Kiyomori Taira is a central figure in The Heike Story, an epic narrative that captures a pivotal era in Japanese history and folklore. The tale, rooted in the 12th century, recounts the dramatic ascent and eventual downfall of the Taira clan—also known as the Heike—during the tumultuous Genpei War. While The Heike Story features many key characters, Kiyomori Taira’s influence and legacy stand out as particularly profound in shaping the course of Japanese history.

Born in 1118, Kiyomori Taira came from a distinguished samurai lineage. As the grandson of a powerful warrior, his early life was steeped in privilege and responsibility. He was sent to the court of Emperor Shirakawa, where he received a refined education in music, poetry, and diplomacy. Yet, beyond the elegance of court life, Kiyomori also developed formidable martial skills. His strategic acumen and bravery became evident during the Battle of Hōjōji in 1159, a turning point that significantly strengthened the Taira clan’s hold on power.

Over time, Kiyomori rose to become one of the most dominant figures in Japan. He held multiple high-ranking titles, including imperial courtier, governor-general, and military commander. He was also a patron of culture and religion, playing a key role in the construction of notable structures such as the Itsukushima Shrine. Despite these achievements, Kiyomori was not without controversy. Many viewed him as arrogant and unyielding, a man whose relentless pursuit of authority alienated allies and bred resentment.

Ultimately, Kiyomori’s ambition proved to be his undoing. His aggressive consolidation of power led to a coalition of enemies uniting against him. The Taira clan was decisively defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, and Kiyomori himself passed away not long after. Although his end was marked by failure, his impact on Japanese history and literature remains profound.

In The Heike Story, Kiyomori Taira is often portrayed as the main antagonist. His personality and behavior throughout the narrative suggest that he could be classified as an ESTJ (Extroverted-Sensing-Thinking-Judging) type. ESTJs are known for being practical, decisive, and highly organized. They value tradition, efficiency, and structure, often relying on logic and past experiences to guide their decisions. Kiyomori exhibits many of these traits—his leadership style is methodical, his decisions are rooted in strategy, and he places a strong emphasis on maintaining order and hierarchy.

Moreover, Kiyomori Taira displays characteristics consistent with Enneagram Type 8, the Challenger. This personality type is marked by assertiveness, confidence, and a desire for control. Type 8 individuals are often seen as protectors of their inner circle, yet they can also be aggressive and resistant to opposition. Kiyomori’s actions in The Heike Story reflect this profile: he is unafraid of confrontation, willing to use force when necessary, and deeply loyal to his family and clan.

While personality types such as the MBTI and Enneagram offer useful frameworks for understanding character, they are not absolute. Nevertheless, the portrayal of Kiyomori Taira in The Heike Story strongly aligns with the traits of both an ESTJ and an Enneagram Type 8. His enduring presence in Japanese literature and history continues to spark discussion and analysis, making Kiyomori Taira a figure of lasting fascination.