Narikata Kodama

Narikata Kodama (児玉就方, Kodama Narikata) is a vassal of Motonari Mōri who rose to lead his master's navy. He received the noble title of Suō no Kami.

Role in Games

In Samurai Warriors 3, Narikata appears at Kizugawa following Magoichi's assault upon the Oda army's main ship to defeat Nobunaga Oda.

Mouri Motonari: Chikai no Sanshi portrays him as a man who used to be extroverted during his youth only to be wizened by age. Now taciturn yet still good-natured, he serves the Mōri alongside his elder brother Naritada in many battles against the Amago, Ōuchi, and Ōtomo. When Terumoto is entrusted with leading the clan, Narikata is tasked with looking after Motoyoshi as his brother ordered.

In Taikō Risshiden, he starts out with the rank of a Samurai General.

Historical Information

Kodama Narikata was the third son of Kodama Motozane. His older brother, Kodama Naritada, recommended him to Mōri Motonari, who accepted his service. Unlike his brother, Narikata was not interested in administration, only leading soldiers to battle. Fortunately, Narikata proved quite talented in the military arts, earning much honor from his lord.

In 1536, Narikata attacked Ikuta Castle of Aki-Takeda clan, fighting valiantly and receiving praise from Motonari. He fought as part of the defensive forces at Yoshida-Koriyama Castle during Amago Haruhisa's invasion in 1540-1541. Unfortunately, Narikata was forced to flee during the siege, resulting in his lord punishing him.

Once the Mōri took over Hiroshima Bay in 1551, Motonari placed Narikata in charge of their burgeoning navy forces. He went on to lead these forces at the Battle of Itsukushima against the Sue clan. 1561 saw him and the Mōri navy drive off the Ōtomo ships harassing Moji Castle. He managed to claim seven heads, thirteen captives, five horses, and eight ships. He also aided the Kono clan against the Utsunomiya during that time.

Narikata continued fighting primarily in the oceans, striving to protect the Mōri's naval interests while fighting off resurgent Amago troops. Despite his distaste for administrative jobs, he still fulfilled them in between battles to a competent level.

When the Mōri supported Hideyoshi's reign, Narikata participated in the attack on Kii Province in 1585. Years later, he died on July 25 when was 73 years old. His son, Kodama Narihide, succeeded him as the leader of the Mōri navy.

Etymology

The name Narikata means "direction" (就方).
Narikata's surname Kodama means "child, infant, kid, young of animals, tot" (児) (ko) and "ball, sphere, bullet, lens, jade, bulb, bead, gem, shot, jewel, shell, coin, bowl, pretty girl" (玉) (tama/dama).