Back to my passion - characters no one remembers! Alongside Koremitsu, Yoshikiyo is one of Genji’s most loyal retainers, described in the Tyler translation as “boundlessly vigilant” in carrying out his lord’s wishes. He’s the one who first mentions the Akashi lady - because he’s got a crush on her. During the exile to Suma, he thinks, “Oh yeah! I can write her a letter!” only to discover his chances have plummeted from zero to minus 9000 because her dad’s all “What?! GENJI’S here?? Oooh Genji~ Marry my daughter~!” What’s more, after the Akashi lady is pregnant (with the future Akashi Empress) everyone’s like “Geez, isn’t that just like Genji to have an affair while being exiled for having an affair. And Yoshikiyo’s the one who told him about her!” Sucks to be Yoshikiyo.
Fun fact: In Inaka Genji, many core parts of Yoshikiyo’s story are merged into the AU To no Chujo to become the dashing (and impatient) Taro Takanao. But there’s another guy who also takes on some aspects (and possibly the same name, but I’m not sure about the kanji). Nikki Kurando Yoshikiyo becomes one of Mitsuuji’s most trusted servants, and, not only is his name super fun to say, he’s also kind of a badass. Fanfic redemption several centuries later I guess. Random aside, one of my favourite RPG series Shadow Hearts has a loyal samurai-bodyguard named Kurando. So when I think of Yoshikiyo now, my brain vaguely blends them all together. Weepy Heian era courtier crossed with reformed Muromachi playboy-turned-ass-kicking secret agent crossed with shapeshifting swordsman from WW1 Japan. Makes sense lol
The title of this piece comes from Yoshikiyo’s only poem, on the theme of homesickness.
