Imai Kanehira
A samurai commander of the late Heian Period who fought during the Genpei War.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Imai Kanehira
- Role / Field:
- A samurai commander of the late Heian Period who fought during the Genpei War.
- Born:
- 1152
- Died:
- 1184-03-04
- Century / Era:
- 1152s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Imai Kanehira (今井兼平, 1152-1184) was a military commander of the late Heian Period of Japan. He was the son of Nakahara Kaneto and brother of Higuchi Kanemitsu. He was the milk brother of Minamoto no Yoshinaka and Yoshinaka was fostered in Kanehira’s family thus they were close from childhood. Kanehira became joint commander of Yoshinaka's faction during the Genpei War after Yoshinaka met up with him at Seta and he was one of the Kiso Shitenno (the Kiso Shitenno were Yoshinaka‘s four key retainers). His first major engagement was the Siege of Fukuryūji, where he commanded the Minamoto besiegers who successfully captured the fort.
Career & Major Achievements
He fought with the forces of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who wanted to bring an end to Yoshinaka's tyranny. Imai commanded Yoshinaka's forces when the two cousins met at the Battle of Awazu in 1184. He held off the attacks of Minamoto no Noriyori for a long time. However, when he heard of Yoshinaka's death from an arrow, he committed suicide by leaping off his horse while holding his sword in his mouth. The noh play Kanehira is about his ghost relating the story of Yoshinaka and himself, and how he wanted to go to the other side.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Kanehira's burial place is disputed, but largely believed that Kanehira's tumulus is in Kawanakajima, Nagano City. He also has tombs in Seiran, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Kanehira was enshrined as a god in Imai Shrine in Kawanakajima, Nagano City, and in Imai-jinja Shrine in Imai, Matsumoto City. Kanehira was also enshrined in Kisosansha-jinja Shrine, in Kitatachibana-machi, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Imai Kanehira
True or False: “Imai Kanehira survived the Battle of Awazu and lived to see the end of the Taira clan's influence.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): He was present at the Battle of Awazu in 1184 but committed suicide after hearing of Minamoto no Yoshinaka's death.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Imai Kanehira
Who was Imai Kanehira and what are their primary contributions?
A samurai commander of the late Heian Period who fought during the Genpei War. Origins & Early Life: Imai Kanehira (今井兼平, 1152-1184) was a military commander of the late Heian Period of Japan. He was the son of Nakahara Kaneto and brother of Higuchi Kanemitsu. He was the milk brother of Minamoto no Yoshinaka and Yoshinaka was fostered in Kanehira’s family thus they were close from childhood. Kanehira became joint commander of Yoshinaka's faction during the Genpei War after Yoshinaka met up with him at Seta and he was one of the Kiso Shitenno (the Kiso Shitenno were Yoshinaka‘s four key retainers). His first major engagement was the Siege of Fukuryūji, where he commanded the Minamoto besiegers who successfully captured the fort.
When was Imai Kanehira born and during which historical era did they live?
Imai Kanehira was born on 1152 and passed away on 1184-03-04. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 1152 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Imai Kanehira?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia