Shimazu Tadahisa facts for kids
Shimazu Tadahisa (1179-1227) was a very important person in Japanese history. He was the founder of the Shimazu clan, a powerful family of samurai warriors who played a big role in Japan for many centuries.
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Early Life and Family
Shimazu Tadahisa was born in a place called Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka. When he was young, his name was Koremune no Tadahisa.
Becoming Shimazu
Tadahisa's life changed when he met Minamoto no Yoritomo. Yoritomo was the first Shōgun of Japan, which means he was the top military leader and ruled the country. Yoritomo gave Tadahisa an important job: he made him a jitō (pronounced "jee-toh"). A jitō was like a land manager or steward for a large area called the Shimazu Estate. After getting this job, Tadahisa decided to take the name "Shimazu," which came from the estate he managed.
His Father, the Shōgun
It is believed that Tadahisa was the son of Shōgun Minamoto no Yoritomo himself! His mother was the sister of a powerful person named Hiki Yoshikazu. This connection to the Shōgun made Tadahisa very important.
Building the Shimazu Clan
Tadahisa worked hard to build his family's power and land.
Gaining Land and Power
In 1186, Tadahisa was given control of an area called Shioda in Shinano province. Soon after, he was named Shugo (pronounced "shoo-goh") of Satsuma province. A Shugo was like a military governor or protector of a province. It was a very powerful position.
Expanding His Influence
Even though he was named Shugo of Satsuma, Tadahisa didn't go there right away. He sent one of his trusted followers, Honda Sadachika, to take control of the province for him. Tadahisa also joined Shōgun Yoritomo on a military trip to Mutsu province in 1189.
Later, in 1196, Tadahisa finally went to Satsuma. He successfully brought the nearby areas of Hyūga and Ōsumi provinces under his control. He also built a castle in the Shimazu area of Hyūga. This castle and the land around it were so important that the whole clan eventually took the name "Shimazu."
Legacy
Shimazu Tadahisa passed away in 1227. He was buried in Kamakura, near where his father, Shōgun Yoritomo, was buried. His children and their children continued to lead the Shimazu clan for hundreds of years. They became one of the most famous and long-lasting samurai families in Japan.
