Takemura Yoemon Explained

Takemura Yoemon
Native Name:竹村与右衛門
Native Name Lang:Japanese
Nationality:Japanese
Other Names:Miyamoto Yoemon
Hirao Yoemon
Takemura Yoemon Noritoshi[1]
Parents:Miyamoto Musashi (adoptive father)
Relatives:Mikinosuke (adoptive brother)
Kurōtarō (adoptive brother)
Iori (adoptive brother)

was a swordsman during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. He was also possibly one of Miyamoto Musashi's adopted sons.

Biography

Early life

Yoemon was descended from the paternal side of Miyamoto Musashi's family and was likely adopted by him at an unknown time.[2]

The name "Takemura" was used by Musashi during later life.[3]

Career

Yoemon was known throughout history as one of Miyamoto Musashi's most senior students. After Musashi had left the province of Owari, Yoemon received the successorship to the School of Musashi. Two swordsman of note that had propagated the School of Musashi as disciples under Yoemon were Takemura Masatoshi and Hayashi Shiryu. After Shiryu had been trained by Yoemon for a great length of time, Shiryu received the final transmission of the Enmei ryu from Yoemon.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Shurikendo: My Study of the Way of Shuriken. Ikku-Ken. Paul H. Crompton Limited. 1987. 9780901764942. 101.
  2. Book: Tokitsu, Kenji. Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings. Shambhala Publications. 2006. 9780834824881. 127. Chodzin Kohn. Sherab. Kenji Tokitsu.
  3. Book: Mol, Serge. Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts. Kodansha International. 2003. 9784770029416. 165. Serge Mol.