The Ghost Fleet of Daimotsu Bay: Taira no Tomomori's Vengeful Return

From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series

The Fugitive's Journey

This dramatic print depicts a supernatural encounter at Daimotsu Bay, where Minamoto no Yoshitsune, now a fugitive from his brother Yoritomo's wrath, attempted to escape to western Japan. As his small fleet ventured into the stormy waters, they encountered an otherworldly presence.

The Ghost of Taira no Tomomori Appearing Over the Sea at Daimotsu-no-Ura

The Phantom Admiral

Rising from the turbulent seas appeared the ghost of Taira no Tomomori, the fourth son of Taira no Kiyomori and the last admiral of the Taira fleet. Having chosen an honorable death by drowning at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, his spirit now commanded a phantom fleet seeking vengeance against Yoshitsune.

The Supernatural Confrontation

Yoshitoshi captures the moment when Tomomori's ghost declares: "How fitting to meet you here... As you once drove us to become seaweed at the bottom of the ocean, now I shall do the same to you." The supernatural encounter threatens to recreate the tragic end of the Taira clan.

The Monk's Intervention

While Yoshitsune reaches for his sword, his loyal retainer Benkei restrains him, knowing mortal weapons cannot harm a ghost. Instead, the warrior monk begins chanting prayers, using spiritual power to drive away the vengeful spirits of the Taira clan.

Historical Resonance

This supernatural encounter symbolizes how the tragic end of the Taira clan continued to haunt Japanese consciousness, particularly through the figure of Tomomori, who chose to die with dignity rather than face capture, wearing double armor to ensure he would sink into the depths.

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