Iga-no-tsubone and Fujiwara Nakanari 伊賀局と藤原仲成

Iga-no-tsubone and Fujiwara Nakanari is a tale of female courage and spiritual confrontation, where a lady-in-waiting protected an Emperor from the vengeful ghost of a disgraced courtier.

Meaning and Origin

Iga-no-tsubone (伊賀局) was a lady-in-waiting for Emperor Go-Daigo during the 14th century. Her name identifies her as being from the Iga Province. Her opponent was the ghost of Fujiwara Nakanari (or in some versions, Sasaki Kiyotada), a court official who had been executed or died in disgrace and returned to haunt the Imperial Palace.

The origin of the legend is found in the Taiheiki, a 14th-century historical epic. After Emperor Go-Daigo was forced into exile in the mountains of Yoshino, his temporary palace was plagued by supernatural occurrences. The legend represents the Virtue of Loyalty and the power of a “Pure Heart” to repel even the most terrifying spiritual threats.

Characteristics

The spirit of Fujiwara Nakanari is depicted as a classic “Haunting Ghost”—a pale, looming figure in tattered aristocratic robes, often appearing with a distorted, angry face.

Iga-no-tsubone’s primary characteristic is her Lack of Fear. While the samurai and guards of the palace were paralyzed by the ghost’s presence, she approached the spirit with nothing but a lantern. She is a rare example of a female protagonist in Japanese folklore who defeats a malevolent spirit not through magic or combat, but through Moral Authority and Calmness. She represents the “Unshakeable Will” required to survive in times of war and political exile.

Legends

The most famous scene takes place in the dark gardens of the Yoshino Palace. The ghost appeared as a massive, glowing head or a shadowy figure floating above the pond, screaming its grievances.

Iga-no-tsubone walked out alone to meet it. She didn’t scream or run. Instead, she addressed the ghost with the respect due to his former rank but with the firmness of a protector. She argued that his grudge was hurting the Emperor, who was already suffering in exile. Impressed or perhaps shamed by her bravery and logic, the ghost bowed his head and vanished forever. This legend is a favorite of ukiyo-e artists like Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, who used it to celebrate the “Heroic Women of Japan.”