Part 187

Learn about Shisenin Kosen, Hozoin Inei, and Sakata Kintoki in Nioh. Discover their histories and fighting styles.

Shisenin Kosen

Shisen'in Kosen, originally named Ietoshi, hailed from Aki province and was a master of military arts. He became a Shugendo monk, undergoing rigorous training to develop the Shisen school of fighting. Kosen learned esoteric secrets known as the Teachings of the Tengu and became proficient in swordsmanship, spear, and axe, with a particular mastery of the kusarigama (chain-sickle). Despite his mild personality, he was known for his ferocity in battle. He later served Hosokawa Masamoto in Kyoto and, after Masamoto's assassination, took Buddhist vows, eventually reaching the rank of Sojo. The Shisen school he founded became dominant in the Aki province region.

Hozoin Inei

Hozoin In'ei was a monk at Hozoin, associated with Kofukuji temple in Yamato province. He studied Katori Shinto battle arts and Shinkage swordsmanship. Inspired by the reflection of a crescent moon, he founded the Hozoin school of spearfighting, utilizing a spear with a crossbar, a significant innovation. In'ei, initially comfortable with long-reach weapons like spears, later questioned the ethics of a monk harming others. However, he resumed using his spear to teach William, the yokai slayer, how to wield it.

Sakata Kintoki

Sakata no Kintoki, also known as Kintaro or Kaidomaru, was a warrior of extraordinary strength during the Heian period (794-1185). Born in Ashigara, he served Minamoto no Yorimitsu and became one of his Four Celestial Kings. Kintoki was renowned for his gentleness and incredible strength, famously defeating a band of Oni. He was so beloved that he continued to be worshipped after his death. His fighting style was based on his ability to commune with animals and spar with beasts on Mount Ashigara. His followers erected Kurikara Shrine in his memory, a popular site for prayers for sons' health and strength. A tradition of dressing babies in red smocks also arose in his honor.