Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858)

The Tale of the Soga Brothers is a famous warrior tale of filial piety and revenge based on legends surrounding the warrior Soga brothers, Juro Sukenari (1172-93) and Goro Tokimune (1174-93). The story follows Kodo Suketsune who, angry at losing the inheritance of his uncle, had his uncle’s son, Kozu Saburo Sukemichi murdered. Eighteen years later, Sukemichi’s two sons Juro and Goro killed Suketsune during a hunting party on Mount Fuji. Juro was killed during the fight, however Goro was captured. Although the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo, praised the brothers’ bravery and loyalty, Suketsune demanded execution.

The story was first told by travelling entertainers who gradually embellished it with new elements of romance and adventure, however it was later popularised in the 17th century onwards with numerous stage adaptations for Noh, joruri puppet plays and particularly kabuki, which in turn inspired print artists such as Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi to produce woodblock prints based on the story.