To Kill a Shogun: The Sad Tale of Minamoto no Sanetomo

In 1219, the shogun Minamoto no Sanetomo, samurai lord of all Japan, was slain on the steps of Tsurugaoka Shrine in Kamakura, killed by his own nephew in cold blood. Who was Sanetomo - and why was he assassinated?
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[@noahoskow4551]

Hey everyone, glad I was able to get another historical video essay out! Been a very busy few months here in Japan. At the same time, work brought me to Kamakura a few times over the past while, and I was able to get a fair bit of footage while out there - walking around the yagura at Jufuku-ji was an especially interesting experience. Kamakura is an incredibly appealing city, and knowing a bit about the Minamoto and Hojo families only increases the appeal. Walking the steps of Tsurugaoka Shrine is all the more interesting when you know what happened to Sanetomo in that exact spot. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

[@Auride]

Excellent video. I wonder if the years of isolation and devotion caused Kugyō's anger to fester, rather than to cool.

[@Matixmer]

If it is not mere bravado Sanetomo was only the last Minamoto Shogun of Kamakura. Since Ieyasu claimed Minamoto blood.

[@noahoskow4551]

Yes, the Tokugawa were just one among the last to claim descent from the Seiwa Genji line of the Minamoto. I think it's more likely we could consider Ashikaga Takauji and his heirs as legitimate Minamoto descendant shoguns - I'm not sure what real evidence we have of the Matsudaira/Tokugawa actually being Seiwa Genji descendants.

[@Matixmer]

@@noahoskow4551 According to DNA studies 1 in 200 humans are descended from Genghis Khan. That makes roughly ~ 40.000.000 descendants. Without the DNA evidence, how many could realistically prove otherwise they’re descended from him? Not saying it’s true, but I like to think it being so is poetic in some way.

[@ScarletRebel96]

I shall watch this with some sake lol

[@WalkingMoments]

Junmai only ;)

[@UnseenJapan]

@@WalkingMoments Junmai daiginjo over here!

[@roflcopter98765]

Do you have the link to the musical? It’s catchy

[@UnseenJapan]

Sure, the Yoritomo one is here. Part of a wide-ranging series of songs about historical Japanese personages. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoHUXphqa6yAn9ksi=50sYZP9u7erCA6Yj

[@vfholloway8667]

Amazing video, I love listening to these! It's a pocket of history I just know nothing about, and they're just so informative