During the Tensho era, Togo, along with his older brother Shigeharu TOGO, adopted the surname of Togo upon the approval of Shigetora TOGO who was the 17th head of the main line of the house of Togo.
天正年間に兄の東郷重治とともに東郷氏嫡家17代目東郷重虎の許可をもらい、東郷氏に複姓した。