KIEMON (9)

In appreciation of Kiemon's efforts, Nagasaki magistrate's office gave him 14 flasks of beer and white sugar. The Edo Shogunate gave him a sincere praise and a ship flag (Japan's national flag).

After his returned home, the house of Mouri allowed him to use the surname that had only been used by samurai. His name was changed from Kiemon to Kiemon Murai, and he was also allowed to carry a sword.

By the way, he had two brothers, Kamejiro and Otoemon (who died in the Kansei era 8 (1796)). Kamejiro's grave is in Uraue cemetery in Kouyagi, and Otoemon's is in the temple of Enjyo in Fukahori town, next to Kouyagi.

Also, there are two dedicatory lanterns made of stones at Fukahori shrine. These were dedicated by Kiemon and Kamejiro.

Kiemon now lies buried in a grave at Genko temple in Kushigahama, Shunan-shi, Yamaguchi prefecture. He raised a son and three daughters in Kouyagi. Many descendants of Kiemon live in Kouyagi now.