Tsumaki Hiroko (妻木煕子, 1530 – November 27, 1576) was a Japanese noble woman from theSengoku period. She is also known as Omaki-no-kata, Omaki and Fuseya-hime, with her real name uncertain. The name Hiroko probably originated from her father's nameTsumaki Norihiro. She was the wife ofAkechi Mitsuhide, a prominent general of theOda clan, and the mother ofHosokawa Gracia, a famous Christian convert. She played a pivotal role in Mitsuhide's early career and in stabilizing theAkechi clan, which would later be responsible for one of the most impactful events in Japanese history: the murder ofOda Nobunaga in theHonnoji Incident.[1]
Hiroko was the subject of ahaiku byMatsuo Bashō, which reads "Tsuki sabi yo / Akechi ga tsuma no / hanashisen" ("Moon be sad / of the wife of Akechi / let us speak"). The sadness could be a reference to the common story that Hiroko died as a result of nursing her husband through a serious disease, which she herself then caught. However, since Japanese commentaries on the poem do not mention her death, the sadness seems to instead from the sacrifice of her own personal dreams which was required to support her husband.[1]
Tsumaki Hiroko born as the daughter of Tsumaki Norihiro, castellan of Tsumaki Castle. While the date of her birth is unknown, based on one theory, she was born as the eldest daughter around 1530. She betrothed Akechi Mitsuhide in 1545. However, she later had smallpox and her entire body remained pockmarked. It is said that her father Norihiro sent her sister, who was very much like Hiroko, to Mitushide disguised as Hiroko, but Mitsuhide found out and rejected her, preferring to marry Hiroko.
During her marriage she gave birth toHosokawa Gracia, a Christian convert who became a popular figure in Japanese history. Hiroko was a determined woman who actively engaged in helping the Akechi clan. Her devotion to her family was immortalized in stories, paintings and popular culture.
In 1556, Mitsuhide supportedSaitō Dōsan at theBattle of Nagaragawa. There is an anecdote that, afterSaitō Yoshitatsu (the eldest son of Dōsan who was in an internal conflict with him) toppledAkechi Castle, Mitsuhide carried a pregnant Hiroko on his back while fleeing toEchizen Province. When Mitsuhide and Hiroko fled to Echizen, they asked to serveAsakura Yoshikage. Despite going through difficult times, Mitsuhide organized a renga (linked verse poetry) event. Hiroko was aware of the struggles Mitsuhide faced in preparing for the feast and sold her own black hair to cover expenses.[2]
Hiroko's relationship with Mitsuhide was genuine, he refused any offer to have a concubine. This relationship has proven strong since she helped Mitsuhide through his hard days - the surrender of the homeland castle, theronin (masterless) life, serving theAsakura clan, theAshikaga clan and the Oda clan.[3]
In 1576, Hiroko fell ill. Mitsuhide requested prayers from a Shintō priest for her convalescence. She recovered after ten days, so silver pieces were donated to give thanks at the shrine. Kanemi paid a visit to Hiroko at the quarters of Mitsuhide inKyōto to wish for her continuing recovery and met with Mitsuhide.
There are several theories about her death, the first is said that she desperately nursed Mitsuhide when he suffered from a serious illness, but she died due to the nursing fatigue. However, some says that she died in 1582 when the Sakamoto Castle fell during theBattle of Yamazaki.[4]
Her grave is in Saikyo-ji Temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, the family temple of the Akechi clan and Tsumaki clan.