What is "tokomaro"

Tokomaro or Tokumaro was a soldier of 7th century AD Japan. He and four slaves of Ōi temple served in Jinshin War of 672 and fought the battle of Nakatsu-michi bravely.

His name appears in history book Nihonshoki on the battle of Nakatsu-michi of Yamato Province on the beginning of July 672 (in Japanese old calendar). Yamato had been one of two major fronts of the war. Ōtomo no Fukei, the commander general of this front of Prince Ōama ( Emperor Temmu) side, divided his army three divisions on Kamitsu-michi (upper road), Nakatsu-michi (middle road) and Shimotsu-michi (lower road). Enemy general Inukai no Isokimi dispatched his commander Ioi no Kujira and picked 200 soldiers against the thin center of Fukei. Five slaves of Ōi temple, including Tokomaro, took the lead of defence and shot arrows. Ioi stopped his advance. Then Fukei's right division rushed to the rear of enemy after breaking Inukai's left at Kamitsu-michi. Yamato province was won by Fukei soon after this battle.

Nihonshoki describes details of war but merely mentions background of rank-and-file soldiers. "Slaves of Oi temple" is a proof of broad mobilization and an example of brave fight of slave in ancient Japan.