The Aso Clan (阿蘇氏, Aso-shi) was a Japanese samurai clan from Higo Province. They claimed descent from Kamuyaimimi no mikoto (神八井耳命) the second son of Emperor Jimmu. Originally the Shinto Priests of Mt. Aso, the clan became a Gōzoku (豪族), a powerful local family ruling in the name of the Yamato Court, sometime in the first millenium CE. Eventually during the Engi Era (延喜, July 901 - April 923) the Aso Clan were made Daiguji (High Priest) of Aso-Kuju Temple and thus granted them eligibility in becoming daimyō. During the Genko War, the Aso supported the Emperor Go-Daigo but were eventually defeated at the battle of Tatarahama in 1336 alongside their Kikuchi allies.
The clan was split by the Nanboku-Cho Period due to each Imperial Court nominating a separate head of the clan. Eventually, Aso Korenori would reunite the clan at the battle of Makunohira in 1484. After the death of his first son Korenaga, his second son Koretoyo would rise to head of the clan and would be instrumental in both the rise and fall of the clan. After successfully waging a number of wars against neighbouring clans, eventually coming to control all of Higo Province, he was forced into conflict with the poweful Shimazu clan to the south. Although he was able to emerge victorious at first, eventually the combined strength of the Shimazu and Sagara clans overwhelmed the Aso and Koretoyo was defeated. His son Koremasa would become a Shimazu retainer, maintaining control of Aso Castle and northern Higo. However, by 1560 Shimazu Yoshihiro had been granted dominion over Higo Province, leaving the Aso with only Aso Castle as their fiefdom. The Aso would continue to serve as retainers of the Shimazu, even after the establishment of the Urakami Shogunate. The history of the clan goes dark after the death of Aso Koremitsu, Koremasa's son who perished of alcohol poisoning. Without an heir, the clan descended into a succession crisis, although the details are hazy. During the 19th century, Aso Moromoto hired Yatoshi Kenji to serve him, starting his illustrious career. The relationship of Moromoto to the rest of the Aso Clan is unclear.
After the Nōmin War, the Aso were one of the many clans who would be stripped of their samurai status.
Important Clan Members[]
- Aso Korenobu (阿蘇狩野) also known as Uji Korenobu (宇治狩野), first head of the Aso Clan to possess significant political power. Lived during the 12th century
- Aso Korekuni (阿蘇 惟 國)
- Aso Korezumi (阿蘇 惟 澄), son of Korekuni. Supported the Southern Court during the Nanboku-cho Period, but lost the battle of Tatarahama in 1336
- Aso Korenao (阿蘇 惟 直), killed at the battle of Tatarahama.
- Aso Korenori (阿蘇コレノリ, 1461 - 1516), father of Taketsune and Koretoyo. Reunited the clan at the battle of Makunohira in 1484.
- Aso Taketsune (菊池 武 経, 1480 - 1513), born as Korenaga. Died from a fever.
- Aso Koretoyo (阿蘇 惟 豊, 1492 - January, 1539), fought the battles of Yamae and Sogi Falls. Aso Clan reached its zenith under his rule before being conquered by the Shimazu. Died at the siege of Aso Castle.
- Aso Koremasa (阿蘇 惟 将, 1520 - 1583) son of Koretoyo. Captured at Hitoyoshi Castle, became a Shimazu retainer and maintained position as daimyō of northern Higo until 1560.
- Aso Koremitsu (阿蘇 惟 光, 1581 - 1614), son of Koremasa. Died of alcohol poisoning; without an heir, the Aso Clan entered a succession crisis.
- Aso Moromoto (阿蘇森本, d. 1880), famous for being the first master of Yatoshi Kenji.
