Aika Mutō
Midadokoro, Aika Yūkawa
Aika Mutō (née, Yūkawa) 1551-1648 was the wife of Shogun Takeshi Mutō, and was the midaidokoro from 1588-1645.
Aika married Takeshi at age 33 in 1584. The couple would move from place to place, as during this time Takeshi was fighting the unification wars. She would follow him throughout Japan throughout the war, however would stay in Japan for the pacific wars and Indo pacific wars.
Early life
Little is known about Aika's early life. We can suspect that she was born in Kyoto, Japan, however her family is unknown. We know that she could read, and write so she had to have been given some kind of education. In the Folktale 'Monogatari no Urikoshi' it is stated that she was the daughter of the Emperor, and was hidden from the world because she was mute. Historically this is correct, She, by her own admission, was mute. The historical basis for her familial link to the Emperor is widely debated. She was said to have met Takeshi when she was around 15 years old in 1565, Takeshi would become a Sohei in 1568, and would fight away from Kyoto from 1568-1571, Takeshi would return in 1571 and narrowly escape being killed during the Siege of Enryaku-Ji. He would wander for a while before returning 1583 possibly for her.Marriage and family
Takeshi and Aika would marry in 1584, and she become a Mididokoro. She would follow Takeshi around for the entirety of the unificatoin war. She would be known for being extremely loyal and overall being the perfect wife. The two would be often seen walking around cities and such, and would symbolize the ideal relationship between a husband and wife. Kiyoshi Sawaya would says"The two would argue, day in and day out sometimes, however neither ever struck one another with intent to kill or even hurt, when they fought hand to hand I think they were just in all reality testing each other. After each argument they would go straight back to being the lovely couple that the entire world saw, so yes, I would say that their marriage was just what you saw." Kiyoshi Sawaya, 1650He would re state this multiple times in his life emphasizing that the couple you saw was the actual couple even in private. It's unknown how much sway she had over Japanese politics of the time, however it's assumed to be a great deal, as a few legislations and ideas were done simply because she proposed it.
Personality
She was an uncommon sight in her time, as Kiyoshi Sawaya described her."In public, her mannerisms and appearance were that of a princess, however in private her mannerisms and actions were quite masculine. She did not speak ever, however if she did her speech would no doubt be masculine. When she did 'talk' she revealed her lively personality, blunt nature, and dry humor. If I were to write her quotes down here, I would not blame anyone for thinking they were made by Takeshi. She was quite the piece of work, and honestly the perfect compliment to Takeshi" Kiyoshi Sawaya, 1650Eiki, Namiyo, and all others also described Aika in private as masculine, however much like Takeshi she was a loner by nature and a introvert.
Later Life
In 1645 the she would settle down with Takeshi in Muto house in the countryside a little ways away from Tokyo. The land owned, was much bigger than the house, and so to this day much of the surrounding area remains intact. It was not far from a coastline, which Takeshi also owned. The two would live out the rest of their days, until they finally died in 1648 on a trip to Antarctica.Relationships
Age
97
Date of Birth
23, March,
Life
1551
1648
Birthplace
Unknown, suspected Kyoto Japan
Spouses
Takeshi Mutō
(Husband)
Siblings
Children
Pronouns
She, Her, Hers
Eyes
Dull red
Height
165cm (5'5)
Weight
56kg (123lbs)
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments