Who Is Tosabō Shōshun (Tosabo Shoshun)?
The assassin Yoritomo sent after Yoshitsune
Tosanobō Shōzon
Tosabō Shōshun is a warrior monk sent to Kyoto on Minamoto no Yoritomo's orders to kill Yoshitsune. The Gikeiki writes his name with characters read Shōzon, while historical records give it as Shōshun.
He comes up to the capital with soldiers, pretending to be on a pilgrimage to Kumano. When Benkei brings him to Yoshitsune's residence, he writes a kishōmon, a sworn oath to the gods and buddhas, as proof that he means no harm. Yet that same night he launches a night attack on the Horikawa residence. Yoshitsune and his men, woken by Lady Shizuka, defeat him, and he is later captured and beheaded.
This night attack at Horikawa shows Yoshitsune that his brother truly wants him dead, and it leads him to leave the capital.
