Born in 1152, fourth son of Taira no Kiyomori. Among the Taira clan, he was especially renowned for his cool composure and sharp tactical judgment. He fought in the campaign to pursue Kiso Yoshinaka in 1183 and in numerous other engagements. At Ichi-no-Tani in 1184, he suffered a devastating surprise attack, forcing the Taira's retreat to the west. Even in retreat, he continued commanding the Taira navy at Yashima and elsewhere. At the final battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, he fought a desperate struggle against the Minamoto navy. As the Taira warriors threw themselves into the sea one by one, Tomomori continued to command the field to the very end. When all was spent, he declared, "I have seen all there is to see," wrapped the rope of an anchor around his armor, and plunged into the sea. He was 34. His dramatic end is immortalized as a vengeful ghost in the Noh play "Funa Benkei" and Kabuki's "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura," making him the defining symbol of the Taira's fall.

The most composed and courageous of Kiyomori's sons. Possessed keen strategic judgment and the resolve to die as a warrior with dignity.

Immortalized as a vengeful ghost in the Noh play "Funa Benkei" and Kabuki "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura." His anchor-laden drowning became an icon of samurai aesthetics.