Figures
The Kunimitsu Family
Legacy in Stone: Many stone structures dedicated to Iwato Hachiman Shrine and surrounding temples bear the names of the Kunimitsu family as donors. The inscriptions, which trace their lineage to the 'Fujiwara descendants,' stand today as a testament to their pride as a prominent local clan and their profound devotion to the gods and Buddha.
The Origins of the Kunimitsu Clan: The family is said to be descended from Hino-no-Ason Fujiwara no Suketomo. Originally from Buzen Province, they initially bore the surname Matsubara. Matsubara Izumo-no-kami Okitoshi, a loyal retainer of the powerful daimyo Ouchi Yoshioki, was granted the prestigious surname 'Tatara' in recognition of his distinguished military service. He was subsequently granted the lands of Iwata in Miwa-sho, Kumage District, Suo Province, as his ancestral home (Hongan-no-chi).
Later, around the time of Ouchi Yoshitaka's downfall, Matsubara Takato was presented with a yoroidoshi (armour-piercing dagger) forged by the master swordsmith Kunimitsu. To commemorate this honor, he renamed himself Kunimitsu Shintaro, marking the beginning of the Kunimitsu clan. His grandson, Kageharu, settled in Iwata Village as the shoya (village headman); after three generations in that role, the family entered the service of the Nomi clan as retainers.
「奉再興大日堂一宇 国家安全 諸人快楽祈所
于時元禄七暦甲戌十二月吉祥日
大願主乃美三郎兵衛隆寛 法主大日坊正覚寺深教 願主國光兵左衛門 庄屋市兵衛」
This document further illustrates the relationship between the family and the Nomi clan. At a later point, however, Kunimitsu Kihei departed from the service of the Nomi family.
Kihē Kangi Kunimitsu
For many years, he served as the Shoya of Iwata and Amakuwa, and as the O-shoya of Kumage District. Throughout his life, he dedicated his personal fortune to the relief of the poor and the suffering, while consistently contributing to the prosperity of both the Hagi Domain and the Tokugawa Shogunate.
View Profile — Dates of birth and death unknownKihē Toshiharu Kunimitsu
Succeeding the first Kibei, he served as both Shoya and O-shoya. Together with Takemasa, he played a vital role in supporting the continued prosperity of the clan.
View Profile — Dates of birth and death unknownShigezaemon Takemasa Kunimitsu
Elevation to Samurai Status and Branching of the Family: In recognition of his repeated and significant contributions to the domain, he was elevated to the rank of Samurai (Shibun). Following this honor, he established a branch family.
View Profile —「宝暦八 奉再興八幡宮一宇 願主國光完儀 山城重左衛門 國光武七郎」
Based on their active periods and recorded official roles, Kunimitsu Kihei, Kangi, and Tomoyoshi are considered to be the same individual. Furthermore, it is highly probable that Takeshichiro was a brother of Kanji.
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