Tokugawa Mitsukuni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tokugawa Mitsukuni
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| Daimyo of Mito | |
| In office 1661–1690 |
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| Preceded by | Tokugawa Yorifusa |
| Succeeded by | Tokugawa Tsunaeda |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 July 1628 Mito Domain, Hitachi Province, Japan |
| Died | 14 January 1701 (aged 72) |
Tokugawa Mitsukuni (徳川 光圀, 11 July 1628 – 14 January 1701) was an important Japanese leader. He was also known as Mito Kōmon (水戸黄門). He was a daimyō, which means a powerful Japanese lord. Mitsukuni played a big role in the early Edo period of Japan. He was the second lord of the Mito Domain, following his father, Tokugawa Yorifusa. His grandfather was Tokugawa Ieyasu, who started the Tokugawa government.
Contents
Who Was Tokugawa Mitsukuni?
His Early Life
Tokugawa Mitsukuni was born on July 11, 1628. This was in a place called Mito Domain in Japan. He was the third son of Tokugawa Yorifusa. His father was the first lord of the Mito area. Mitsukuni's grandfather was Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu was the first shogun of Japan. A shogun was like a military ruler.
When Mitsukuni was six, his older brother became ill. So, Mitsukuni was chosen to take over from his father later. At age nine, he had a special genpuku ceremony. This was a traditional Japanese coming-of-age event. His childhood name was Chomaru, then Chiyomatsu. The shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, gave him this name.
A Big Project: The Great History Book
Mitsukuni was very smart and loved learning. He brought together many scholars. These scholars were part of a group called Mitogaku. Their main job was to write a huge history book. This book was called Dai Nihonshi.
The book told the history of Japan. It showed the Emperor as the main leader of the country. This idea was similar to how Chinese dynasties were seen. This book helped people feel proud of Japan. It also helped build a strong sense of national identity later on.
Becoming a Leader: Daimyo of Mito
In 1661, when Mitsukuni was 34, he became the lord, or daimyō, of the Mito Domain. He made some big changes in his area. He ordered that many Buddhist temples be taken down. He also wanted at least one shrine built in every village. This was called the "one village, one shrine" policy.
Later, at age 63, he received an important court title. It was called gon-chūnagon, or provisional middle counsellor. In 1691, he decided to retire. He moved to his quiet home called Seizan-sō.
A Guide to Kamakura
Mitsukuni also helped create the very first guide to Kamakura. This was a famous city in Japan. The guide was called the Shinpen Kamakurashi. This book had a huge impact on Kamakura. Even today, some parts of the city use names that he helped create. Examples are "Kamakura's Seven Mouths" and "Kamakura's Ten Bridges."
What He Liked to Eat!
Mitsukuni was also known for being a food lover. He lived during the Edo period. Some people say he was one of the first Japanese people to eat ramen. He also enjoyed trying new and interesting foods. These included things like wine and yogurt.
His Family and Legacy
In 1657, when he was 27, he married a daughter of Konoe Nobuhiro. Nobuhiro was a very high-ranking official. Mitsukuni had one son, Matsudaira Yoritsune. This son later became a lord of another area. Mitsukuni also adopted his elder brother's son, Tokugawa Tsunaeda. Tsunaeda became Mitsukuni's heir and took over as lord after him.
Mitsukuni passed away at his home, Seizansō, in 1701. After his death, he received very high honors. Today, he is even considered a kami. This means he is seen as a god or a spirit.
- Father: Tokugawa Yorifusa
- Mother: Hisa (later Kyushoin)
- Wife: Hiroko (daughter of Konoe Nobuhiro)
- Son: Matsudaira Yoritsune
Mito Kōmon: The Traveling Hero
The Story of Mito Kōmon
After Mitsukuni's time, people started telling stories about him. These were called kōdan, or narrative tales. One famous story was "Mito Mitsukuni Man'yūki." It made up stories about Mitsukuni traveling around Japan. In these stories, he pretended to be a normal person. He would then help people and stop bad guys everywhere he went.
This idea of him as a traveling hero became very popular. In 1951, the first TV show about him came out. Then, from 1969 to 2011, a very famous TV series called Mito Kōmon aired. It was so popular that people still watch reruns today! The show was even broadcast in the United States.
The Mito Komon Festival
Every summer, the city of Mito holds a special festival. It is called the Mito Komon festival. During the festival, you can see the Tokugawa family symbol. Actors also dress up as Tokugawa Mitsukuni and his helpers. It's a fun way to remember this important historical figure.
