Minamoto no Yorimitsu

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Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Minamoto Yorimitsu fights Tsuchi-gumo

Minamoto no Yorimitsu (源頼光, Minamoto no Yorimitsu^?)(944-1021), also known as Minamoto no Raikō, 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 Ōeyama.

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 featured 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.

Raiko is usually accompanied by his four legendary retainers, known as the Shiten-nō (The Four Guardian Kings). They were Watanabe no Tsuna, Sakata no Kintoki, Urabe no Suetake, and Usui Sadamitsu.

[edit] Raiko in popular culture

The Karatsu Kunchi festival in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, features a large float inspired by the helmet of Minamoto, being partially devoured by the oni Shuten Douji. [1]

In the game Otogi Raikō is brought back to life by Seimei and employed by her to quell demons and restore order to the capital. In the sequel, Otogi 2, Raikō is again playable, as are his four generals.

In the anime Otogizoshi, Raikō's sister, Minamoto no Hikaru, pretends to be her brother and journeys Japan in search of the magatama which will save the capital. She is also accompanied by Raikō's four generals.