Rusu clan
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The Rusu clan (留守氏, Rusu-shi) were a Japanese clan which claimed descent from Fujiwara Kaneie's son Michikane. They assumed the name Rusu following Minamoto no Yoritomo's conquest of northern Japan; the family, then named Isawa, were entrusted with keeping watch during Yoritomo's absence (rusu (留守) being the Japanese word for "absence"). In the 14th century Nanbokucho Period, the family joined the forces of Kitabatake Akiie and fought with distinction at Tsugaru and Shirakawa. However, in 1336, the family switched sides while on campaign in Mikawa Province, and instead fought for the northern court's side. Soon after, they also became involved in the Kan'nō War in 1351.
Establishing a domain for themselves at Takamori castle by the 16th century, the Rusu were consistently supported by their mutual comrades, the Date, and were provided with many respective heirs for the sake of their family's succession. Relations between the Rusu and Date continued to improve, and in the Edo period, the Rusu became samurai of the Date clan's Sendai Domain.
References
- Rusu clan - SamuraiWiki. (Samurai Archives) FWSeal & CEWest, 2005
- "Rusu-shi" at Harimaya.com (9 March 2008)
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