Kōriki Kiyonaga

Who was Kōriki Kiyonaga?

Kōriki Kiyonaga was a Japanese daimyo during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and Edo periods. A native of Mikawa Province, Kiyonaga served the Tokugawa clan during its battles, until 1600.

Born in Mikawa, Kiyonaga first served Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1552. In Mikawa, he served as one of Ieyasu's three magistrates, together with Amano Yasukage and Honda Shigetsugu. Yasukage was known for his patience, Shigetsugu for his fortitude, and Kiyonaga for his leniency; this leniency earned him the nickname of "Buddha Kōriki".

Kiyonaga was also active in various battles. He transported provisions to Otaka castle at the Battle of Okehazama, helped suppress the Ikkō-ikki of Mikawa Province, joined in the pacification of Tōtōmi Province, and took part in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute. Kiyonaga also assisted with ship construction for the Seven-Year War.

Kiyonaga became a daimyo in 1590, when he was granted the 20,000 koku fief of Iwatsuki. As he was preceded in death by his son Masanaga, Kiyonaga retired after the Sekigahara, and passed down family headship to his grandson Tadafusa.