Kumagai Naozane

Kumagai no Jirō Naozane (熊谷 次郎 直実) (March 24, 1141 – September 27, 1207/October 25, 1208) was a famous soldier who served the Genji (Minamoto) clan during the Heian period and Kamakura era of Japanese medieval history.

Kumagai is particularly known for his exploits during the Genpei War, specifically for killing the young warrior Taira no Atsumori at the battle of Ichi-no-tani in 1184.

Atsumori's death and the circumstances surrounding it went on to be fictionalized and retold in numerous forms, including the Heike Monogatari epic, a number of Noh plays, and in the jōruri and kabuki theatres as well.

During the battle of Ichi-no-Tani, Atsumori and Kumagai met on the beach at Suma, as the main Genji force approached and the Heike fled to their ships.

Discovering that the flute was given to Taira no Tadamori by Emperor Toba, and later passed down to Atsumori, he reportedly felt even more sadness and regret for his actions.

[5] Later in life, Kumagai remained remorseful over the people he killed in his career as a soldier, and grew discontented with following Minamoto no Yoritomo,[6] so he visited the Pure Land Buddhist Hōnen and explained that he was concerned with the afterlife.

Kumagai was said to have burst into tears, fearing that Hōnen would instruct him to "cut off his hands and feet or give up his life" in order to find salvation from his sins.

Kumagai is often depicted riding his horse backwards. Though likely more myth than historical fact, he is said to have been determined to always face towards the Western Paradise of Amida , even when riding to the east, as part of his penance and devotion. [ 1 ]
Ukiyo-e of Kumagai Naozane and Taira no Atsumori