The Izu Sea Forces (6)

     Kajiwara Kagemune (?-?) was effectively a Fleet Admiral of Hojo Sea Forces, although he was not one of native Izu Sea People.  He was from Arida County, Kii Province, and used to be a sea trader.  In one document, he was even mentioned as a pirate.

     Hojo Ujiyasu (1515-1571) permitted him trading between Kii and Sagami provinces and virtually hired him as a kind of guest samurai.  Kagemune was said to have brought an atake-bune warship to Kanto first.  Only Kii Province, which was abundant in woods, could supply atake-bune in the 16th century.

     The Hojo Clan left some documents and records.  Hojo Ujiyasu wrote to Kagemune asking him to stay in Izu Province for the maritime defense there.  When the Hojo Clan fought against the Satomi Clan in Kazusa Province, the success of Kii people was recorded.  Kagemune also signed many trading documents and contracts published by the Hojo Clan along with Ando Ryosei (?-?), an old vassal of the clan.