Otomo Shikan was a member of the Imperial Families. Shikan's grandfather was the influential Otomo lord Otomo Daimesu. He had been kidnapped by bandits and the Mantis Mokihara was instrumental to save Daimesu's life. In return the Otomo lord had granted Mokihara his own daughter in marriage, and Shikan was their son. Shikan had a son, Otomo Taneji.