Epic
Traditional Yokai

Kincho

Kincho

Also Known As
Kincho-danukiKincho Myojin
Category
Shapeshifter
Personality
Deeply loyal and fiercely devoted to repaying his debts. He absolutely refuses to betray the master who saved his life, standing unyielding even before the overwhelming authority of the Shikoku supreme commander. He is a highly compassionate general, willing to risk his life for the sake of his friends.
Origin
Hikaino, Awa Province (present-day Komatsushima City, Tokushima Prefecture)
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Basic Description

Kincho is a legendary bake-danuki (shapeshifting raccoon dog) from Awa Province (Tokushima Prefecture) and one of the central figures in the famous "Awa Tanuki War." Originally rescued by Moemon, a worker at the Yamatoya dye shop in Hikaino (present-day Komatsushima City), Kincho devoted himself to protecting the shop out of gratitude. Recognized for his outstanding talent, he was sent to train under Rokuemon, the supreme commander of the Awa tanuki in Tsuda-ura. However, when Kincho refused Rokuemon's offer to marry his daughter and become his successor, it sparked the earth-shattering Awa Tanuki War. A deeply loyal and dutiful figure who fiercely loved the man who saved him, Kincho was said to possess the divine power to possess people and bring immense prosperity to businesses. After his death, he was deified as Kincho Myojin and remains enshrined today at Kincho Shrine in Komatsushima City, worshipped as a deity of business prosperity and victory.

Folklore & Legends

The story begins in the Tenpo era when Moemon of the Yamatoya dye shop in Hikaino saved a tanuki named Kincho. To repay this kindness, Kincho worked tirelessly to make the shop prosper. Seeking to elevate his spiritual power, he traveled to Tsuda-ura to train under the great Rokuemon. Recognizing Kincho's brilliance, Rokuemon attempted to adopt him into his family by offering his daughter, Princess Koyasu, in marriage. However, bound by his loyalty to Yamatoya, Kincho refused the offer and attempted to return to Hikaino. This enraged Rokuemon, who sent assassins after Kincho, resulting in the tragic death of his companion, Fuji-no-Kitaka. Burning with righteous anger, Kincho declared war on Rokuemon. The two factions, commanding hundreds of tanuki, clashed across the Katsuura River in a massive three-day and three-night battle known as the Awa Tanuki War. Kincho ultimately defeated Rokuemon in a one-on-one duel but sustained mortal wounds. After returning to thank Moemon one last time, he passed away. To soothe his spirit, Moemon enshrined him as Kincho Myojin, and faith in him continues to this day.

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Detailed Analysis

This is Kincho, the guardian deity of Yamatoya and the tanuki commander of Hikaino. Originally a highly loyal tanuki saved by Moemon, he strove to bring prosperity to the dye shop in return for his life. He later went to train under Rokuemon, the supreme commander of Shikoku's tanuki, but despite his extraordinary talents being recognized, he incurred Rokuemon's wrath by refusing a marriage proposal. After his friend was murdered, Kincho led the Hikaino tanuki army in the epic three-day "Awa Tanuki War" against Rokuemon. Though he ultimately vanquished his arch-nemesis in a one-on-one duel, he too succumbed to his wounds. Revered in death as Kincho Myojin, his name lives on today as a god of business prosperity and victory.

Character Profile

This section is our own creative profile for storytelling. It is not historical fact or scholarship.

Personality
Deeply loyal and fiercely devoted to repaying his debts. He absolutely refuses to betray the master who saved his life, standing unyielding even before the overwhelming authority of the Shikoku supreme commander. He is a highly compassionate general, willing to risk his life for the sake of his friends.
Compatibility
He shares a profound connection with those who value bonds and loyalty, and who never forget a debt of gratitude. He stands as the strongest guardian for anyone fighting to protect others.
Abilities
The divine power to possess people and bring immense business prosperity as a guardian spiritMastery of shapeshifting and illusions, along with the leadership to command a massive tanuki army
Weaknesses
Because he places too much importance on loyalty and duty, he often neglects his own success and safety. He will not hesitate to sustain mortal wounds for the sake of those he must protect.
Habitat
Hikaino (present-day Komatsushima City, Tokushima Prefecture) and the Katsuura River basin. Enshrined at Kincho Shrine.

For more detailed information and diagnosis results about Kincho, Hero of the Awa Tanuki War, please click here.

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