, and Tadachika had fled to Yashima.
Among the brothers who were in the same force at Mikusayama, only Morimori perished at Ichinotani.
The Battle of Fujito—Tadachika and His Brothers March Again
Autumn, 1184.
Minamoto no Noriyori advanced westward along the Sanyo Road to pursue the Taira clan.
The Taira forces stationed themselves on Kojima in Bizen Province, preparing to confront the Minamoto across the Fujito Strait.
Kojima, now part of southern Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture, was then an island surrounded by the sea.
The shallow waters and channels between it and the mainland made it difficult for the Minamoto forces, advancing by land, to cross.
The “Tale of the Heike,” Volume Ten, “Fujito,” names Sanemori, Arimori, and Tadahira as the Taira commanders.
They were brothers who had fought together at Mikusayama.
It is said that samurai commanders such as Etchu Jirobei Moritsugu, Kazusa Gorohei Tadamitsu, and Aku Shichibei Kagekiyo were present.
The Taira reportedly prepared over five hundred warships.
Waiting for the Minamoto forces across the sea, the Taira soldiers taunted them by raising fans from their small boats, daring them to cross.
However, Sasaki Moritsuna of the Minamoto side learned from a local man about a shallow passage that could be crossed on horseback.
The “Tale of the Heike” narrates that Moritsuna killed the man to keep the passage a secret.
The next morning, Moritsuna led his horse into the sea, spearheading the Minamoto crossing to the opposite shore.
The Battle of Fujito is recorded differently in the “Tale of the Heike” and the “Azuma Kagami.”
The “Tale of the Heike” depicts it as a battle in September, naming Sanemori, Arimori, and Tadahira as the Taira commanders.
In contrast, the “Azuma Kagami” records the event on December 7, stating that Taira no Koremori was stationed at Kojima.
The dates and names of the commanders do not match.
It is unclear which unit Tadahira actually led, but the “Tale of the Heike” describes him as a figure who joined his brothers in battle following Mikusayama.
The names of the warriors said to have been with Tadahira at the time also appear later in Yuasa, Kii Province.
Etchu Jirobei.
Kazusa Gorohei.
Aku Shichibei.
These were warriors who followed the Taira across various battlefields and are said to have survived even after Dan-no-ura.
The Defeat at Yashima—Tadahira Parts from His Clan
February, 1185.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune crossed from Settsu Province to Awa Province, heading towards Yashima in Sanuki Province.
The Taira were wary of an attack from the sea.
However, Yoshitsune’s forces advanced by land, launching a surprise attack on the Taira camp at Yashima.
The Taira abandoned their camp and retreated to their ships.
Munemori and others, escorting Emperor Antoku, moved westward, establishing their base around Hikoshima in Nagato Province.
The “Tale of the Heike” recounts the story of Nasu no Yoichi shooting the fan target, as well as the tale of Yoshitsune retrieving a bow that had fallen into the sea.
On the other hand, the details of how Tadahira fought at Yashima are not well documented.
However, an episode in the twelfth volume concerning Tadahira notes that he left the clan after the defeat at Yashima.
“He fled from the battle of Yashima and his whereabouts became unknown.”
It is said that he escaped from Yashima and his subsequent whereabouts were unknown.
The main forces of the Taira retreated to Nagato Province.
And on March 24th, they faced their final battle at Dan-no-ura.
Emperor Antoku, held by Taira no Tokiko, sank into the sea, and many of the clan’s warriors, including Tomomori, lost their lives in succession.
The “Tale of the Heike” records that his brothers, Sukemori and Arimori, joined hands with their cousin Yukimori and drowned together.
Munemori was captured.
The Taira lost their ability to fight while supporting Emperor Antoku.
However, Tadahira was not present at that scene.
It is said that he sought refuge with Yuasa Muneshige in Kii Province.
Yuasa Muneshige—The Warrior Who Aided Kiyomori During the Heiji Rebellion
Yuasa Muneshige was a warrior based in Arida District, Kii Province.
The Yuasa clan expanded their influence along the Kumano Road, establishing bases along the coast.
Yuasa Bay faced the Kii Channel, facilitating transportation and the movement of goods by sea.
Muneshige was a figure who established his power in the Arida region while controlling maritime traffic.
The relationship between the Yuasa and the Taira deepened in the first year of Heiji (1159).
Taira no Kiyomori, while on a pilgrimage to Kumano, received news in Kyoto of the uprising led by Minamoto no Yoshitomo and others.
This was the Heiji Rebellion.
Kiyomori needed to return to Kyoto in haste.
It is said that Yuasa Muneshige assisted him at that time.
Muneshige helped Kiyomori return to the capital and later became a significant retainer of the Taira clan.
Controlling the transportation and coastal ports in Kii Province, Muneshige was a reliable ally for Kiyomori.
Kiyomori’s grandson was Tadafusa.
The background to Tadafusa seeking Muneshige’s help lies in the relationship that had continued since his grandfather’s time.
However, Muneshige had already established ties with the Minamoto clan as well.
In 1184, Minamoto no Yoritomo ordered Yoshitsune not to attack Yuasa Muneshige.
A letter from Yoritomo, which aims to protect Muneshige, has been passed down.
Muneshige, who had long served the Taira, was also in a position to be protected by Yoritomo.
It was then that Tadafusa appeared.
For Muneshige, abandoning Kiyomori’s grandson would not have been easy.
However, as warriors began to gather around Tadafusa, the Yuasa clan itself became embroiled in the Minamoto’s pursuit.
Etchu Jirobei, Aku Shichibei—The Warriors Who Gathered Around Tadafusa
According to the “Heike Monogatari,” upon hearing that Tadafusa was in Yuasa, former retainers of the Taira clan gathered from various regions.
Etchu Jirobei.
Kazusa Gorobei.
Aku Shichibei.
Hida Shirobei.
Etchu Jirobei was known as Taira no Moritsugu, Kazusa Gorobei as Fujiwara no Tadami, and Aku Shichibei as Fujiwara no Kagekiyo.
They are said to have served the Taira and fought in various battles during the Genpei War.
In the “Heike Monogatari,” their names appear in the Battle of Fujito as well.
The main Taira forces lost Yashima and were defeated at Dan-no-ura.
However, there were retainers who survived and lived on in various regions.
The news that Tadafusa was surviving in Kii Province attracted such individuals, as the tale recounts.
Furthermore, warriors from Iga and Ise also rushed to join.
The gathered forces numbered several hundred riders.
While the exact number of troops requires scrutiny, at least in the narrative, a military group centered around Tadafusa was formed.
Tadafusa was the grandson of Kiyomori and the son of Shigemori.
His father, Shigemori, was a figure within the Taira clan who had deep ties with Emperor Go-Shirakawa and commanded many retainers.
His son was alive.
For the warriors who maintained their loyalty to the Taira, Tadafusa’s presence was a reason to rally the forces once again.
And it is said that Tadafusa barricaded himself in Yuasa’s castle.
Yuasa Castle and Iwamuro Castle: Where Was the Siege?
Regarding Tadachika’s siege, the tale in “The Tale of the Heike” mentions “the castle of Yuasa.”
In present-day Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the ruins of Yuasa Castle remain.
This mountain castle, built on Aokiyama overlooking the center of Yuasa Town, is an important site related to the Yuasa clan’s stronghold.
The castle ruins feature remnants of structures like enclosures built using the ridges and slopes.
Excavations conducted by Yuasa Town and others have confirmed structures and artifacts indicating castle activities from the Kamakura period onward.
Currently, the Yuasa Castle ruins are part of the nationally designated historic site “Yuasa Clan Castle Ruins.”
However, it is not possible to directly equate the castle structures confirmed by excavations with Tadachika’s siege in 1185.
Many aspects of what buildings or defensive facilities existed during Tadachika’s time remain unclear.
Moreover, there is another tradition regarding the location of Tadachika’s siege.
This is Iwamuro Castle, located in present-day Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture.
It is linked with the Nagato version of “The Tale of the Heike,” which tells of Tadachika relying on Yuasa Muneshige and taking refuge in Iwamuro Castle.
Iwamuro Castle was a mountain castle built on hills overlooking the Aridagawa River basin, and its ruins still remain today.
Both Yuasa Castle and Iwamuro Castle were fortresses in the Arida region.
The Yuasa clan held significant power in this area, utilizing multiple strongholds.
Determining which specific castle Tadachika fortified himself in requires examining both the textual traditions and the local archaeological evidence.
However, it is certain that “The Tale of the Heike” identifies Yuasa as the stage for Tadachika’s resistance.
Pursued by the Minamoto forces, Tadachika sought refuge in the domain of Yuasa Muneshige, who had served the Taira clan since his grandfather’s time.
And it was the forces of Kumano that attacked this castle.
The Forces of the Kumano Betto: The Struggle Begins in Kii Province
The Kumano Betto was a position that oversaw the religious organization of the Three Kumano Mountains.
Kumano had long attracted many pilgrims, and armed individuals were present around the temples and shrines.
The Kumano Betto held not only a religious position but also significant military influence in Kii Province.
During the Genpei War, the Kumano Betto known was Tanza.
Tanza is said to have sided with the Minamoto at the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
“The Tale of the Heike” also contains an anecdote about a divination in Kumano, where red and white roosters were made to fight to decide which side to support.
Since the white rooster won, Tanza decided to support the Minamoto.
While the rooster fight story is a later anecdote, the alliance of Kumano’s forces with the Minamoto was significant for understanding Kii Province after the fall of the Taira.
“The Tale of the Heike” narrates that these Kumano forces advanced on Yuasa, where Tadachika was holed up.
Yuasa Muneshige was a former retainer of the Taira clan.
The Kumano Betto was a prominent figure on the Minamoto side.
In the province of Kii, the forces of both sides found themselves facing each other.
The Kumano Betto was reportedly ordered by Yoritomo to pursue and eliminate Tadachika.
However, the warriors holed up in the castle were not quick to surrender.
Eight Attempts in Two or Three Months—The Kumano Forces Attack Yuasa Castle
The Kumano forces advanced towards the castle.
Inside the castle, Tadachika and the former retainers of the Taira clan were fortifying their defenses.
The attackers surged up the mountain, while the castle defenders prepared to meet them.
The “Heike Monogatari” records that this siege lasted for two or three months.
The Kumano side launched eight assaults.
Yet each time, they were repelled by the castle defenders.
It is said that many Kumano monks lost their lives.
Gathered around Tadachika were seasoned warriors like Etchu Jirobei, Kazusa Gorohei, and Aku Shichibei.
The narrative portrays the forces at Yuasa as still possessing the strength to resist, even after losing their main force at the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
The Kumano side could not capture the castle by direct assault.
Ultimately, the Kumano Betto sent a messenger to Kamakura.
He proposed gathering reinforcements from two or three neighboring provinces to capture the castle.
This was the request he made.
However, the narrative tells us that Yoritomo did not approve this request.
Gathering a large number of troops would burden the country and trouble the people.
Instead, he ordered the surrounding area of the castle to be secured.
Despite enduring eight attacks, Yuasa Castle did not fall.
Yoritomo chose not to increase the number of troops for a further assault.
Seal Off the Mountains and Sea—Yoritomo’s Siege Tactics
According to the “Heike Monogatari,” Yoritomo ordered the Kumano Betto to strictly control access to the castle.
Under the guise of suppressing bandits and pirates, they were to control the mountain paths and sea routes.
Yuasa was a land connected to both the mountains and the sea.
Using the Kumano Kaido, one could travel to various parts of Kii Province, and from Yuasa Bay, one could travel by ship.
If these routes were blocked, it would become difficult to transport supplies and weapons into the castle.
For those defending the castle, securing provisions was essential.
Even if they repelled attacks, they could not continue the siege if supplies ran out.
Moreover, if reinforcements and messengers were cut off, communication with the outside would become difficult.
The “Heike Monogatari” states that once the access was controlled as per Yoritomo’s orders, eventually, there was not a single person left inside the castle.
The details of how the warriors departed are not elaborated upon.
However, the forces within the castle could not maintain the same number of troops indefinitely.
The narrative conveys that Yoritomo focused on severing external connections rather than conquering by force.
And another message reached Tadachika.
This was related to his father, Shigemori.
“If You Are Shigemori’s Child, I Will Spare You”—Yoritomo’s Debt of Gratitude
Yoritomo is said to have announced that he would spare the life of any surviving son of Taira no Shigemori.
The “Tale of the Heike” records his words as follows:
“If any of Komatsu-dono’s sons have survived, I shall spare them.”
Komatsu-dono refers to Tadamori’s father, Taira no Shigemori.
Yoritomo is also said to have explained his reason for sparing them.
He owed his own escape from execution to Shigemori’s kindness.
In the first year of Heiji (1159), Minamoto no Yoshitomo was defeated in battle against Kiyomori.
Yoritomo, Yoshitomo’s son, was captured and sent to Kiyomori.
Yoritomo was still a young boy.
Kiyomori is said to have intended to execute Yoritomo.
However, Kiyomori’s stepmother, Ike no Zenni, pleaded for his life, and Yoritomo was spared.
He was then exiled to Izu.
The “Tale of the Heike” narrates that Shigemori also played a role in this act of mercy.
It is said that Shigemori appealed to his father Kiyomori, doing everything in his power to save Yoritomo’s life.
More than twenty years later,
Yoritomo, who had once been spared from execution, led the warriors of the eastern provinces to overthrow the Taira clan.
Meanwhile, Shigemori’s son, Tadamori, was holed up in a castle in Kii Province.
Yoritomo had not forgotten his debt to Shigemori.
Thus, he decided to spare Shigemori’s children.
This message reached Tadamori, according to the tale.
However, the extent of Shigemori’s involvement in Yoritomo’s reprieve relies heavily on the traditions of war tales.
Moreover, there are no contemporary records confirming that Yoritomo actually spread such words of clemency.
In the “Tale of the Heike,” these words lead Tadamori to surrender.
Tadamori, who reportedly repelled eight attacks at Yuasa Castle, ultimately relied on his father’s name.
The Judgment of Yuasa Muneshige—Loyalty to the Former Lord and the Survival of the Clan
Yuasa Muneshige, who welcomed Tadafusa, found himself in a difficult position.
Since the Heiji Rebellion, Muneshige had maintained a deep connection with the Taira clan.
He assisted Kiyomori’s return to the capital and had been active as one of his retainers.
However, when the Taira retreated to the western provinces, Muneshige also forged ties with the Minamoto clan.
Yoritomo had ordered Yoshitsune not to attack Muneshige.
Yoritomo was attempting to bring Muneshige, a powerful warrior from Kii Province, to his side.
It was Muneshige who sheltered Tadafusa, Kiyomori’s grandson.
Considering his past obligations to the Taira, this was understandable.
However, if former retainers gathered around Tadafusa and continued resisting the Minamoto, the Yuasa clan itself would become a target for suppression.
The longer the siege lasted, the greater the burden on the surrounding lands and people.
For Muneshige, protecting his clan and lands was a pressing issue.
During this period, Muneshige also had a connection with the monk Mongaku of Jingo-ji Temple.
Mongaku was dedicated to the restoration of Jingo-ji and had a deep connection with Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Muneshige supported Mongaku’s activities, and they had a long-standing relationship.
There is a tradition that Mongaku advised Muneshige to submit to Yoritomo.
It is unclear how Muneshige received this advice or what he conveyed to Tadafusa.
However, it is certain that the Yuasa clan eventually became vassals of Yoritomo.
Muneshige, who had served the Taira, chose to survive under the Kamakura shogunate.
And so, Tadafusa left Yuasa’s castle.
Appearance at Rokuhara—The Former Taira Stronghold
According to the ‘Tale of the Heike’, upon hearing of Yoritomo’s pardon, Tadafusa headed to Rokuhara in Kyoto.
This was once the location where the residences of the Taira clan were concentrated.
During the height of Kiyomori’s power, many nobles and retainers lived in Rokuhara.
Tadafusa, in his youth, must have witnessed the prosperity of the clan firsthand.
However, after the fall from power, the Taira’s influence in Rokuhara had vanished.
The Minamoto had taken over the security and administration of Kyoto, transforming the former stronghold of the Taira.
Tadafusa presented himself there.
Having led the former Taira retainers at Yuasa’s castle, Tadafusa now entrusted himself to the Minamoto.
Yoritomo had not forgotten his debt to Shigemori.
Trusting in these words, the tale recounts that Tadafusa left the castle.
Tadafusa was to be sent to the Kanto region.
This transfer to Kanto is documented not only in war tales but also in other records.
One such record is the diary ‘Kikki’ by Yoshida Tsunefusa.
December 8, 1185.
The Yoshiki contains an entry about sending Tadamura, the son of Komatsu Minister of the Interior Shigemori, to the Kanto region.
“The matter of summoning Komatsu Minister’s son Tadamura to the Kanto.”
From this record, we can infer that Tadamura survived the Battle of Dan-no-ura and was placed under the control of Yoritomo’s forces by the end of 1185.
However, the Yoshiki does not provide details about the siege at Yuasa or the promise of sparing his life.
It remains unclear when Tadamura left the castle and under what conditions he was handed over.
Nevertheless, by December of 1185, it was decided that Tadamura would be sent to the Kanto region.
The Heike Monogatari provides further insight into the subsequent events.
The Encounter in Kamakura—Yoritomo’s Suggestion to Return to the Capital
According to the Heike Monogatari, Tadamura met with Yoritomo in Kamakura.
Yoritomo welcomed Tadamura and encouraged him to return to the capital.
He promised to arrange a place for him to live near Kyoto.
The tale recounts how these words reassured Tadamura.
Tadamura had already left Yuasa Castle.
He could no longer lead his former retainers into battle.
Trusting Yoritomo’s words, he entrusted his life to him.
Thus, Tadamura set out westward along the Tokaido toward the capital.
However, it is said that Yoritomo sent warriors to pursue him.
Seta in Omi Province.
A bridge spanned the Seta River, flowing from Lake Biwa, marking a crucial junction between the eastern provinces and Kyoto.
The Heike Monogatari recounts that Tadamura was slain near this bridge by the pursuers.
In Kamakura, he was advised to return to the capital.
Yet, he lost his life on the journey back.
The Heike Monogatari portrays Yoritomo as deceiving Tadamura, despite professing gratitude to his father Shigemori, leading to his execution.
Yoritomo, who could not capture Yuasa Castle despite repeated assaults, lured Tadamura out with promises of sparing his life.
This is how the story concludes.
However, verifying the meeting in Kamakura or the execution at Seta through contemporary records is challenging.
There are differing accounts of Tadamura’s death in the Yoshiki and the Azuma Kagami.
Yoshiki December 16—The Beheading of Tadamura
Yoshida Tsunefusa was a court noble who served as a close aide to Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
His diary, the Yoshiki, is a vital historical source for understanding the Jisho-Juei disturbances and the court’s actions.
Regarding Tadamura, there is an entry on December 8, 1185, about his dispatch to the Kanto region.
Additionally, a record of Tadamura’s beheading is noted on December 16.
“The Beheading of Tadachika”
This article reports on the beheading of Tadachika.
From this brief record, we can deduce that by at least December of the first year of the Bunji era, the news of Tadachika’s execution had reached the court.
However, whether December 16th was the actual date of execution or merely the date the news was recorded requires careful consideration.
Furthermore, Tadachika’s name also appears in the “Azuma Kagami.”
It is noted in the entry for December 17th of the first year of the Bunji era.
“Tadachika, the son of Komatsu Naifu, was entrusted to Goto no Hyoe no Jo Motokiyo.”
This entry states that Tadachika, the son of Shigemori, was placed under the custody of Goto no Hyoe no Jo Motokiyo.
This date is later than the beheading entry in the “Kikki.”
There is a record of the beheading on December 16th and the custody transfer on the following day, the 17th.
The dates in these records do not align as they are.
The “Azuma Kagami” is a historical text compiled in the late Kamakura period, and the dates and events recorded in it sometimes require scrutiny regarding their actual sequence.
On the other hand, the “Kikki” does not provide detailed information about the location or circumstances of the execution, only a brief mention of the beheading.
According to the “Heike Monogatari,” Tadachika met Yoritomo in Kamakura and was beheaded at Seta on his way back to the capital.
The “Kikki” records the beheading on December 16th, while the “Azuma Kagami” notes the custody transfer to Goto Motokiyo on the 17th.
There remain issues in the historical sources regarding the exact location and date of execution.
Nevertheless, the fact that Tadachika survived the Battle of Dan-no-ura and was under Yoritomo’s control by December of the first year of the Bunji era, only to be executed, is significant.
Why Did Yoritomo Execute Tadachika?
Even after the Taira clan’s defeat at Dan-no-ura, Yoritomo’s pursuit of the clan’s survivors continued.
Munemori was executed along with his son Kiyomune.
Shigehira was captured at Ichinotani and sent to Nanto, where he met his end.
In Kyoto, Hojo Tokimasa and others were searching for the Taira clan’s remaining children.
Rokudai, the son of Koremori’s eldest son, was also captured and nearly executed.
Rokudai was saved by the monk Mongaku’s intervention, but it is said he was executed after Yoritomo’s death.
Tadachika’s situation was different from that of the young Rokudai.
He was already serving as a court official, known as the Tango Chamberlain, and is said to have joined forces in battles at Mikusayama and Fujito according to the “Heike Monogatari.”
Furthermore, in Yuasa, former retainers of the Taira clan gathered under Tadachika.
From Yoritomo’s perspective, Tadachika, as Kiyomori’s grandson and Shigemori’s son, could have become a rallying point for the Taira remnants.
However, the extent of Tadachika’s military gathering and resistance is largely based on war tales.
No contemporaneous orders detailing Yoritomo’s reasons for the execution have been found.
Nevertheless, if a person of Taira lineage was rallying warriors, he would have been a threat to Kamakura.
The “Heike Monogatari” suggests that Yoritomo deceived Tadachika by exploiting his father’s, Shigemori’s, favor.
Yet, what Yoritomo truly thought when he decided on the execution can only be speculated from the available records.
Tadachika lost his life about nine months after the defeat at Dan-no-ura.
During that time, the Minamoto clan expanded their control over the western provinces, incorporating the warriors who had served the Taira.
Yuasa Muneshige, who welcomed Tadachika, was one of them.
The Later Years of Yuasa Muneshige—The Yuasa Clan in Kii Province
Even after Tadachika was executed, Yuasa Muneshige maintained his influence in Kii Province.
Muneshige pledged allegiance to Yoritomo and became a vassal of the Kamakura shogunate.
During the Heiji Rebellion, he cooperated with Kiyomori and became a prominent retainer of the Taira.
However, after the fall of the Taira, he protected his lands under the new rulers.
Subsequently, the warrior group centered around the Yuasa family came to be known as the Yuasa Clan, extending their influence widely in the Arida region.
The Yuasa Clan was composed of family members tied by blood, as well as warriors connected through marriage and adoption.
The family left behind castles and temples across the region and were active in Kii Province from the Kamakura period through the Nanboku-cho period.
Today, the ruins of Yuasa Castle and Fujinami Residence are protected as the nationally designated historic site “Yuasa Clan Castle Ruins.”
Archaeological excavations have confirmed the remains and artifacts of castles from the Kamakura period onwards.
The fact that the Yuasa family formed a powerful warrior group in medieval Kii Province is evidenced by local ruins and ancient documents.
However, it is not possible to directly verify from the current castle ruins which castle Tadachika fortified in 1185 or how the eight attacks were conducted.
Legends linking Tadachika’s resistance remain at both Yuasa Castle and Iwamuro Castle.
Muneshige, who welcomed Tadachika to that land, survived beyond the Taira era.
On the other hand, records state that Tadachika was beheaded in December of the first year of Bunji after falling into the hands of the Minamoto.
The Final Days of Taira no Tadachika—Leaving Yuasa Castle Trusting His Father’s Favor
Taira no Tadachika was born as the son of Taira no Shigemori.
His grandfather was Taira no Kiyomori.
Known as the Tango Chamberlain, he served at court in his youth.
However, he lost his father Shigemori in the third year of Jisho (1179), and his grandfather Kiyomori in the fifth year of Jisho (1181).
In the second year of Juei (1183), in July, the Taira clan left Kyoto.
Tadachika, along with his siblings, headed to the western provinces.
After being driven out of Dazaifu in Kyushu, the Taira clan regrouped at Yashima to mount a counterattack.
In the following year, February of Juei 3 (1184), Tadachika, along with Sukemori, Arimori, and Morimori, confronted Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s forces at Mikusayama.
However, they were defeated in a night assault.
Tadachika fled to Yashima with Sukemori and Arimori from Takasago.
Morimori headed to Ichinotani, where he perished in battle a few days later.
That autumn, according to the “Heike Monogatari,” Tadachika joined his brothers in the Battle of Fujito.
They led the Taira navy, attempting to block the Genji advance at Kojima in Bizen Province.
Then, in February of Genryaku 2 (1185),
when Yashima was suddenly attacked by Yoshitsune, Tadachika separated from his clan.
He sought refuge with Yuasa Muneshige in Kii Province.
Muneshige was a warrior who had served Kiyomori since the Heiji Rebellion.
To Muneshige’s place came the grandson of Kiyomori seeking refuge.
According to the “Heike Monogatari,” upon hearing that Tadachika was in Yuasa, former retainers of the Taira gathered.
These included Etchu Jirobei, Kazusa Gorohei, Aku Shichibei, and Hida Shirobei.
They fortified a castle with several hundred horsemen centered around Tadachika, which was attacked by the forces of the Kumano Betto.
Eight times over two to three months.
The attackers were repeatedly repelled, as the story goes.
However, Yoritomo ordered the blockade of mountain and sea routes.
It is said that he spread the word that if they were the sons of Shigemori, they would be spared.
During the Heiji Rebellion, Yoritomo was captured but saved through the intercession of Ike no Zenni and others.
There was a tradition that Shigemori was also involved in that clemency.
Yoritomo, in gratitude for his father’s kindness, announced he would save Shigemori’s children.
Tadachika believed those words.
He left Yuasa’s castle and presented himself at Rokuhara, as the “Heike Monogatari” narrates.
He was then sent to the Kanto region.
The story recounts that he met Yoritomo in Kamakura, who advised him to return to the capital, but he was executed at Seta in Omi Province.
Meanwhile, the “Gikki” records an entry on December 8 of Bunji 1 (1185) regarding Tadachika’s transfer to the Kanto, and on the 16th of the same month, his execution is documented.
The ‘Azuma Kagami’ records that on the 17th, Tadachika was entrusted to Goto Motokiyo.
There remain unresolved historical issues regarding the exact location and details of his final moments.
However, it is documented in historical records that Tadachika survived the Battle of Dan-no-ura and met his end at the close of the first year of the Bunji era.
Yuasa Muneshige chose to align with the Minamoto clan and continue as a military group in Kii Province.
Former retainers of the Taira clan were also entering a new era across various regions.
Among them, Tadachika is depicted in tales as acting as Shigemori’s son until the very end.
He fought alongside his brothers at Mikusayama and joined the Taira forces at Fujito.
After losing Yashima, he fled to Kii Province, seeking refuge with Yuasa Muneshige, who had ties to his family since his grandfather’s time.
It is said that even after the castle was attacked eight times, Tadachika continued to resist.
However, he ultimately left the castle, believing that his life would be spared due to his father Shigemori’s favor.
December, Bunji 1.
Approximately nine months after the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
The ‘Tale of the Heike’ recounts Tadachika’s end as surrendering, relying on the favor his father had shown to Yoritomo, only to be executed by Yoritomo’s order.
Raised as a noble of the Taira clan and fighting across the western provinces, Tadachika’s life concluded after his surrender, relying on his father’s name.
