Bishamonten (demon)

Bishamonten as he appears in Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers

Bishamonten (ビシャモンテン^*)^?, or Tamonten (タモンテン^*)^? in the Devil Children games, is a demon in the series.

History

Bishamonten (毘沙門天) is one of four figures placed at the corners of the main altar in a Buddhist temple. These figures correspond to the four cardinal directions, with Bishamonten representing the north. Bishamonten originated as a deity of wealth Kubera in Hindu mythology and came to Japan with many attributes: guardian of the realm of the north, guardian of Buddhist law, god of victory in war and god of wealth and good fortune. Bishamonten is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology.

Outside Japan, his name is Vaiśravaṇa, and in Tibet he is a dharmapala and one of the eight main dharmapalas, alongside Mahakala, Yama Yamantaka, Hayagriva, Palden Lhamo, Tshangspa Dkaro and Begste. In East Asian regions, his statues usually have one hand lifting up a miniature pagoda which is claimed to contain Śarīra in some beliefs. Another hand would carry either a Dhvaja, umbrella or polearm.

Appearances

• Megami Tensei II: Kishin Race, as Tamonten
• Kyuuyaku Megami Tensei: Kishin Race, as Tamonten
• Shin Megami Tensei: Kishin Race
• Shin Megami Tensei: 20XX Devil's Colosseum: Fury Race
• Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne: Kishin Race
• Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE: Guardian Race
• Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey: Kishin Race
• Shin Megami Tensei IV: Kishin Race
• Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse: Kishin Race
• Majin Tensei: Kishin Race
• Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis: Kishin Race
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Kishin Race
• Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers: Kishin Race
• Megami Ibunroku Persona: Justice Arcana
• Persona 2: Innocent Sin: Justice Arcana
• Persona 2: Eternal Punishment: Justice Arcana
  • Persona: Tsumi to Batsu: Justice Arcana
• Persona 3 / FES / Portable: Tower Arcana
• Persona 4 / Golden: Weapon
• Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth: Weapon
• Persona 5: Hierophant Arcana
• DemiKids Light / Dark Version
• Devil Children Fire/Ice Book
• Shin Megami Tensei Trading Card: Card Summoner: Kishin Race
• Devil Survivor / Overclocked: Kishin Race: Boss
• Devil Survivor 2 / Record Breaker: Kishin Race

Profile

Shin Megami Tensei

"Origin: India. One of the eight Hindu protector gods. Originally a leader of evil spirits, he was adopted into Buddhism as a god of fortune. Eventually he became one of the Four Heavenly Kings. With a spear in one hand and a pagoda in the other, he protects the north of Mt. Meru. As the strongest of the Four Kings, many warriors worshipped him. He is also the king of the yaksa and one of the Seven Lucky Gods."

—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS Dictionary

Bishamonten appears as the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings. The protagonist must meet with him and the others in order to proceed beyond the entrance to the Cathedral. In the neutral and law routes, he needs to be defeated to remove the protection on Tokyo. On the chaos route, however, he will join the party if the protagonist is strong enough (level 75 or higher).

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Bishamonten appears as an optional boss twice, first at the Temple north of Ueno Park after finding the Kimon Sphere, and second in the Bandou Shrine. After the first fight, the Demi-fiend will receive the Gundari Magatama, and Bishamonten will tell them to collect all of the Magatamas and find him again with his master. He appears again in the Bandou Shrine as the last deva protecting the pillars of Masakado's Tomb.

Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE

"Bishamonten, also known as Tamonten, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings featured in Buddhist teachings. His name means "He who hears everything" and he is the guardian of the North. He is also associated with the colour yellow, the mongoose and the umbrella. His attendants are the natural spirits, the Yaksha. Bishamonten is often considered to be a god of justice and war. He originated from the Hindu god of the north, Kubera, and the two are sometimes considered one-in-the-same."

—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE Compendium

Bishamonten can only be fused by acquiring the Visravas within the end chest of Ichigaya Camp's gold-level instance when summoning at least two other kings alongside Jikokuten. To spawn him alongside Jikokuten, players need to defeat the Yaksa miniboss in the basement levels.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

He appears as the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, fought at the culmination of the ever-steeper trial series of EX Missions, which can only be undertaken while aligned with Chaos; the reward for his defeat is a potent Chaos-aligned sword.

Shin Megami Tensei IV

Bishamonten is both the client and opponent in the Challenge Quest Tokyo Cosmos. He is found in the Jujo area of the Ikebukuro region. He appears alongside the other three once all four have been defeated to be fought as a group. He speaks and mentions that facing them as a group is the last part of the trial. After the four are defeated Bishamonten believes Flynn to be the reincarnation of the man who saved Tokyo twenty five years ago. He looks forward to the feats Flynn will accomplish and tells him to stay true to his ideals as he moves forward.

Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse

"Also known as Tamonten and Vaishravana in Buddhist lore, he is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings.
He dwells halfway up Mt. Meru in the center of the world and protects the North under the command of Sakra. He is renowned as a war god since Prince Shotoku prayed to him for victory, and was later incorporated as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune as a deity that protects wealth. He is commonly depicted wearing armor, with a spear in hand and an angry expression on his face."

—Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse compendium

Bishamonten and the rest of the Four Heavenly Kings guard the temples that contain the jars of Aether which maintain the Tokugawa Mandala for the Divine Powers. Bishamonten can be found in the Ryukokuji Temple, guarding the jar of Aether which contains the essence of Wrath. Defeating Bishamonten will unlock him for fusion in the Cathedral of Shadows.

Bishamonten can teach Nanashi the War Cry, Bufudyne, Hades Blast and Luster Candy skills through his Demon Whisper. He benefits from learning Physical, Ice, Gun and support skills.

Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers

"Also known as Tamonten and Vaishravana in Buddhist lore, he is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings. He protects the North and is the god of war."

—Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers 3DS Compendium

Persona 3

Bishamonten appears as a high level Persona of the Tower Arcana, only being able to be summoned once the protagonist reaches level 60. His in-game appearance looks more like the artwork of Indra than the other Heavenly Kings.

DemiKids Light/Dark Version

"One of the four overlords who protect the world. Known as Lord Pey of the North."

—Demonary, DemiKids

Known as Lord Pey.

Devil Survivor

Bishamonten, along with the other four Devas, protect the barrier that separates the human world from the demon world. In all routes except Yuzu's, the protagonist must defeat him along with Zouchou and Koumokuten in order to access the demon world, where the Demon Summoning Server resides. Bishamonten is the first Deva fought, and after his defeat, he is unlocked for the player to fuse.

Devil Survivor 2

"Also known as Tamonten and Vaishravana in Buddhist lore, he is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings.
He dwells halfway up Mt. Meru in the center of the world and protects the North under the command of Sakra. He is renowned as a war god since Prince Shotoku prayed to him for victory, and was later incorporated as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune as a deity that protects wealth. He is commonly depicted wearing armor, with a spear in hand and an angry expression on his face."

—Devil Survivor 2 compendium

Stats

Kyūyaku Megami Tensei

Megami Tensei II

Race Level HP MP VIT INT STR SPD LUC DEF Kishin 50 528 78 21 28 12 6 7 24 CP NOA EXP Macca MAG Item Drops 100 1-2 List of Spells Skill Cost Effect Hamadyne 15 MP Massive Expel damage (2-3 enemies) Zandyne 10 MP Massive Force damage (1-2 enemies)

Shin Megami Tensei

Race Alignment Level HP MP Kishin Chaos 75 880 180 CP NOA ATK ACC DEF EVA M.ATK M.EFC 51 1-3 173 26 81 19 23 19 St 37 In 16 Ma 21 Vi 22 Ag 17 Lu 10 Resistances Reflects Curse Drop None Swd Gun Fir Ice Elc For Nrv Exp Crs Mgc Bnd Chg Dex Ndl Alm - 6／8 4／8 6／8 6／8 - 6／8 6／8 Rf 4／8 6／8 6／8 - 6／8 - List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Diarama 4 MP Restores one ally's HP by roughly 100. Mabufula 11 MP Attack multiple enemies with strong ice. Mahama 10 MP Eliminates a group of enemies with the power of light.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

• Boss
• Summonable Ally

• Northern Temple
• Bandou Shrine

Race Level HP MP Strength 38 Magic 26 Vitality 20 Agility 25 Luck 20 Kishin 66 4568 504 Reflects Absorbs Void Resists Weak Fire - Expel/Death/Ailments - Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Focus 5 MP Multiplies user's next physical attack damage by 2.5. Hassohappa none Heavy physical damage to all foes. 89% accuracy, 46% critical rate. Power related to user's max HP. Prominence 30 MP Heavy fire damage to random foes. Diarahan 15 MP Fully restores one ally's HP. Holy Wrath 36 MP Chance of halving remaining HP to all foes. Expel-type.

Race Level HP MP Strength 40 Magic 40 Vitality 40 Agility 40 Luck 40 Kishin 99 20000 10000 Reflects Absorbs Void Resists Weak Fire - Expel/Death/Ailments - Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Dragon Eye 1 MP Grants user's team four blinking turn icons. (Enemy-only) Tarukaja 12 MP Buffs physical power by 1 level, all allies. Makakaja 12 MP Buffs magic power by 1 level, all allies. Megidolaon 50 MP Mega almighty damage to all foes. Prominence 30 MP Heavy fire damage to random foes. Maragidyne 25 MP Heavy fire damage to all foes. Hellfire 20 MP Medium fire damage to random foes. Tempest none Medium physical damage to all foes. 70% accuracy, 30% critical rate. Dekaja 10 MP Removes all buffs from all foes. Debilitate 48 MP Decreases attack, defense and agility all by 1 level, all foes.

Race Level HP MP Strength 25 Magic 18 Vitality 25 Agility 17 Luck 15 Kishin 72 756 267 Reflects Absorbs Void Resists Weak Fire - Expel - Ice Obtainable Fusion only after boss battle at Bandou Shrine List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Thunderclap 12 MP Chance of halving remaining HP to one foe. Expel-type. Innate Attack All Passive Equipper's regular attack targets all foes instead of one. Innate Prominence 30 MP Heavy fire damage to random foes. 73 Fire Boost Passive Multiplies equipper's fire damage dealt by 1.5. 74 Detain Interrupt Prevents the target from leaving the conversation midway. 75 Endure Passive Equipper survives fatal blow with 1 HP remaining. Triggers only once, but can be retriggered if demon returns to stock. 76 Hassohappa 35% HP Heavy physical damage to all foes. 89% accuracy, 46% critical rate. Power related to user's max HP. 77

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

Race Alignment Level HP MP Strength 44 Magic 43 Vitality 47 Agility 39 Luck 42 Kishin Light-Chaos 65 570 302 Attack Type Single Foe/1/Physical/None Strong - - Null - - Strong Strong - Poison Paralyze Stone Strain Sleep Charm Mute Fear Bomb Rage - - - - - - - - - - Natural Skills Glacial Blast Hades Blast Ice Amp D-Source Skills Phys Amp Ice Amp Password FrsAw2Fn65XTNLhT N6tH46dWNHttJLr0

Shin Megami Tensei IV

Race Level HP MP Strength 87 Dexterity 77 Magic 60 Agility 70 Luck 57 Kishin 64 700 139 Phys Gun Fire Ice Elec Force Light Dark - - Weak Null - - Null Resist Ailment Resistance None Normal Attack Physical, one hit, one enemy List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level War Cry 45 MP Debuffs all foes' attack and defense by 1 level. Innate Hades Blast 32 MP Heavy physical damage to all foes. Innate Megidola 40 MP Medium almighty damage to all foes. 65 Luster Candy 50 MP Buffs party's attack, defense and agility by 1 level. 66

Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse

Race Level HP MP Strength 111 Dexterity 78 Magic 37 Agility 64 Luck 74 Kishin 70 704 222 Phys Gun Fire Ice Elec Force Light Dark - - Weak Null - - Resist - Ailment Resistance None Normal Attack Phys x1, 1 enemy Skill Affinities Physical +3 · Ice +3 · Gun +2 · Support +2 · Healing -2 · Fire -5 List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level War Cry 65 MP Debuffs all foes' attack and defense by 1 level. Innate Bufudyne 20 MP Heavy ice damage to one foe. Innate Hades Blast 42 MP Heavy physical damage to all foes. 71 Luster Candy 80 MP Buffs party's attack, defense and agility by 1 level. 73

Majin Tensei

Race Level HP MP Mv Range Mv Type Atk Type CP Kishin 62 705 0 9 Flat 15 Strength Magic Technique Defense Agility Luck 29 8 29 23 11 9 Magic Skills Skill Cost Power Range Target Effect Crush 100% 3x 1 Single Deals damage

Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis

Race Level HP MP Mv Range Mv Type Atk Range MAG Kishin 75 314 0 7 Walk 1 - St Ma In Ag Lu Atk P.Def M.Atk M.Def Hit Eva Crt 26 26 25 30 10 122 23 92 94 107 21 15 List of Skills Skill Power Range Cost Target Effect Kaishin 100% 1 P. Extra Single 100% chance to inflict a critical Rampage 150% 1 P. Extra Multi Deals damage

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner

Race Level HP MP St In Ma Vi Ag Lu Kishin 66 723 328 26 12 18 16 13 7 CP NOA Personality P.ATK P.HIT B.DEF AVD M.ATK M.DEF 83 2-3 Vigorous 184 119 164 116 42 57 List of Skills Hamaon Critical Slash Ablation Sword Laughing Yakushi

Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers

Race Level HP MP St In Ma En Ag Lu Kishin 66 597 248 28 17 12 16 15 8 CP MAG Summon Personality P.ATK P.HIT B.DEF AVD M.ATK M.HIT 10 784 Calm 188 121 180 118 120 46 Reflects Absorbs Void Resists Weak Fire - Expel - Ice List of Skills Agilao Bamboo Slice Defense Yaburi Loyalty Fist

Megami Ibunroku Persona

Arcana Type Subtype Level SP cost Totem Returns ° Justice Force Gravity 66 33 General Piece Evil Ice Tablet MAtk MDef Strength 31 Vitality 36 Dexterity 65 Agility 60 Luck 45 195 155 Affinity Brown 1h 2h Sp Ax Wp Th Ar Fs HG MG SG Ri Te Ru - - - - - - - - - - - 1.5× - - Fi Ic Wi Er El Nc Bl Gr Ex Mi De Cu Nr ??? 1.5× 1.5× 1.5× 1.5× 2／4 2／4 - ½Rf - - - - 3／4 1／4 List of Skills Rank Skill Effect 1 Grydyne Heavy Gravity damage (area) 4 Magrydyne Heavy Gravity damage (all foes) 5 Triple Slice Heavy Two-Hand damage (area) 8 Ziodyne Heavy Elec damage+Shock (area)

Persona 2: Innocent Sin

Naumaku Sanmandabodanan! I am the guardian of Buddhism and warriors, Bishamonten! With wealth and prosperity, I bring about your victory! Arcana Type Level SP cost Bonus Returns ° Justice Fire 63 39 St +1 Rashomon Armor Traits Forceful, Wise One of the Four Devas and Seven Lucky Gods of Buddhism. Atk Def Matk Mdef Strength 67 Vitality 54 Dexterity 41 Agility 53 Luck 44 260 234 132 129 Sw Rn Sk Th Hv Fi Wt Wi Er Ic El Nc Li Dk Al Nr Mn - - - - - Rf 2× - - - - - 2／4 2／4 - 2／4 2／4 Summon Information Material Card General's Piece Card Tarot Cards 189 Justice Cards Mutates Into Bishamonten mutates into Futsuno Mitama List of Skills Rank Skill Effect 1 Agidyne Deal high Fire damage to one enemy. 2 Blade of Fury Deal medium Sword damage to all enemies. 4 Maragidyne Deal high Fire damage to an enemy group. 5 Thunderous Fury Deal low Sword + Elec damage to all enemies. 6 Grydyne Deal high Almighty damage to an enemy group. 8 Mamudo Deal instant Dark kill to an enemy group. (36% chance) Mutation Alpha Blaster Deal persistent Light damage to all enemies. Unique Fusion Spells Skill Effect Order/Skill/Persona 4 Shura Slash Four Personas attack in all directions to deal large Sword damage to all enemies. 1. Thunderous Fury - Indra 2. Spinning Shot - Varuna 3. Blade of Fury - Bishamonten 4. Blade of Fury - Yama

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

I am the protector of law and warriors... I am Bishamonten...‼ With wealth and prosperity, you shall prevail‼ Arcana Type Level SP cost Bonus Returns ° Justice Fire 59 37 STR +1 Agidyne Card Traits Bluff. Wise God of wealth and victory known as Kubela in some religions. Atk Def Matk Mdef Strength 67 Vitality 54 Technique 41 Agility 53 Luck 44 260 221 129 129 Sw Sh Sk Th Ak Fi Wt Wi Er Ic Ln Nc Ho Dk Al Nr Mn - - - - - Rf 2× - - - - - 2／4 2／4 - 2／4 2／4 Summon Information Material Card Chess Piece Card Tarot Cards 177 Justice Cards List of Skills Rank Skill Effect 1 Agidyne Inflicts large Fire damage to an enemy. 2 Blade of Fury Inflicts small Sword damage to a group of enemies. 4 Maha Agidyne Inflicts large Fire damage to a group of enemies. 5 Heat Wave Inflicts small Sword damage to a group of enemies. 6 Grydyne Inflicts large Almighty damage to a group of enemies. 8 Maha Mudo Renders a group of enemies Unconscious. (42% chance) [Dark-element] Mutation Alpha Blaster Inflicts continual damage to all enemies. * [Holy-element] Unique Fusion Spells Skill Effect Order/Skill/Persona Quadra-Termination Inflicts huge Sword damage to all enemies. 1. Blade of Fury - Indra 2. Spiral Shot - Varuna 3. Blade of Fury - Bishamonten 4. Blade of Fury - Yama Unknown Power Special Type Eliminates all enemies when the user is unconscious.

Persona 3

• Persona 3
• FES/Portable

Arcana Level Strength 47 Magic 44 Endurance 41 Agility 34 Luck 39 Tower 60 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Fire - - Pierce/Fire Light Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Maragidyne 24 SP Deals heavy Fire damage to all foes. Innate Endure Passive Restores 1 HP upon death 1 time per battle. Innate Fire Amp Passive Greatly strengthens Fire attacks by 50%. 62 Diarahan 20 SP Fully restores 1 ally's HP. 64 Akasha Arts 19% HP Deals heavy Strike damage 1x to 2x to all foes. 65 Arms Master Passive Halves HP cost for physical skills. 67

Arcana Level Strength 47 Magic 44 Endurance 41 Agility 34 Luck 39 Tower 60 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Fire - - Pierce/Fire Light Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Maragidyne 24 SP Deals heavy Fire damage to all foes. Innate Diarahan 20 SP Fully restores 1 ally's HP. Innate Fire Amp Passive Greatly strengthens Fire attacks by 50%. 62 Arrow Rain 19% HP Deals medium Pierce damage to all foes. (2 hits) 63 Myriad Arrows 19% HP Deals medium Pierce damage to all foes. (1-3 hits) 65 Arms Master Passive Halves HP cost for physical skills. 67

Persona 4

Attack Accuracy Type Effect 182 92 Shoes - St Ma En Ag Lu Required Materials - - - - - Jet Black Scale x6

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth

Attack Type Effect 84 Shoes - St Ma En Ag Lu Required Materials - - - - - Ripped Shawl x3

Persona 5

Arcana Level Strength 49 Magic 37 Endurance 42 Agility 45 Luck 35 Hierophant 67 Inherit Reflects Absorbs Block Resists Weak Nuclear - Fire - Bless, Curse Ice List of Skills Skill Cost Effect Level Diarahan 18 SP Fully restore HP of 1 ally. Innate Freidyne 12 SP Heavy Nuclear damage to 1 foe. Technical dmg: Burn/Freeze/Shock. Innate Deadly Fury 18% HP Severe Physical damage to 1 foe. Stronger under Baton Pass. 68 Mafreidyne 22 SP Heavy Nuclear damage to all foes. Technical dmg: Burn/Freeze/Shock. 69 Nuke Amp Auto Strengthen Nuclear attacks by 50%. 71 Tetrakarn 36 SP Erect shield on 1 ally to repel 1 Physical/Gun attack. 72 God's Hand 25% HP Colossal Physical damage to 1 foe. 73

DemiKids Light & Dark

Class Element Type Level HP MP Exp General Water Good 35 365 170 504 ATK DEF MGC RES SPD LCK 31 28 30 26 30 27 List of Skills Skill Element Cost Effect Aqua Flood Water 20 HP Small dmg. 2 Foes Aquaburst Water 10 MP Medium dmg. 1 Foe Healmor All Light 18 MP Major HP recovery. Party Tidal Wave Water 25 HP Small dmg. Foes Lucidity Light 6 MP ACC Up. Party Resurrect Light 25 MP Revive +Max HP. 1 Ally

Devil Children Fire/Ice Book

Class Type Race Level HP MP Exp General Water Good 35 365 170 504 Attack Guard Magic M Guard Speed Luck 31 28 30 26 30 27 List of Skills Aqua Flood Aques Mediala Tidal Wave Sukukaja Samarecarm

Devil Survivor

• Boss
• Summonable Demon

Race Level HP MP Strength 25 Magic 16 Vitality 24 Agility 16 Deva 65 ??? ??? Racial / Auto Skill Phys Fire Ice Elec Force Mystic Four Devas * Resist Reflect Weak - - Resist Command Skills Hassohappa Maragidyne Megido Passive Skills Fire Repel Attack All Dual Shadow

Race Level HP MP Strength 25 Magic 16 Vitality 24 Agility 16 Kishin 65 712 162 Racial / Auto Skill Phys Fire Ice Elec Force Mystic Double Up Resist Reflect Weak - - Resist Command Skills Hassohappa * Passive Skills Fire Repel * I am Bishamon the Kishin, guardian of the north. My strength becomes thy sword...! Hm... Use me to gain power! If it is to show my righteousness, take my life!

Devil Survivor 2

Race Level HP MP Strength 29 Magic 15 Vitality 26 Agility 17 Kishin 71 776 172 Racial / Auto Skill Phys Fire Ice Elec Force Curse Matchless Resist Reflect Weak - - Resist Command Skills Hassohappa Passive Skills Fire Repel * I am the Kishin Bishamonten, Deva of the north. I shall aid in thy path of conquest! My form may change, but my will shall remain strong. Now on to the unknown!

Gallery

Bishamon as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne.

Bishamonten as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE

Bishamonten as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner

Artwork from DemiKids

Tamonten as it appears in Megami Tensei II

Bishamonten's portrait in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

The General's Piece, Bishamonten's Material Card in Persona 2

Appearance in Persona: Tsumi to Batsu

Bishamonten as he appears in Persona 3

Bishamonten as he appears in Card Summoner

Bishamonten as he appears in Devil Survivor

Bishamonten as he appears in Devil Survivor 2

Trivia

• In Devil Survivor, while playing Naoya's Route, Bishamon and the other Devas will react rather angrily at the attack of the group, while in most other routes, they will gracefully accept fate and even encourage the protagonist.
• He is depicted as the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, usually under the service of Taira no Masakado.