〈以下、英訳〉

Kimura Shigenari 

For the samurai, being prepared to die was a way of life. Kimura Shigenari was a samurai so prepared, he caught his enemy by surprise and gained their admiration.

Kimura Shigenari‘s father was a much respected advisor to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and his mother was a wet-nurse to Hideyoshi’s son, Hideyori. Shigenari himself was a loyal page and later vassal serving Toyotomi Hideyori. 

Shigenari first took part in battle during the Winter Siege of Osaka in 1614, when the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu attacked the Toyotomi in Osaka Castle. At the age of just 21 Shigenari distinguished himself fighting against the troops of Satake Yoshinobu, taking the head of Shibue Masamistu, Satake’s high ranked general. He was also commended for rescuing and saving the life of his own retainer, Oi Kouemon. Ordinarily, because he was still young, because it was his first battle, because he took a famous generals’ head, it was expected the young warrior would become full of himself and arrogant, but Shigenari was different. 

In recognition of his fighting prowess, he was presented with a short sword by Hideyori, and a certificate proclaiming  him a “Peerless Hero of the Nation.” True to Samurai form, he returned the rewards out of loyalty, further escalating his standing.  From this episode alone, one can gather the sort of man this fine samurai was.

In 1615, Shigenari was involved in the Summer Siege of Osaka. Prior to entering the battle front, he prepared for death. He trimmed, washed and carefully arranged his hair, and burned perfumed incense inside his helmet. He did this to ensure his corpse was presentable to the enemy should he fall in battle. The young warrior led his samurai well and faced the ferocity of the Ii clan without once wavering from the front lines. He fought admirably until the end, when he was killed in action.

When his head was presented before Tokugawa Ieyasu, the care taken in preparation, and the aroma of the incense was well noted and admired by the enemy.

Kimura Shigenari was strong and courageous, yet humble. Although only in his 20’s, he maintained a certain air of “do or die” about him. Kimura Shigenari died a glorious death, one befitting a noble samurai!