Shitennō (Minamoto clan)
Shitennō, a Japanese term normally referring to the Buddhist Four Heavenly Kings, is also applied to particularly famous or loyal retainers, in groups of four, to certain of Japan's most famous legendary and historical figures.
The following four are referred to in legend as the Shitennō of Minamoto no Yorimitsu :
Minamoto no Yoshitsune was accompanied by the following four, his so-called Shitennō, who feature in the kabuki play Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura and other works:
- Suruga Jirō Kiyoshige
- Kamei Rokurō Shigekiyô
- Kataoka Hachirō Tsuneharu
- Ise Saburō Yoshimori
