Yagyū Munetoshi
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Yagyū Sekishūsai Taira-no-Munetoshi (柳生石舟斎平宗厳, 1527 – 1606) was a Japanese samurai, master swordsman, and the founder of the school of swordsmanship for the Shinkage-ryū during the late Sengoku period. After a duel with fellow samurai Yasuke, he joined his league, the Kakushiba ikki, as a scout.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Early military career[edit | edit source]
In 1559, Yagyū Munetoshi became one of the principal generals under Lord Matsunaga Hisahide, who allied himself with Oda Nobunaga at the time.[1] He soon came to meet Kamiizumi Nobutsuna and became one of his disciples over time. However, during his tenure under Hisahide, he lost his son to one of many battles, leaving him with guilt over not saving him.[2]
By 1577, Hisahide fell to Nobunaga, and Munetoshi's reputation began to falter. Despite the setback, he stepped into founding and leading the school of swordsmanship for the Shinkage-ryū.[1] While leading the school, he still felt distraught over the sieges and wars fought between his lords and started to lose faith in his skill with the sword.[2]
Life as a recluse and joining the Kakushiba ikki[edit | edit source]
By 1582, still uneased of his past, Munetoshi had walked away from his military career and spent his time praying atop Mount Miwa to atone for his sins. Having isolated himself, he was soon visited by fellow Nobutsuna student and Kakushiba ikki member Yasuke to learn his mastery of the katana. Instantly, Munetoshi rejected a duel and stated that he did not want to become a stepping stone for anyone and how his sword had failed him.[2]
When Yasuke explained that he wanted one last match from Munetoshi, the master stood up and agreed to fight him. During the duel, Yasuke encouraged the master's prowess and reminded him about his life being the sword. After being bested, Munetoshi agreed that the sword was his heart but stated that he had failed his son and his work. Yasuke explained how his friends had lifted him up when he was at his lowest point, and offered Munetoshi a place in his league so he could help the people of Japan. Accepting the invitation, Munetoshi gifted an amulet, the Rat Tail Finisher, to Yasuke before heading to Tomiko's Homestead.[2]
Later life and legacy[edit | edit source]
In 1594, Munetoshi, at the request of Tokugawa Ieyasu, met with the lord to showcase his swordsmanship skills. Impressed, Ieyasu offered him a place as his sword master, but Munetoshi declined and offered his son Yagyū Munenori in his stead. As a result, Yagyū's Shinkage-ryū became one of Japan's most professional schools of swordsmanship at the beginning of the 17th century.[1]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
Historically, there is mention of Munetoshi's eldest son Yagyū Toshikatsu being shot during Hisaside's assault on Yamato, but no information on his death.[3][4]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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Yagyu Munetoshi
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Yagyu Munetoshi writing for his late son
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Database: Yagyū Munetoshi
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Nobutsuna's Students
- ↑
Yagyū Munetoshi on Wikipedia
- ↑
Yagyū clan on Wikipedia
