Kitsuno
Encyclopedia
was a concubine of Japanese daimyo
, Oda Nobunaga
during the Warring-states era (or Sengoku Period
) in Japanese history. She was born into the third generation of the prosperous and influential Ikoma
family in 1538 and her father was known as Iemune.
Before Kitsuno became Oda Nobunaga's concubine, she was first wed to Yaheji Dota who unfortunately perished in the battle of Akechi. After the loss of her husband, Kitsuno returned to her family's home, Ikoma mansion. It was there that she met Oda Nobunaga.
, the daughter of Saitō Dōsan
, but it was believed that theirs was not a happy marriage, especially since Nōhime could not conceive. It is often thought that Kitsuno was Nobunaga's most beloved concubine and that she probably had a higher position than Nōhime.
In 1557 Kitsuno gave birth to Nobutada
and later Nobukatsu
and Tokuhime
(Princess Toku). In 1564, Kitsuno moved to the castle at Kori, but died two years later at the age of 28, due to illness caused by difficult child births.
Even though Nobunaga is often regarded as a callous and bellicose figure, it is said that Nobunaga mourned her throughout the night and had her buried within view of his castle.
Her body was cremated and buried in Tashiro Cemetery, in Tashiro town and her tomb lies at Kyusho temple (the Ikoma family temple). Nobunaga gave his son Nobukatsu the area in which Kyusho temple lies in order to protect it and Kitsuno's tomb, out of respect for his treasured concubine.
Daimyo
is a generic term referring to the powerful territorial lords in pre-modern Japan who ruled most of the country from their vast, hereditary land holdings...
, Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga
was the initiator of the unification of Japan under the shogunate in the late 16th century, which ruled Japan until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. He was also a major daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. His opus was continued, completed and finalized by his successors Toyotomi...
during the Warring-states era (or Sengoku Period
Sengoku period
The or Warring States period in Japanese history was a time of social upheaval, political intrigue, and nearly constant military conflict that lasted roughly from the middle of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century. The name "Sengoku" was adopted by Japanese historians in reference...
) in Japanese history. She was born into the third generation of the prosperous and influential Ikoma
Ikoma clan
was a Japanese clan who served Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu as retainer. Descending from Fujiwara Fusasaki of Northern Fujiwara clan, the clan moved to Owari during the Heian period and adopted the name "Ikoma".- References :...
family in 1538 and her father was known as Iemune.
Before Kitsuno became Oda Nobunaga's concubine, she was first wed to Yaheji Dota who unfortunately perished in the battle of Akechi. After the loss of her husband, Kitsuno returned to her family's home, Ikoma mansion. It was there that she met Oda Nobunaga.
The concubine of Oda Nobunaga
It was believed that Oda Nobunaga was charmed by Kitsuno's beauty at first sight, and immediately took her as his concubine. Nobunaga was officially married to NōhimeNohime
also Kichō or Lady Noh, was the wife of Oda Nobunaga, a major daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. Her proper name was Kichō, but since she came from Mino Province, she is most commonly referred to as Nōhime . She was renowned for her beauty and cleverness.Nōhime's father was the...
, the daughter of Saitō Dōsan
Saito Dosan
was a daimyo who dramatically rose and also fell from power in Sengoku period Japan. He was also known as the for his ruthless tactics.-Life:Originally a wealthy merchant from Yamashiro Province , he entered the service of Nagai Nagahiro of Mino Province , assuming the name Nishimura Kankurô.He...
, but it was believed that theirs was not a happy marriage, especially since Nōhime could not conceive. It is often thought that Kitsuno was Nobunaga's most beloved concubine and that she probably had a higher position than Nōhime.
In 1557 Kitsuno gave birth to Nobutada
Oda Nobutada
was the eldest son of Oda Nobunaga, and a samurai who fought in many battles during the Sengoku period. He commanded armies under his father in battles against Matsunaga Hisahide and against the Takeda clan....
and later Nobukatsu
Oda Nobukatsu
was a Japanese samurai of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. He was the second son of Oda Nobunaga. He survived the decline of the Oda clan from political prominence, becoming a daimyo in the early Edo period.-Kitabatake clan:...
and Tokuhime
Tokuhime
, or Princess Toku was born the daughter of Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga and later married Matsudaira Nobuyasu, the first son of Tokugawa Ieyasu...
(Princess Toku). In 1564, Kitsuno moved to the castle at Kori, but died two years later at the age of 28, due to illness caused by difficult child births.
Even though Nobunaga is often regarded as a callous and bellicose figure, it is said that Nobunaga mourned her throughout the night and had her buried within view of his castle.
Her body was cremated and buried in Tashiro Cemetery, in Tashiro town and her tomb lies at Kyusho temple (the Ikoma family temple). Nobunaga gave his son Nobukatsu the area in which Kyusho temple lies in order to protect it and Kitsuno's tomb, out of respect for his treasured concubine.