One of the "13 people at Kamakura-dono" and relationship between Minamoto Yoritomo's Chiebukuro Oe Hiromoto and Yamagata Prefecture, one of the "19 people"

Oe Hiromoto, who appears as one of the main characters in the NHK historical drama "The 13 Lords of the Kamakura,"

The system of "shugojito" that is taught in history classes is said to have been devised by Oe Hiromoto

Did you know that Oe Hiromoto, who was an indispensable figure for the Kamakura shogunate, actually had deep ties to Yamagata Prefecture, far from Kamakura?

we will introduce Minamoto no Yoritomo's confidant, Oe Hiromoto, and Yamagata

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Who is Oe Hiromoto?

Oe Hiromoto is believed to have been born in 1148 (Kyuan 4), towards the end of the Heian period (there are various theories about his origins)

He originally served the Imperial Court as a lower-ranking aristocrat, but was invited to Kamakura because Hiromoto's older brother, Nakahara Chikayoshi, was on friendly terms with Minamoto no Yoritomo, and at the age of 37, he began serving as Yoritomo's advisor

Eventually, Yoritomo defeated the Taira clan and established the Kamakura shogunate. At that time, Hiromoto was appointed betto (similar to today's chief director) of the Komonsho (later the Mandokoro), which was in charge of general government affairs and finances, and he played an active role on the front lines as an important figure in the shogunate

During the Jokyu War, in which Emperor Gotoba raised an army to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate, he supported the second regent, Hojo Yoshitoki, together with Yoritomo's wife, Hojo Masako, and is said to have made a significant contribution to the victory of the shogunate forces

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After the fall of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, he took control of Yamagata

In 1189 (Bun'ei 5), Yoritomo invaded Hiraizumi in Oshu (present-day Iwate Prefecture) for hiding his younger brother, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and brought about the downfall of the Oshu Fujiwara clan

As a reward for his efforts in this battle, Hiromoto was appointed as the lord of Sagae Manor (present-day Sagae City and Nishimurayama County) and Nagai Manor (present-day Nagai City area) in Yamagata Prefecture

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Laying the foundations of Sagae City

The Oe clan ruled the Sagae region for 18 generations over a period of approximately 400 years until they were defeated by Mogami Yoshiaki during the Sengoku period, laying the foundations for present-day Sagae City.
During the reigns of the 8th head of the clan, Tokiuji, and the 9th head of the clan, Mototoki, Sagae Castle was surrounded by a triple moat and extensive repairs and reconstructions were carried out. Samurai residences were built one after another around the castle, and Sagae became a bustling castle town.

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Spots related to the Oe clan

Jionji Temple

This is a historic temple with a history dating back 1,300 years since its founding. It is said that the fifth head of the family, Motoaki, contributed to the restoration of the temple and shrine after it was destroyed by fire in the late Kamakura period. During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate granted the temple 2,812 koku of land, and it became famous as one of the largest temple complexes in the Tohoku region

Jionji Temple＜Information＞

• Name: Motoyama Jionji Temple
• Address: 31 Jionji, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-0511
• Phone number: 0237-87-3993
• Official URL: Jionji Temple Official Website

Google Map

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Jionji Temple Terrace

This is a new facility that just opened in May 2021. It clearly conveys the former grounds of Jionji Temple, which has been designated a national historic site

Jionji Terrace <Information>

• Name: Jionji Terrace
• Address: 1178-1 Jionji, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-0511
• Phone number: 0237-84-6811
• Official URL: Jionji Terrace Official Homepage

Google Map

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Hontatekan ruins

Hiromoto, who held important positions in the shogunate and owned several estates mainly in the Kanto region, is said to have entrusted the governance of Sagae to his wife's father, Tada Hitoshi. Hontate-kan is the mansion that Tada Hitoshi is said to have first built

The Mogami River once flowed nearby, but now only remains of earthworks and other structures can be seen

Hontatekan Ruins <Information>

• Name: Hontatekan ruins
• Address: 2529-6 Hontate, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, 991-0049
• Phone number: -
• Official URL: -

Google Map

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Sagae Castle Ruins

This was the base of the Oe clan when they ruled Sagae.
One theory is that it was built by Hiromoto's eldest son, Chikahiro.

During the Jokyu War, Chikahiro, who served as the guardian of Kyoto, parted ways with his father, Hiromoto, and sided with the Imperial Court.
After losing the battle, Chikahiro sought refuge in Sagae, relying on his grandfather, Tada Hitoshi, and lived in hiding until he was pardoned by the shogunate.

Sagae Castle was abandoned during the Edo period, and no buildings remain today, only a monumental stone remains. Part of the site of the main castle is now the site of an elementary school

Sagae Castle Ruins <Information>

• Name: Sagae Castle Ruins
• Address: 1-3-11 Marunouchi, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, 991-0023
• Phone number: -
• Official URL: -

Google Map

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in conclusion

Sagae City is home to many spots where you can feel the atmosphere of the Oe clan's time.
Now that the TV drama "The 13 Lords of the Kamakura" has made Oe Hiromoto's character feel much more familiar, why not visit the spots associated with the Oe clan as a way to prepare for or review the drama?

Reference: "History of Hometown Sagae" by Abe Torikio and Ui Kei (Sagae City Board of Education, Yamagata Prefecture)

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