Kuki Kiyotaka

Kuki Kiyotaka (born around 1824, circa Bunsei 7) and died on August 19, 1859, in Ansei 6) was a daimyo in the late Edo period and the 12th lord of the Mita Domain in Settsu Province. The Kuki family had maintained their lineage for 24 generations, and their court titles included Tamba no Kami and Nagato no Kami, both holding Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade.

Details regarding his exact date of birth are unknown; he was born as the eldest son of 11th daimyo Kuki Takanori. On January 20, 1854, in Kaō 7, he succeeded his father as daimyo of Mita Domain following his father’s retirement.

He died on August 19, 1859, at the age of 37. He had no sons, and although he had three daughters, two died young. His only surviving daughter was just two years old, which posed a crisis for the continuation of his family line.

Initially, Kuki Kiyotaka's death was kept secret, and it was not announced to the vassals of the domain or the surrounding community at that time. After his death, it was decided to adopt Takiyoshi, a descendant of the Ayabe Domain, as his adopted son. This was a measure to prevent the family line from collapsing. A sudden adoption notice was submitted to the shogunate, which granted permission. Due to these procedures, the official announcement of his death was made the following day, September 23.

Due to these circumstances, Kuki Kiyotaka's death was temporarily kept secret, and the adoption of a son was carried out as a measure to preserve the family lineage.