Name: Giō (祗王)
Appearance: Book 1 Episode 6
Birth/Death: (Not Recorded)
Bio:
This character, like some others, is most likely fictional and used to illustrate Kiyomori's bad side. In book 1, Giō is introduced as Kiyomori's favorite shirabyōshi (白拍子) dancer; elder sister of Ginyo (祇女) and daughter of Toji (刀自), who was also a dancer. She also provided aristocratic services to Kiyomori, who in-turn fed her family.
When Hotoke (仏), another shirabyōshi dancer from the north, was first rejected by Kiyomori, Giō intervened on Hotoke's behalf. However, after Hotoke is given a chance to perform, Kiyomori keeps Hotoke to replace Giō. In tears, Giō departs, leaving a poem that foreshadows how all people are replaced, and so to will Hotoke be one day.
Giō is later summoned by Kiyomori to cheer up Hotoke. Against her desires, she obeys and performs an imayo, which moves everyone in the scene except Kiyomori, who does not understand the true meaning of her performance.
Giō then takes the tonsure and leaves the capital, along with her mother and sister. The three retreat to a hut in Sagano (west of Kyoto) and devote their lives to prayer. After a while, Hotoke joins them, herself having taken the tonsure, and the four lived together until their deaths.