Komatsuhime

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Komatsuhime (小松姫, Komatsuhime^?) (1573-March 27, 1620) was a Japanese woman of the late Azuchi-Momoyama through early Edo periods. Born the daughter of Honda Tadakatsu, she was adopted by Tokugawa Ieyasu, before marrying Sanada Nobuyuki. She is described as having been very beautiful and highly intelligent.^[1]

Komatsuhime was known in her childhood as Inahime 稲姫 and also Onei 於小亥. After witnessing the martial prowess of the Sanada at the Battle of Ueda, she and her father were captivated by them. Tokugawa Ieyasu himself arranged for Komatsuhime to marry Sanada Nobuyuki, the Sanada lord.

In 1600, when Nobuyuki had decided to cast his lot with the Tokugawa, his father Masayuki (who had not done so) was en route to visit him at Ueda Castle, accompanied by his other son, the famed Sanada Yukimura. The two stopped at Numata Castle, where Komatsuhime was managing affairs. Masayuki relayed a message to her: "I want to see my grandchildren," and in response, the princess emerged, dressed in full battle attire, saying "Since we have parted ways in this conflict, though you are my father-in-law I cannot allow you into this castle."^[2] Masayuki and Yukimura withdrew to Shōkakuji Temple, and were surprised when they saw Komatsuhime (with her children) arrive soon after them, honoring Masayuki's wish.

After the Battle of Sekigahara, during Masayuki and Yukimura's exile, she took charge of sending them food and other daily necessities.

All in all, Komatsuhime was praised as a good wife and wise mother (ryōsai kenbo 良妻賢母). She died in Kōnosu, Musashi Province at age 47, while en route to the Kusatsu hot spring.^[3] Nobuyuki lamented her passing, saying that "the light of my house has been extinguished."^[4] Her grave can be found there. Today, in the museum at Ueda Castle, visitors can see items that she used, including her palanquin.