Soga Tokimune (曽我 時致, 1172 – June 28, 1193) was a samurai of the early Kamakura period in Japan. He is renowned, along with his elder brother Soga Sukenari, for carrying out the Soga Incident (曽我兄弟の仇討ち, Soga Kyōdai no Adauchi), a famous vendetta that took place in 1193. This act of revenge is one of the most celebrated adauchi (仇討ち, blood feuds or revenge killings) in Japanese history and has been extensively depicted in literature, theatre, and art.
Early Life and Background: Born into the Kawazu clan, a branch of the Kudō clan, Tokimune was the second son of Kawazu Sukeyasu. His mother was Mangō Gozen. In 1176, when Tokimune was about five years old, his father Sukeyasu was assassinated by Kudō Suketsune, a distant relative with whom Sukeyasu had a long-standing land dispute. Following their father's death, Tokimune and his brother Sukenari were raised by their mother, who later remarried Soga Sukeie, a samurai from Sagami Province. The brothers subsequently adopted the Soga surname. From an early age, they were instilled with the desire to avenge their father's death.
The Soga Incident (1193): The opportunity for revenge arose in 1193 during the Fuji no Makigari (富士の巻狩り), a large-scale hunting expedition organized by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the shogun, near Mount Fuji. Kudō Suketsune was present at this event, serving as one of Yoritomo's retainers.
On the night of May 28, 1193 (according to the lunar calendar, or June 28 in the Gregorian calendar), Soga Tokimune and Soga Sukenari infiltrated Suketsune's encampment. They successfully assassinated Kudō Suketsune, fulfilling their long-held vow. After killing Suketsune, the brothers caused a significant disturbance within the hunting grounds. Soga Sukenari was killed shortly after by Suketsune's retainers. Soga Tokimune, however, continued his rampage, reportedly killing several other samurai before eventually being apprehended after a fierce struggle.
Aftermath and Legacy: Soga Tokimune was brought before Minamoto no Yoritomo. Despite the grave nature of his actions, Yoritomo was reportedly impressed by Tokimune's courage and dedication to avenging his father, considering it an exemplary act of samurai loyalty and filial piety. However, to maintain order and justice, Tokimune was ultimately executed by beheading the following day.
The story of the Soga brothers quickly became a popular subject of narratives, inspiring numerous works across various artistic forms. It is one of the "Three Great Adauchi" (日本三大仇討ち, Nihon Sandai Adauchi) alongside the Ako Incident (Chūshingura) and the Igagoe Adauchi. The Soga Incident formed the basis for:
- Kōwakamai: Medieval narrative dances.
- Noh and Kabuki Theatre: Many famous plays, such as Kotobuki Soga no Taimen (寿曽我対面) and Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura (助六由縁江戸桜), depict the brothers' story.
- Jōruri (Puppet Theatre): Popular narratives.
- Literature: Historical romances and chronicles.
The Soga brothers are often seen as exemplars of filial devotion, perseverance, and the samurai code of honor. Their graves are located at sites associated with the incident, and they are revered in some local shrines.