Taira Tadamori (1096-1153) and Pirates in Echizen Province

     Taira Tadamori (1096-1153) was appointed as a provincial officer in Echizen Province in 1114.  Tsuruga County in the province used to be one of ports of call for Song-Chinese traders.  There, a murder case occurred.  A priest of Hie Shrine was captured as a suspect, and transferred under guard to the Kyoto office responsible for police and judicial duties.  He was, however, recaptured by priests of Enryaku-ji Temple.  The office captured the temple priests, and then other temple priests made a direct and rather violent petition to the Imperial Court.  Enryaku-ji Temple was the headquarters of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, and Hie Shrine was believed to be a guardian god of the sect.  A conflict of interests concerning the trade with the continent might have underlain the violent incident. It is widely believed Tadamori learned what huge profits he could rake in through trading with China.