Itoh Kosho

Lord Itoh Kosho, known as the Fat Lord, is a subordinate of Lord Abe Sotatsu in the northern Dewa province. He resides in a castle in the port town of Shibo and is reputed to have amassed a great deal of wealth through overseeing regional trade with Tang China and Silla. He is said to be a degenerate gambler and spends most of his time gambling or arranging prize fights, sometimes involving exotic animals. He personally does not participate in military campaigns, but contributes money and soldiers as required to Governor Kiyohara Noburo’s efforts. Lord Itoh is allied to the Abe clan through heredity; his grandfather helped Abe Hirafu sunder the local Emishi tribes and conquer the region for the Emperor. For this, the Itoh family received its title and lands. Other lords think of him as a frivolous man, but tolerate him on account of his wealth, connections, and resources. They also hesitate to move against a man who can afford to raise a small army, if pressed.

Lord Itoh Kosho was found dead in his quarters at home in the summer of 721. He was presumed to have died of natural causes in his sleep. He was succeeded by his second son, Itoh Tadahisa.