Kikuchi Takemitsu

Kikuchi Takemitsu (died 1373) built a military following in Higo, in present-day Kumamoto. He was a son of Taketoki but did not begin as head of the Kikuchi household. Help from Era Korezumi, of an Aso branch, contributed to his recovery of the family’s base. In 1348 he welcomed Prince Kaneyoshi, Go-Daigo’s son and the Southern Court’s commander in the west. [S01, S02]

The prince supplied imperial authorization; Takemitsu and allied families supplied fighting forces. Takemitsu defeated Ashikaga representatives and rival Kyushu coalitions, notably at the Chikugo River in 1359. In 1361 the prince’s headquarters moved to Dazaifu, giving the Southern Court a strong regional center. This success depended on local commanders and negotiated support. It cannot be credited to the prince alone, or treated as unbroken allegiance by all Kyushu warriors. [S01, S02]

The shogunate’s appointment of Imagawa Sadayo renewed pressure. Takemitsu’s side lost Dazaifu in 1372, and he died the following year. He also founded Shōkan-ji, linking his household to Zen institutions. The grave now associated with him there was erected in 1779. His military gains had receded before his death, while later memorials preserved his standing as a Southern Court commander. [S01, S02]