Minamoto no Yorimasa

Quick Facts: Who was Minamoto no Yorimasa?

Subject:

Minamoto no Yorimasa

Known for:

Poet, aristocrat, and samurai lord known for his poetry and military service in 12th-century Japan.

Born:

1106

Died:

1180-06-20

Century / Era:

1106s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Minamoto no Yorimasa (源 頼政; Japanese pronunciation: [mʲi.na.mo.to no (|) jo.ɾʲiꜜ.ma.sa], 1106 – 20 June 1180) was a Japanese poet, aristocrat and samurai lord. His poetry appeared in various anthologies. He served eight different emperors in his long career, holding posts such as hyōgo no kami (head of the arsenal). As a general, he led the Minamoto armies at the beginning of the Genpei War. Even in later generations, the common name Genzanmi (源三位; [ɡen.dzaꜜm.mʲi]) was passed down (Yorimasa was not the only person who was called “Genzanmi”, in the same period).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Also, like his father, he used the surname “Baba” and was also called “Baba no Yorimasa.” In the clashes between the Minamoto and Taira clans that had gone on for decades, Yorimasa had tried to stay out of politics, and avoided taking sides. He did participate in the Hōgen rebellion in 1156. For a time, he was even friends with Taira no Kiyomori. During the Heiji rebellion of 1160, he leaned just enough in favor of the Taira that it allowed them to overthrow the Minamoto. However, by the time he officially retired from military service in Kiyomori's army in 1179, Yorimasa had changed his mind about opposing his own clan.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He entered the Buddhist priesthood and in May 1180, he sent out an appeal to other Minamoto leaders, and to temples and monasteries that Kiyomori had offended. In the following Genpei War, which began with the Battle of Uji in 1180, Yorimasa led Minamoto forces, along with warrior monks from Miidera, in defending the Byōdō-in temple. Despite the monks' having torn up the planks of the bridge leading to the temple, the Taira managed to break through their defenses, and take the temple. After suffering this defeat at Uji, he committed ritual suicide at Byōdō-in. Minamoto no Yorimasa's suicide by seppuku may be the earliest recorded instance of a samurai's suicide in the face of defeat, although Minamoto no Tametomo, who died in 1170, ten years before Yorimasa, may hold this distinction.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1106: Birth of Minamoto no Yorimasa — Poet, aristocrat, and samurai lord known for his poetry and military service in 12th-century Japan.
2. 1156: 1156 Milestone — He did participate in the Hōgen rebellion in 1156.
3. 1160: 1160 Milestone — During the Heiji rebellion of 1160, he leaned just enough in favor of the Taira that it allowed them to overthrow the Minamoto.
4. 1170: 1170 Milestone — Minamoto no Yorimasa's suicide by seppuku may be the earliest recorded instance of a samurai's suicide in the face of defeat, although Minamoto no Tametomo, who died in 1170, ten years before Yorimasa, may hold this distinction.
5. 1179: 1179 Milestone — However, by the time he officially retired from military service in Kiyomori's army in 1179, Yorimasa had changed his mind about opposing his own clan.
6. 1180 (1180-06-20): Passing & Historical Legacy — Minamoto no Yorimasa passed away on 1180-06-20, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Minamoto no Yorimasa

True or False: “Minamoto no Yorimasa was the first samurai ever to commit ritual suicide after military defeat.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While his death by seppuku is noted, Minamoto no Tametomo, who died ten years prior, may hold the distinction of an early recorded instance.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor — Contemporary (Died in 1106) (1106): Holy Roman Emperor, King of Germany, and pivotal figure in the Investiture Controversy.
• Minamoto no Yoshiie — Contemporary (Died in 1106) (1106): Legendary Minamoto samurai, famed for unmatched bravery and military prowess in the Heian period.
• Yusuf ibn Tashfin — Contemporary (Died in 1106) (1106): Almoravid leader who secured Islamic rule in al-Andalus and the Maghreb.
• Al-Kamil — Contemporary (Born in 1180) (1180): Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt, known for defeating the Fifth Crusade.
• Emperor Go-Toba — Contemporary (Born in 1180) (1180): 82nd Emperor of Japan; reigned 1183–1198, known for political upheaval.
• Gottfried von Strassburg — Contemporary (Born in 1180) (1180): Master poet of Middle High German, famed for the courtly romance Tristan.
• Adam Ferguson — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1723): Scottish philosopher, historian, and 'father of modern sociology'.
• Amos Tutuola — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1920): Pioneering Nigerian author blending Yoruba folklore with modern literary forms.
• Louis VII of France — Historical peer (Died in 1180) (1180): King of France (1137–1180), known for his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Second Crusade.
• Manuel I Komnenos — Historical peer (Died in 1180) (1180): Byzantine Emperor who oversaw the Komnenian restoration and reshaped the Mediterranean.
• 1106 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1106
• 1180 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1180
• June 20 (06-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 20

Frequently Asked Questions about Minamoto no Yorimasa