Ōtomo no Otomaro facts for kids

Ōtomo no Otomaro (大伴 弟麻呂 or 大伴 乙麻呂, 731 – July 14, 809) was an important Japanese general. He lived during the Nara period and the early Heian period. He is famous for being the very first person to be given the special title of sei-i taishōgun. This important title was given to him by Emperor Kanmu in the year 794. Some people think he was born a bit earlier, around 727. His father was named Ōtomo no Koshibi.

Ōtomo no Otomaro: A General's Life

Ōtomo no Otomaro had a long and successful career as a military leader. He played a key role in protecting Japan and expanding its control.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

• Ōtomo no Otomaro was born around the year 731. His father was Ōtomo no Koshibi.
• In 779, he received an important honor. He was granted the second grade of the fifth rank.
• The next year, in 780, he was given a job as a lieutenant. This meant he helped lead the Palace Guards.

Important Military Achievements

• In 783, Otomaro became a deputy general. He helped lead an expedition in the Hitachi region.
• He continued to rise in rank. By 791, he was granted the second grade of the fourth rank.
• His most famous achievement came in 794. Emperor Kanmu gave him the title of Sei-i Taishōgun. This means "Barbarian-subduing Great General."
• As Sei-i Taishōgun, he worked with another famous general, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. Together, they helped to bring the Emishi people under control. The Emishi lived in northern Japan.
• Because of his great success in battle, Otomaro received more honors. In 795, he was given the second grade of the third rank. He also received the Order of Merit, Second Class. This was a special award for his military achievements.

Later Years and Legacy

• Ōtomo no Otomaro passed away on July 14, 809.
• He is remembered as the first Sei-i Taishōgun. This title later became very important in Japanese history. It was used for the military rulers of Japan for many centuries.