Tanegashima Hikonojo

The grave of Tanegashima Hikonojô at the Nanshû Cemetery.

• Born: 1857?
• Died: 1877/8/7
• Japanese: 種子島彦之丞 (Tanegashima Hikonojou)

Tanegashima Hikonojô was co-leader of the 14th Kiheitai Army in the Satsuma Rebellion.

He was the second son of Tanegashima Rokurô, sobayônin to Shimazu Nariakira, and was a descendant of Tanegashima Tokitaka, the Tanegashima clan lord who played a central role in the first introduction of European firearms into Japan in the 16th century.

Hikonojô was wounded in battle on 1877/8/7, and later died of his injuries in Yamage (today, Hyûga City), Miyazaki prefecture, at the young age of 20. He is buried in the Nanshû Cemetery, alongside others who died in the Satsuma Rebellion.

References

• Plaques on-site at Nanshû Cemetery.