Japan: Minamoto no Yorimitsu and the monster Shuten-doji, Katsukawa Shuntei (1770-1820), c. 1820

Minamoto no Yorimitsu (948 – August 29, 1021), also known as Minamoto no Raiko, served the regents of the Fujiwara clan along with his brother Yorinobu, taking the violent measures the Fujiwara were themselves unable to take. He is one of the earliest Minamoto of historical note for his military exploits, and is known for quelling the bandits of Oeyama.

His loyal service earned him the governorships of Izu Province, Kozuke and a number of others in turn, as well as a number of other high government positions. Yorimitsu served as commander of a regiment of the Imperial Guard, and as a secretary in the Ministry of War. When his father Minamoto no Mitsunaka died, he inherited Settsu Province.

Yorimitsu features in a number of legends and tales, including the legend of Kintaro (Golden Boy aka Sakata no Kintoki), the legend of Shuten Doji, and the legend of Tsuchigumo.

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