Prince Tsunenaga facts for kids

Prince Tsunenaga (恒良親王, Tsunenaga-shinnō) (born 1324 – died May 5, 1338) was one of the sons of Emperor Go-Daigo of Japan. He lived during a time of great conflict known as the Nanboku-chō wars. This was a period when two rival Imperial Courts, the Southern Court and the Northern Court, fought for control of Japan. Prince Tsunenaga was involved in these struggles against the powerful Ashikaga clan.

A Prince's Journey for Safety

In 1336, Prince Tsunenaga and his brother, Takanaga, were sent away from the capital. Their father, Emperor Go-Daigo, hoped they would be safe from the Ashikaga attacks. They were escorted by a loyal general named Nitta Yoshisada to Echizen Province. This area was thought to be a secure place for the princes.

The Heir-Apparent Question

The famous Japanese epic story, Taiheiki, says that Prince Tsunenaga was secretly named the next in line to the throne before he left. However, no other historical records confirm this important detail. In fact, in November of that same year, his brother Narinaga was officially declared the Crown Prince. This means Narinaga was publicly recognized as the next emperor.

Escape and Siege

General Nitta Yoshisada led the princes away from Yoshino, where Emperor Go-Daigo's Southern Court was located. They traveled towards Tsuruga in Echizen, trying to escape the Ashikaga forces. They eventually found refuge in a strong fortress called Kanagasaki Castle.

In January 1337, Kanagasaki Castle came under a fierce attack. The Ashikaga army surrounded the castle, starting a long siege. By April, the people inside the castle were running out of food. They were forced to eat horsemeat to survive. Eventually, the castle gates were stormed by the enemy. Prince Tsunenaga managed to escape from the castle during the chaos. However, he was captured and sadly killed soon after his escape.

See also

• Kanegasaki-gū