Saturday, April 1, 2017

Kanematsu Masayoshi and Ashinaka



In 1573, Kanematsu Masayoshi (1542-1627) received a pair of un-heeled Japanese sandals from Nobunaga.  The Shincho-Ko ki  explains,

"Nobunaga always carried a pair of half-sole sandals (ashinaka) attached to his waist.  In the current fighting, Kanematsu Matashiro pursued an enemy horseman into the hills around Mount Tone; eventually, he returned with the man's head.  He had gone barefooted, so his feet were dyed red with blood when he returned.  On seeing this, Nobunaga took those sandals from his waist and gave them to Kanematsu telling him to make good use of them.  What good fortune, what an honor."

Tenka no tame!

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