Thursday 7 May 2015

What a Friend We Have in Jizōs 6



Kiyomori, the Taira central figure of the first section, is characterized as arrogant, evil, ruthless and so consumed by the fires of hatred that even in death nothing can cool his fevered body. Water sprayed on his body turns to flames and black smoke that fills the room. Before his death, Prince Mochihito had sent Yoritomo an imperial order.

        ‘To the members of the Minamoto clan in the provinces of the three 
         regions of the Tkai, Tsan, and Hokuriku, as well as their soldiers: It 
         is ordered that Lay Priest Kiyomori and the rebellious cohorts who 
         follow him be pursued and destroyed at the earliest time possible.’

Kiyomori’s successor, Munemori, was even more aggressive, and attacked Minamoto bases from Kyoto.

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