Otomo no Otomaro (大伴弟麻呂)
OTOMO no Otomaro (731? - July 18, 809) was a Kugyo (high court noble) and busho (Japanese military commander) in Nara and the early Heian period. He was the first Seii Taishogun (commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force against the barbarians, great, unifying leader) in the historical materials. One theory said he was born in 727. It is likely his father was OTOMO no Koshibi ("Kugyobunin" [directory of court nobles]). His name was written also in another kanji (Chinese characters) 乙麻呂 (Otomaro).
Timeline
In 731 (?):
He was born to OTOMO no Koshibi.
On January, 779:
He was assigned as Jugoinoge (Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade).
On March, 780:
He was assigned as emon no suke (assistant captain of Outer Palace Guards).
On May, 781:
He was assigned as Chugu no suke; Chugu no suke (Assistant Master of the Consort's Household) and Saeji no suke (assistant captain of Left Palace Guards).
On August, 781:
He was assigned as Jugoinojo (Junior Fifth Rank, Upper Grade).
On June, 782:
He was assigned as Hitachi no suke.
On November, 783:
He was assigned concurrently as Seito vice-shogun.
On January, 791:
He was assigned as Jushiinoge (Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade).
On July, 791:
He was assigned as seii taishi (great general who subdues the barbarians).
On January, 794:
He was given setto (a sword given by the emperor in the symbol of his trust to the appointment of someone to a mission).
On June, 794:
He assumed as Seii Taishogun (commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force against the barbarians, great, unifying leader), subjugating Ezo (northerners) along with SAKANOUE no Tamuramaro.
On February, 795:
He was given Jusanmi (Junior Third Rank) and Order of Second Class.
On 28 May, 809:
He died. He was 79 at the time of death.