The Gempei War

Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189) was a legendary hero of the Gempei War (1180-1185) whose name is still remembered today by millions of Japanese.  He lost his father Yoshitomo in the Heiji War in 1160, and had to live a secluded life in a monastery.

Legend has it that Yoshitsune was instructed in martial arts and sword-fighting by the 'tengu', small goblins-half men and half bird-who inhabited the mountains of the monastery.  Years of studying with these tengu proved fruitful, for Yoshitsune became a mighty warrior, whose skills of martial arts and strategic warfare were uncomparable during his time.

In 1180 Yoshitsune reunited with his brother Yoritomo, and entered his service at Kamakura, a small fishing village that served as Yoritomo's headquarter, where he was raising an army to fight against the Taira clan, who killed their father in 1160 in the Heiji War.

Using his prowess and military skills, Yoshitsune helped his brother win battle after battle, and by 1184 he captured the capital Kyoto, the residence of the Taira clan.  By 1185, he thoroughly destroyed the Taira clan at the final showdown at Dan-no-ura, and put his brother Yoritomo as the virtual ruler of Japan.

However, jeolousy and suspection arose between the two brothers, and Yoshitsune was outlawed by his brother Yoritomo and was hunted like an animal throughout Japan.  With a tiny band of loyal followers, Yoshitsune managed to escape his brother's assassins, but eventually he ran out of luck.  Unable to hide any longer, Yoshitsune fought his last battle and then committed the hara-kiri, cutting open his abdomen with his sword, which was an honor death of a warrior.