Nitta Yoshisada
1301 - 1338
Nitta Yoshisada prepares to throw his sword into the sea as an
offering so that the gods will roll back the tide and let his army
pass. Nitta Yoshisada was a loyalist
warrior who hoped to restore the ancient prosperity of his house by
answering the call to arms by emperor Go-Daigo. His house was decended
from the senior branch of the Minamoto. Because his ancestors had refused
to join Minamoto Yoritomo promptly in the early days of the war against
the Heike, the Nitta were never given important posts in the Kamakura
government. On May 7th, 1333, a concerted attack by many armies attacked
Kyoto in order to restore Go-Daigo to the throne, and on May 21st, forces
led by Yoshisada captured Kamakura. On the 24th, Hojo Hidetoki, the
military governor of Kyushu, was destroyed by rebellious local families,
including the Shoni and Otomo. Go-Daigo was able to re-enter the capital
on the 5th of June, 1333. Shortly thereafter, Nitta was appointed by
Go-Daigo Governor of Echigo Province, and Vice-Governor of Kozuke
and
Harima Provinces. When Ashikaga Takauji began attempting to overthrow
Go-Daigo (after first helping him to regain the throne), Nitta led the
resistance against him. Yoshisada was considered an ineffectual military
leader by Kusunoki
Masashige, who suggested to Emperor Go-Daigo to have Yoshisada killed,
and make peace with Ashikaga Takauji.
Yoshisada was killed in battle in 1338.
___________________________________________________________________Compiled by C.E. West
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