Shirone Series

Four classical kite designs from Shirone Prefecture in Japan

KENSHIN Kenshin Uesusi (1530-1578) feudal lord of the Echigo region, was one of the great warriors in the history of Japan. He became a legendary hero because of his brave and gentleman like character. For example, during the battle of Kawanakajima, the mounted Kenshin attacked the forces of his enemy, Shingen Takeda, without the support of any retainers. He succeeded in cutting his way through to Shingen by himself. Later, when Shingen's region suffered from a lack of salt because of an economic blockade by other lords, Kenshin sent his enemy a large amount of salt. Kenshin insisted it was unfair to destroy Shingen without a fair fight. Kenshin and Shingen respected each other as worthy rivals. Many Japanese have learned from Kenshin how to behave honorably toward rivals.	OTAKA Gengo Otaka (1672 - 1703) is famous as a member of the forty-six loyal retainers of Lord Naganari Asano, the regional leader of Akou. During a visit to the Shogun's castle in 1701, Lord Asano was insulted by Yoshinaka Kira. Asano was beside himself with anger and rushed on Kira with a drawn sword. As a result, the Shogun ordered Asano to kill himself. Kira, who had begun the incident, received no punishment. After the death of Asano, his retainers became masterless samurai. They took an oath of revenge on Kira. During this period, acts of revenge were unconditionally punished by death. But their desire to avenge their former master was stronger than their fear of the death penalty. The next year, the retainers attacked Lord Kira and killed him. Then all forty-six took their own lives. Although the Edo authorities criticized them, the public generally praised the forty-six loyal retainers for their faithful behavior toward their master. Otaka was one of these brave, faithful, and active men in this pursuit of vengeance.	BENKEI Benkei Musashibou (? - 1189) was sent to a Buddhist monastery by his father while still a child. But despite his father's intentions, Benkei became a strong willed, wild, and rowdy person. At one point, he decided to collect a treasure of one thousand swords. Every night, Benkei went to the center of the Gojyoubashi, the major bridge in Kyoto, and robbed people of their swords. However, when he had collected 999 swords, he met Yoshitsune, who had the greatest sword in Japan. Benkei tried to rob Yoshitsune, but was defeated in the fight. Realizing that he had met a man stronger than himself, Benkei decided to reform and became one of Yoshitsune's retainers. Benkei's fame spread after his heroic death. When Yoshitsune was surrounded by enemies, Benkei protected his master with his own body. He was struck by many arrows but died standing, and facing his enemy. Benkei thus became popular for his brave, bold, and wild character, and for his faithfulness to his master Yoshitsune.	GOROU Gorou Suga is a legendary character from the folk tale "Suga Kyoudai", the Suga Brothers, which was based on real historical events in the 12th Century. When Gorou was three, and his brother Jyuro was five, their father was assassinated by his foe, Suketsuke Kudou. Their mother entreated them to avenge this act whe n they grew older. Gorou and Jyuro were then adopted by the Soga family, but never forgot their mother's request. After several attempts, they finally succeeded in avenging their father. Jyuro was killed during the fight, and Gorou was captured by the Shogun's authorities. The Shogun offered to pardon him, but Gorou had no desire to survive the death of his brother. He was then executed by the son of Kudou. The Japanese people sympathized with Gorou for his tragic life and praised his great loyalty to his parents and brother.

Commentary by Makoto Ohashi
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