Notes on the Passing of Yōkō-in

Written in the hand of Matsunoki Munemitsu

1590

Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Sakata City

Donated by the Homma family

This is a document recording the passing of a member of the imperial family written in the hand of Matsunoki Munemitsu (1537-1593), a court noble of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568 to 1603).

The document describes the daily status of Prince Masahito (1552-86, known posthumōsly as Yōkō-in), the eldest imperial prince born to Emperor Ōgimachi, following the decline of his health until his death on February 24th, 1586.

The end of the document contains the line “Munemitsu (seal affixed), August 3rd, Tenshō 18” which informs us of the date on which the writing of this document was completed.