A priest helps Hino Kumawakamaru to escape from Sado after the death of his
father Hino Sukumoto in 1332. Hido Kumawakamaru was a popular symbol after the Meiji Restoration, for his loyalty to the emperor, which he combined with the old samurai values of
filial piety and vengeance.
Hino Sukemoto, his father, was a close supporter and advisor to the Emperor Go-Daigo
in his struggle against the Kamakura Shogunate. Pardoned once for his participation in early conspiracies, Sukemoto was the second time exiled to Sadogajima (Sado Island) and
then executed in 1332.
The story tells that Hino Kumawakamaru, still a boy, travelled to Sado and begged to be
allowed to see his father before his execution, but was this was refused. He than escaped, with a priest’s help (the scene depicted in this print), and later revenged his father’s
death by killing the executioner with the same sword used to kill his father.
