Kunō Saneyuki (久能 真之, 1467 - 1518), sometimes pronounced Kunō Masayuki was a Japanese samurai during the Sengoku Jidai period. A retainer of the Kitabatake clan, Saneyuki served Masasato and later Kichika. During the reign of the former, he served as a page and was later promoted to a military advisor for Kichika after Masasato’s death in 1508. After the death of Kichika in 1518, Saneyuki attempted to usurp power from his son, Terumoto, by seizing Ōkawachi Castle but was ambushed and killed near the town of Ujiyamada by the young daimyō.
History[]
The Ise Kunō clan of Tamaru had served the Kitabatake for centuries, remaining loyal throughout the Nanboku-cho period, despite the latter’s declining fortunes. Saneyuki’s father, Sukeyoshi had served Kitabatake Masasato for many years, and had established a good position for his son by the time of his death in 1482. As such, Saneyuki served as a page to Masasato from a very early age and was considered a loyal and obedient servant of the Kitabatake clan.
By the time of Masasato’s death in 1508, Saneyuki was seen as a prime candidate as a military advisor for his son, Kichika. Thus, Saneyuki was promoted to the position not long after Kichika’s ascension to head of the Kitabatake clan. It is likely that the dwindling prestige of Kichika’s position tempted Saneyuki to plot against his liege lord.
He advised Kichika to isolate his brother, Masamoto, in order to prevent a usurpation of power. Masamoto would die at the shrine of the Kitabatake in 1513; although it is claimed as seppuku, it was likely an assassination considering the circumstances. Saneyuki would also marry Kichika's daughter, Takemi, making him a potential candidate for head of the clan. Kichika, however, would continue to trust in Saneyuki’s advice until his death in 1518. Upon Kichika’s death, Saneyuki chose to take the chance at usurpation. Knowing that Terumoto, Kichika’s son, was only 15 at the time, Saneyuki rode towards the Kitabatake seat, Ōkawachi Castle with an entourage of troops, hoping to take the position as regent and then presumably assassinate Terumoto. However, the young daimyō had prepared an ambush along the road, near the Monzen-machi (門前町, or "temple-town") of Ujiyamada with a group of loyalist troops.
According to legend, Terumoto approached Saneyuki’s entourage dressed as a beggar and asked for directions to the daimyō of Ise Province, giving Saneyuki a chance to act honestly. When Saneyuki pointed to himself and revealed his treachery, Terumoto tore off his disguise and roared “Now let's see if you're the right person for the title” (“Soredewa, anata ga taitoru ni fusawashī jinbutsudearu ka dō ka o mite mimashou”), preceding to duel him. Despite his young age, Terumoto was a well-trained and highly talented swordsman and apparently slew Saneyuki in three strikes. The rest of Saneyuki’s group were slain or captured.