Keyamura Rokusuke

Keyamura Rokusuke (毛谷村六助) (d.1593) a retainer of the Japanese clan of Toyotomi following the Azuchi-Momoyama period of the 16th century of Japan. The first vocation of Rokusuke was farming. His talents were soon discovered by Kato Kiyomasa, and Kato hired him as a scout. He changed name Kida-Magobe (木田孫兵衛) to Keyamura Rokusuke when he became a samurai.

Folklore of Rongae

There is a well-known folklore in Korea that Keyamura Rokusuke was killed by a kisaeng named Nongae, though no history records show such incident. This folklore became popular in 1960's in Korea. Following the second siege of Jinju during the year of 1593, Rokusuke was one of many victorious Japanese commanders. That same night the Japanese high command had celebrated in the castle of Jinju due to their victory. Rokusuke, who was lured out on to a balcony by a certain Korean kisaeng called Nongae. After Nongae gave Rokusuke a passionate embrace, Nongae then toppled backwards, taking Rokusuke and herself to their deaths. A shrine to Nongae still stands on this site.

Other Legends

It is also known that Rokusuke was loved as a "farmer who was stronger than a samurai." Keyamura Rokusuke, in Kabuki is portrayed as a giant.

References

"The Samurai Sourcebook"