Kojima Yatarō (小島 弥太郎, 1522 – 1582) was a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku period, who served the Uesugi clan of Echigo Province. He was one of Uesugi Kenshin's leading generals. His ferocity in combat gave rise to his nickname, Demon Kojima (鬼小島, Oni Kojima).[1]

Kojima Yatarō
Rear view of Oni-Kojima Yatarô Kazutada in armor with a sashimono, a woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from the series Six Select Heroes
BornYatarō
1522
Harima Province or Mimasaka Province, Japan
Died(1582-01-01)January 1, 1582 (aged 60–61)
Tenjinyama of Tochio Ohno cho, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture.
Battle
Native name小島弥太郎
Other namesKojima Sadaoki; Kazutoshi, Katsutoshi, alias: Kyonosuke, His name: Oni Kojima
ResidenceJapan
StyleKenjutsu
Teacher(s)Kenshin Uesugi

He was also sometimes called "The Ogre" because his helmet had an image of a grinning oni, a mythical creature which has been translated as ogre or demon. His weapon was a kanabō, a weapon associated with ogres, and thus adding further to his reputation.

References

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  1. ^ "小島弥太郎(読み)こじま・やたろう 朝日日本歴史人物事典「小島弥太郎」の解説". kotobank. Retrieved 20 October 2021.