Miyamoto Mikinosuke

Who was Miyamoto Mikinosuke?

Miyamoto Mikinosuke a retainer of the Japanese clan of Honda during the Edo period of Japan. Mikinosuke was famous for being the first of three adopted sons of the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. One day Miyamoto Musashi had been traveling on horseback along the Settsu road. At a certain inn at Nishinomiya, Musashi had seen a boy of fourteen or fifteen who had taken Musashi's horse for him. Musashi had perceived extraordinary qualities from this boy—Mikinosuke. Musashi then asked the boy, "Wouldn't you like to become my son? I would find a good lord for you.". Mikinosuke replied, "You are very kind to make such an offer, but I have old parents. The reason I am working as a hostler is to take care of them. If I became your adoptive son, my parents would immediately fall on hard times. I must therefore tell you no, with my thanks.". Musashi had then gone to Mikinosuke's house and met his parents. Musashi then had explained his plans to them, receiving their consent to adopt him. He then took Mikonosuke with him after giving a small sum or supportive money to his parents.