Sasaki Yoshikiyo

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Sasaki Yoshikiyo

Role / Field:

Samurai leader who founded the Izumo-Genji clan, serving through major conflicts.

Born:

1160

Died:

1242

Century / Era:

1160s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Sasaki Yoshikiyo (佐々木 義清; 1161–1242) was a samurai member of the Minamoto clan, who was the founder of Izumo-Genji clan. Sasaki Yoshikiyo was born the fifth son of Sasaki Hideyoshi, who was the head of the Sasaki clan of Uda-Genji (Uda-Gen clan), based in Sasaki-no-sho, Gamo-gun Manor in Ōmi Province. His father Hideyoshi Sasaki fought against the Taira clan in the Hōgen (1156) and Heiji Wars (1160). Following his defeat in 1160, Hideyoshi was deprived of his feudal estate, and moved away to Sagami Province. Shibuya Shigekuni respected Hideyoshi's bravery and sheltered Hideyoshi in his territory and had his daughter marry Hideyoshi.

Career & Major Achievements

Sasaki Yoshikiyo was born in Sagami in 1161 as the fifth son of Sasaki Hideyoshi. His mother was a daughter of Shibuya Shigekuni. Although Yoshikiyo had four elder brothers, they were by different mothers. Yoshikiyo grew up in Sagami, and married a daughter of Ōba Kagechika. When Minamoto no Yoritomo (head of the Genji clan) raised an army to overthrow the Taira clan (Heike) in 1180, Yoshikiyo's half-brothers sided with Yoritomo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Shibuya Shigekuni, who was Yoshikiyo's maternal grandfather, sided with the Taira clan, and Oba Kagechika, who was his father-in-law, became the head of the Tairas' army. Shigekuni's longtime kindness made Hideyoshi unable to make up his mind. As a result, although he sided with the Tairas officially, he sided with Yoritomo in fact. His son Yoshikiyo also worried about the same problem, but he decided to side with the Taira clan finally. Yoshikiyo, who was on the Tairas' side, won the Battle of Ishibashiyama, which turned out to be the first fight of a series of wars.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1156: 1156 Milestone — His father Hideyoshi Sasaki fought against the Taira clan in the Hōgen (1156) and Heiji Wars (1160).
2. 1160: Birth of Sasaki Yoshikiyo — Samurai leader who founded the Izumo-Genji clan, serving through major conflicts.
3. 1161: 1161 Milestone — Sasaki Yoshikiyo (佐々木 義清; 1161–1242) was a samurai member of the Minamoto clan, who was the founder of Izumo-Genji clan.
4. 1180: 1180 Milestone — When Minamoto no Yoritomo (head of the Genji clan) raised an army to overthrow the Taira clan (Heike) in 1180, Yoshikiyo's half-brothers sided with Yoritomo.
5. 1242: Passing & Historical Legacy — Sasaki Yoshikiyo passed away on 1242, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sasaki Yoshikiyo

True or False: “Sasaki Yoshikiyo was immediately rewarded with a feudal estate after the Genpei War ended in 1185.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Because he initially sided with the Taira clan against Minamoto no Yoritomo, he was not granted an immediate reward, unlike his four elder half-brothers.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sasaki Yoshikiyo