Ōtomo no Tabito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ōtomo no Tabito
大伴旅人 |
|
|---|---|
Ōtomo no Tabito in Zenken Kojitsu by Kikuchi Yōsai
|
|
| Born | 665 |
| Died | 31 August 731 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Occupation | court noble, poet |
| Spouse(s) | Ōtomo no Iratsume |
| Parents |
|
Ōtomo no Tabito (大伴 旅人, 665 - 31 August 731) was an important Japanese noble, a military leader, and a poet. He is famous for leading a military campaign against the Hayato Rebellion. He was also the father of Ōtomo no Yakamochi. Both father and son helped create the Man'yōshū, a very old and famous collection of Japanese poems. Ōtomo no Tabito held high positions in the government, like Dainagon, which was a top court rank.
Contents
Life of Ōtomo no Tabito
Early Years and Rise to Power
Ōtomo no Tabito was born in the year 665. His father was Ōtomo no Yasumaro, who was also a high-ranking official called a Dainagon. His mother was Iratsume, the daughter of Kose no Hito.
In 710, during a New Year's Day celebration, he showed his leadership. He led a group of cavalry, Hayato, and Emishi warriors. He was the Shogun of the Left, a military commander. They marched along the Suzaku Avenue in a grand parade.
Tabito steadily moved up in government ranks. In 711, he received the Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade. By 715, he was promoted to Junior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade. He became the Minister of the Center. In 718, he was promoted to Chūnagon, another important position. The next year, 719, he reached Senior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade.
Leading the Hayato Rebellion
In 720, a major event happened in Kyushu. The Hayato in Ōsumi Province rebelled after their governor was killed. Ōtomo no Tabito was chosen to lead the Japanese forces. His mission was to stop the rebellion.
He successfully led the military campaign. After the rebellion was mostly under control, he was called back to Nara. However, some of his men stayed behind to finish the job. Thanks to his efforts, the southern part of Kyushu came firmly under the control of the Imperial court.
His success led to more promotions. In 721, he was promoted to Junior Third Rank. When Emperor Shōmu became emperor in 724, Tabito was promoted again to Senior Third Rank.
Life in Dazaifu
Around 728, Ōtomo no Tabito was sent to Dazaifu in Kyushu. He went there with his wife, Ōtomo no Iratsume. He became the Governor of Dazaifu. This was his second time being sent to Kyushu.
Some people believe this move was a political decision. Others think he was sent because he was very skilled. He was good at diplomacy and defending the country. This was important due to the international situation at the time.
While in Dazaifu, he worked on the Chikushi Kadan. This was a part of the famous Man'yōshū poetry collection. He worked with other famous poets like Yamanoue no Okura and Sami Mansei. Sadly, his wife passed away after they arrived in Dazaifu.
In 730, he received his final major promotion. He was appointed as a Dainagon.
A Poet's Life
Ōtomo no Tabito lived at the same time as another great poet, Hitomaro. While Tabito didn't have as much success in the Imperial Court, he was a respected poet.
When he was the Governor-General of Dazaifu, he loved to host parties. He held a famous plum-blossom viewing party. At these parties, he encouraged his subordinates to write poems. They tried to imitate the elegant style of Chinese poems.
He also showed his Chinese education in his own poetry. He wrote thirteen tanka poems praising sake (Japanese rice wine). These poems are still famous today.
