Shigezaemon Takemasa Kunimitsu
BIOGRAPHY
Shigezaemon Takemasa, the son of the first Kihei, was elevated to the samurai class in recognition of his father’s extraordinary service to the domain. He was granted a stipend of 'ni-nin fuchi' (rations for two) and five 'koku' of rice as a 'ritoku-yatoi' official, later establishing a branch of the Kunimitsu family. Alongside Toshiharu, he dedicated himself to public service—assisting villagers during natural disasters, supporting civil engineering and land reclamation projects, managing salt production, and maintaining local temples and shrines. His tireless efforts not only benefited the community but also ensured the continued prosperity of the Kunimitsu lineage.Records indicate that he served as "Oshoya" (District Headman) during the Tenmei and Bunka eras.
HISTORICAL RECORD
「奉寄進
國光完儀 國光孟雅
明和三丙戌二月」
「獻燈
國光利晴 國光孟雅
天明四甲辰仲夏吉日」
「獻燈
國光利晴 國光孟雅
天明四甲辰八月吉日」
「國光利晴 國光孟雅
天明三年 卯初春日」
「獻燈
國光利晴 國光孟雅
天明四甲辰」
「獻燈
國光利晴 國光孟雅
寛政十一年 己未仲夏」
「國光茂左衛門藤原末葉孟雅
文化八年辛未」
ACTIVITY TIMELINE
Birth(Estimated year)
Circa 1720
Elevation to Samurai Status
Appointed as "ritoku-yatoi" with a stipend of five koku and rations for two. Established the branch house. It is inferred his father arranged this as his brother Toshiharu had succeeded as District Headman the previous year.
Public Works Officer (Fushingata)
Served in land reclamation projects across the domain.
Increase in Stipend「Yamaguchi Prefecture Local History Research, Vol. 26.」
Stipend increased to 8 koku due to contributions of "chisomai" (supporting rice) for land reclamation.
Dedication of Stone Lanterns at Dainichibo
Existing at Dainichi-do. Dedicated with his father, Kangi.
Status Change「The Batsuetsuroku」
Became a "Mukyu-tsushi" (non-stipendiary samurai status)
The Batsuetsuroku is a massive compilation of genealogical records and historical documents of the samurai families serving the Hagi Domain (Choshu). Compiled in the mid-18th century by the domain's order, it serves as a primary source for understanding the lineage, services, and official ranks of the retainers.
Mukyu-tsushi'—a prestigious rank of samurai who, while not receiving a regular grain salary, held significant social standing and served the domain in specialized roles.
Increase in Stipend「Yamaguchi Prefecture Local History Research, Vol. 26.」
His stipend was increased by 18 koku in recognition of his contribution of chisomai (supporting rice) for the Tsuruhama land reclamation project.
Appointed to multiple key posts simultaneously「History of Hikari City (Hikari-shi Shi)」
He was appointed to multiple key administrative posts: Officer of the River-Mouth Checkpoint (Kawaguchi Bansho-yaku), Manager of Rice and Paper Tax Payments (Kome-gami Uketori-harai-kata), Director of Land Reclamation (Kaisaku-kata), and Collector of Transaction Fees (Kousen-kata).
Increase in Stipend「Yamaguchi Prefecture Local History Research, Vol. 26.」
His stipend was increased by more than 30 koku in recognition of his substantial contribution of chisomai (supporting rice) for the Ogori land reclamation project.
The erection of the Torii gate at Nakaiwata Ko-jinja Shrine.
Existing at Nakaiwata Ko-jinja. Erected with his brother, Toshiharu.
Donation of Stone Lanterns to Iwato Hachiman-gu and Nakaiwata Ko-jinja
Existing at Nakaiwata Ko-jinja. Dedicated with his brother, Toshiharu.
Appointed as the Enkin-yaku (Regional Inspector) and Kenshi-yaku (Official Examiner) with the status of a samurai for his lifetime.「Yamaguchi Prefecture Local History Research, Vol. 26.」
Donation of a Stone Lantern to the Amakuwa Kannon
Donated together with his older brother, Toshiharu; the lantern remains to this day (as of 2026, though the Amakuwa Kannon building itself has been demolished).
Resignation due to illness
Corrected to Kyowa 2 (1802), as the original "Kyoho 2" is likely a clerical error given the chronological context.
Salt pan reclamation
Regarding the reclamation of 4 cho out of the 12-cho designated area (Hojimono-kirikaesaku) belonging to Ono Mori Iga-no-kami, the Lord was unable to proceed due to financial difficulties. He requested Mozaemon to undertake the project, which Mozaemon successfully completed. In return, Mozaemon was granted 2 cho of land at Sonedanahama.
The Kutarabe-hama area was officially granted to him as his fief (chigyo-chi) and assessed for its production value (kokumori).
Chronicles of the 11th Lord of the Mori Clan
The Oshoya (District Headmen)—Kunimitsu Mozaemon of the Kumage District, Yoshitomi Tobe of Yamaguchi, Ueda Goroemon of Ogori, Zouga Gonroku of Funaki, and Yamamoto Ichiemon of Mae-Otsu—were summoned to Hagi. At the Kuramoto (the domain's financial office), the Toshoku (Chief Minister), Mori Kurano-su, privately conveyed a confidential matter to them. They were then served a formal meal and granted haori (ceremonial coats), which was likely related to the matter of the Toyo-gin (emergency operational funds).
Dedication of Komainu (Guardian Lion-Dogs)
Dedicated to Iwato Hachimangu; remains to this day.
Chronicles of the 11th Lord of the Mori Clan
He was summoned to Hagi Castle regarding the Jonogin (tax silver) paid two years prior. He was served a formal meal and awarded a prize of one kan-mon. Furthermore, due to the domain's financial distress, he was appointed to the role of Mujin-yaku (official in charge of mutual aid financing) for the district.
Date of death unknown
Based on historical records, he is estimated to have been around 80 years old at the time of his death.