Draft:Kitsuregawa Domain

The Kitsuregawa Domain (喜連川藩), was founded in Kitsuregawa, Shioya County, Shimotsuke Province , which is present-day Kiregawa in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, following the Battle of Sekigahara. The domain's administrative center is situated at Kitsuregawa Castle, serving as the residence of the ruling daimyo, the Kitsuregawa clan. The Kitsuregawa clan is headed by the daimyo, whose legitimate wives are Koga Kubo and Ashikaga Ujihime. Descended from Ashikaga Motouji, the second son of Ashikaga Takauji, the Kitsuregawa clan is the sole survivng branch of the renowned Ashikaga clan to have retained its status as a daimyo until the Meiji Restoration, alongside the Hosokawa clan.

History
Although Kitsuregawa Yoriuji did take part in the Battle of Sekigahara, he later dispatched a representative to Tokugawa Ieyasu to commemorate their triumph, resulting in an increase of 1,000 koku in 1602. However, despite this increment, his total holdings amounted to only around 4,500 koku, which falls short of being considered a domain and instead places him in the category of a daimyo. Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, respected the Ashikaga clan, former Shogun clan, and Genji choja. He honored them with the title of Goshogo and elevated their status. Ieyasu also took on the titles of Sahyoe no kami and Sama no kami, traditionally held by the Kamakura kubo. These titles were self-proclaimed but recognized by the shogunate and others. Ieyasu used the name Kitsuregawa instead of Ashikaga. The Kitsuregawa Domain, ruled by the Kitsuregawa clan during the Edo period underwent changes in the Meiji period. The Niwa clan was restored to Ashikaga, and the Ashikaga clan was recognized as a kezoku. The Kitsuregawa Domain was abolished in 1870 and merged into Nikko Prefecture, which later merged with Utsunomiya Prefecture and eventually became Tochigi Prefecture.

List of daimyo

 * {| class=wikitable

! #||Name || Tenure || Courtesy title || Court Rank || kokudaka
 * colspan=6| Ashikaga mon.svg Kitsuregawa clan, 1593 - 1870 (Tozama daimyo)
 * 1||Kitsuregawa Yoriuji (喜連川頼氏)||1593 – 1630|| ' -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||3,500 koku||
 * 2||Kitsuregawa Takanobu (喜連川尊信)||1630 – 1648|| Sahyoe no kami (サヒオノー私たち) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||3,500 koku||
 * 3||Kitsuregawa Akiuji (喜連川昭氏)||1648 – 1713|| Sahyoe no kami (サヒオノー私たち) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||3,500 koku||
 * 4||Kitsuregawa Ujiharu (喜連川氏春)||1713 – 1721|| -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||3,500 koku||
 * 5||Kitsuregawa Shigeuji (喜連川茂氏)||1721 – 1757|| -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||4,500koku||
 * 6||Kitsuregawa Ujitsura (喜連川氏連)||1757 - 1762|| Ubei-gashira (宇兵衛頭) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||4,500 koku||
 * 7||Kitsuregawa Yasuji (喜連川恵氏)||1762 – 1789|| Sahyoe no kami, Daisuke Okura (左兵衛督 大倉大輔) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||4,500 koku||
 * 8||Kitsuregawa Chikauji (喜連川恵氏)||1789 – 1830|| Uhyoe no kami, Sahyoe no kami (右兵衛神、佐兵衛神) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||4,500koku||
 * 9||Kitsuregawa Hiroji(喜連川彭氏)||1830 – 1861|| Samagashira (左頭) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下)||4,500 koku||
 * 10||Kitsuregawa Yoshiuji(喜連川煕氏)||1861 – 1862|| Sakon, Sahyoe no kami (左近、差ヒョ絵の髪) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * 11||Kitsuregawa Tsunauji (喜連川宜氏)||1862 – 1868|| Samagashira (左頭) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * 12||Satouji (喜連川縄氏)||1868 – 1871|| -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * }
 * 7||Kitsuregawa Yasuji (喜連川恵氏)||1762 – 1789|| Sahyoe no kami, Daisuke Okura (左兵衛督 大倉大輔) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||4,500 koku||
 * 8||Kitsuregawa Chikauji (喜連川恵氏)||1789 – 1830|| Uhyoe no kami, Sahyoe no kami (右兵衛神、佐兵衛神) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||4,500koku||
 * 9||Kitsuregawa Hiroji(喜連川彭氏)||1830 – 1861|| Samagashira (左頭) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下)||4,500 koku||
 * 10||Kitsuregawa Yoshiuji(喜連川煕氏)||1861 – 1862|| Sakon, Sahyoe no kami (左近、差ヒョ絵の髪) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * 11||Kitsuregawa Tsunauji (喜連川宜氏)||1862 – 1868|| Samagashira (左頭) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * 12||Satouji (喜連川縄氏)||1868 – 1871|| -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * }
 * 10||Kitsuregawa Yoshiuji(喜連川煕氏)||1861 – 1862|| Sakon, Sahyoe no kami (左近、差ヒョ絵の髪) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * 11||Kitsuregawa Tsunauji (喜連川宜氏)||1862 – 1868|| Samagashira (左頭) ||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * 12||Satouji (喜連川縄氏)||1868 – 1871|| -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * }
 * 12||Satouji (喜連川縄氏)||1868 – 1871|| -none-||Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) ||5,000 koku||
 * }
 * }

Kitsuregawa Yoriuji
Kitsuregawa Yoriuji (喜連川頼氏, 1580 - June 12, 1630), a prominent figure during the Azuchi-Momoyama period through the early Edo period, held the esteemed positions of both a samurai and a daimyo. He is best known as the inaugural lord of the Kitsunagawa Domain, which was located in the Shimotsuke Province. As a respected leader, Yoriuji played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of his time. His legacy as a samurai and daimyo continues to be remembered and revered to this day.

In 1580, Yorihuji was born as the second son of Ashikaga Yorizumi. His older brother passed away in 1593, making Ujihime the lawful wife of his brother and inheriting the Kitsuregawa family name. In 1598, Yorihuji started issuing public notes about the Kanto Jusetsu. During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Yorihuji held down Uesugi Kagekatsu and was praised for his war service. He received an additional 1000 koku from Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1616, Yorihuji’s order was positioned between Kunimochi Daimyo and Shodayu. The Kitsuregawa clan was valued as a famous family of the Ashikaga clan’s end ryu and treated as a national lord of 100,000 koku. Kitsuregawa Yoriuji passed away on June 12, 1630, and his legitimate son, Kitsuregawa Takanobu, succeeded him as the head of the clan.

Kitsuregawa Takanobu

Kitsuregawa Takanobu (喜連川尊信, 1619 - April 14, 1653), was the second lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain in Shimotsuke Province. He was the son of Yoshichika and the grandson of Kitsuregawa Yoriuji, the first lord of the domain. His mother was Hanafusa, who was the adopted daughter of Sakakibara Yasumasa, and his wife was the daughter of Nasu Sukekage. He had three daughters, one of whom was married to Fukuhara Suketoshi, another to Yuji Amano, and the third to Nagayama-ni, the 21st Tokei-ji Temple. His official rank was Sahyoe no kami. Takanobu, also known as Ryuchiyomaru in his childhood, later adopted the name Sonshin. After his father passed away in 1627, he was chosen by the Tokugawa shogunate to succeed the family estate upon his grandfather's death in 1630. However, a leadership dispute within the domain led to the Kitsuregawa riot in 1647. As a result, he was forced to retire in 1648 and passed on the family estate to his son Akira, who was only 7 years old at the time. Takanobu died on March 17, 1653, at the age of 35, with his posthumous name being Zuihoinden Shozan-ko Daikoji.

Kitsuregawa Akiuji
Kitsuregawa Akiuji (喜連川昭氏, October 24, 1642 - November 12, 1713), was a prominent figure during the early to mid-Edo period, held the esteemed title of daimyo as the 3rd lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain located in Shimotsuke Province. Known by various titles such as Umechiyo, Sama no kami, and Sahyoe no kami, Kitsuregawa Akiuji played a significant role in the feudal system of Japan during his time as a daimyo. In the year 1647, the domain faced a significant event known as the Kitsuregawa riot, which was initiated by the people. In 1648, Kitsuregawa Akiuji decided to retire and passed on his responsibilities to his 7-year-old son. Three years later, in 1650, Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered Sakakibara Tadatsugu (also known as Matsudaira Tadatsugu) become the ward of the young successor. Kitsuregawa Akiuji died on November 12, 1713, at the age of 72. His name was Kozan Kyoko Rei Tokuin.

Kitsuregawa Ujiharu
Kitsuregawa Ujiharu (喜連川氏春, May 11, 1670 - June 25, 1721), a prominent daimyo in the mid-Edo period, was born on May 11, 1670, as the second son of Miyahara Yoshitatsu. He inherited the Kitsuregawa Domain after his younger brother's untimely death. Ujiharu's life changed when he met Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1682. However, tragedy struck in 1713 when his wife, Aki, passed away. Ujiharu himself died on January 19, 1714, at the age of 52. Despite his early death, Ujiharu's eldest son, Shigeuji, succeeded him as the lord of the domain, continuing his family's legacy. Ujiharu's contributions as a daimyo in the mid-Edo period remain significant in Japanese history.

Kitsuregawa Shigeuji
Kitsuregawa Shigeuji (喜連川茂氏, December 2, 1701 - May 15, 1767), a key figure in the mid-Edo period, was the fifth lord of the  Kitsuregawa Domain. Born in either 1700 or 1702, he succeeded his father as lord in 1721 after meeting Tokugawa Yoshimune in 1717. Known for his archery skills, he retired in 1757 and passed leadership to his son Ujiren, who tragically died before him. Kitsuregawa Shigeuji was praised for his efforts in maintaining public order in the Kitsuregawa Domain, making it safe from bandits. Residents felt secure enough to leave their doors unlocked at night. Despite his success in civil administration, he faced sorrow in his later years when his son Ujiren passed away prematurely.

Kitsuregawa Ujitsura
Kitsuregawa Ujitsura (喜連川氏連, 1739 - December 17, 1762), a prominent daimyo during the Edo period, held the esteemed position of being the 6th lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain, showcasing his noble lineage and leadership within the feudal system of Japan. Born in either 1739 or June 23, 1741, as the second son of Shigeuji, the fifth lord of the domain, Ujitsura's upbringing and early life were steeped in the traditions and responsibilities of his prestigious family background. Following his father's retirement on December 25, 1757, Ujitsura assumed the mantle of leadership, taking on the duties and obligations that came with being the lord of the domain. However, his reign was tragically cut short when he passed away at a young age on December 17, 1762, leaving behind a legacy that would be carried on by his adopted heir, Megumi, who hailed from the Kato clan of the Iyo and Ozu Domains.

Kitsuregawa Yasuji
Kitsuregawa Yasuji (喜連川恵氏, 1752 - May 16, 1829), was a prominent figure in the Edo period and the seventh lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain in Shimotsuke Province. Born in either 1752 or 1754, he was the eldest son of Kato Yasunori, the sixth lord of the Ozu Domain. In November 1761, he was adopted as the heir by Ujiren Kitsuregawa and officially assumed the role on February 23, 1762. During his tenure, Kitsuregawa Megumi had a significant encounter with Tokugawa Ieharu in December 1769, which influenced his future endeavors. On December 10, 1790, he retired and passed on leadership to his son, Peng. He embraced a new chapter as a retired daimyo, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and contributions to his domain and the Edo period. He died on May 16, 1829, leaving a lasting legacy.

Kitsuregawa Chikauji
Kitsuregawa Chikauji (喜連川恵氏, November 22, 1771 - March 7, 1833), the eighth lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain, was a prominent daimyo during the late Edo period. Born on November 22, 1771, he was the eldest son of Kitsuregawa Yasuji, the seventh lord of the domain. On December 15, 1787, Chikauji had the honor of meeting Shogun Tokugawa Ienari. Following his father's retirement on December 10, 1789, Chikauji succeeded him as the lord of the domain. As a result, he was granted an additional 500 koku, increasing the Kitsuregawa domain's total to 5,000 koku. Recognized for his capabilities, Chikauji was appointed as the commander of the left army on March 1, 1790. After serving his domain and the Tokugawa shogunate for several decades, he decided to retire and pass on the headship of the family to his third son, Hiroji, on November 28, 1830. Kitsuregawa Chikauji passed away on March 7, 1833, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and dedication to his domain.

Kitsuregawa Hiroji
Kitsuregawa Hiroji (喜連川彭氏, January 19, 1812 - November 10 1861), became the 9th lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain in the late Edo period after the deaths of his elder brothers. After his father retired in 1830, Hiroji took on the responsibilities of being the head of the clan and met with Shogun Tokugawa Ienari later that year. Kitsuregawa Hiroji passed away in 1861 at the age of 50. His adopted son Kiuji left the clan in 1858, leading to changes within the clan during the Meiji Restoration period. Yoshiuji, adopted from the Hosokawa clan, inherited the headship of the family from Kitsuregawa Hiroji continuing his legacy.

Kitsuregawa Yoshiuji



Kitsuregawa Yoshiuji (喜連川煕氏, January 19, 1834 - May 3, 1862), Takatsune Hosokawa, also known as Kitsuregawa Yoshiuji held the esteemed position of a daimyo during the late Edo period in Japan. As the 10th lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain, he was responsible for governing and overseeing the affairs of his feudal territory. Born as the eldest son of Hosokawa Sadayoshi, who himself was the second son of Koo and the fourth son of Hosokawa Okinori, the lord of the Uto Domain, Takatsune carried a prestigious lineage within the Hosokawa clan. Kitsuregawa Hirouji, the ninth lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain, was adopted on December 24, 1859 by Nagaoka Moriyoshi, the sixth son of Hosokawa Namori. However, their adoption was dissolved in April 1858, and he was membraced himself from the Hosokawa clan in December of the same year. On December 1, 1860, he met the Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi. Then, in December 1861, he officially inherited the family estate. He died on May 3, 1862, at the age of 29. Kitsuregawa Tsunauji

Kitsuregawa Tsunauji (喜連川宜氏, April 7, 1844 - March 2, 1874), a prominent figure during the Edo period, held the esteemed position of a daimyo, which denoted his status as a Japanese feudal lord. As the 11th lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain, he played a significant role in governing and overseeing the affairs of his domain during the final years of the Edo period. Born on April 7, 1844, as the eleventh son of Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of the Mito Domain, Akitsuna had an unconventional upbringing. His life changed when he became the adopted son and head of the Kitsuregawa clan, taking on the name Nawaji and adopting the common name Samato. During this time, he had a fateful encounter with the 14th Shogun, Tokugawa Iemochi. Akitsuna navigated the complexities of the new government, supporting them by providing provisions to their army and punishing those who falsely accused them. He eventually handed over the clan headship to his adopted son due to illness and passed away in March 1874, leaving behind a legacy of political navigation and stability-seeking in a turbulent time.

Ashikaga Satouji

Ashikaga Satouji (足利聡氏, April 13, 1857 - after January 1921), was a prominent daimyo during the transition from the Edo period to the early Meiji period, serving as the 12th and final lord of the Kitsuregawa Domain, known as Chihanji. Ashikaga Satouji led the Kitsuregawa Domain, also known as Chihanji, during the transition from the Edo era to the Meiji era as the twelfth and last lord.He was appointed to the rank of Jugoinoge and Samadō on June 18th. After the Kitsuregawa Domain was merged into Nikko Prefecture in 1870, he was granted a permanent stipend of 193 koku of rice and retired in 1876 due to illness. He passed on the leadership to Oumaru Ashikaga and was reinstated to his parents' family, the Miyahara family. Satoshi passed away on January 21, 1921, at the age of 65, while his wife Ume died on January 17, 1943, at the age of 71.