Uesugi Kenshin

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In this Japanese name, the surname is Uesugi.

Uesugi Kenshin

上杉 謙信

Portrait from Uesugi Shrine

Head of Uesugi clan

In office
1561–1578

Preceded by Uesugi Norimasa

Succeeded by Uesugi Kagekatsu

Head of Nagao clan

In office
 1548–1578

Preceded by Nagao Harukage

Succeeded by Uesugi Kagekatsu

Personal details

Born Nagao Kagetora

February 18, 1530

Echigo Province, Japan

Died April 19, 1578 (aged 48)

Echigo Province, Japan

Parents Nagao Tamekage (father)

Tora Gozen [ja] (mother)
Relatives  Uesugi Norimasa (adopted
father)
 Nagao Harukage (brother)
 Aya-Gozen (sister)
 Nagao Masakage (brother-
in-law)
 Uesugi Kagekatsu (adopted
son)
 Uesugi Kagetora (adopted
son)
Nicknames "Dragon of Echigo"
"God of War"
Military service
Allegiance Nagao clan
Uesugi clan
Rank Lord (Daimyō), Kanrei
Commands Kasugayama Castle
Battles/wars Siege of Tochio (1544)
 Battle of Fuse (1553)
Battle of Saigawa (1555)
Battle of Uenohara (1557)
Siege of Odawara (1561)
Battle of
Kawanakajima (1561)
Siege of Karasawa (1563)
Battle of Shiozaki (1564)
Battle of Tonegawa (1571)
Siege of Kanayama (1574)
Siege of Nanao (1576, 1577)
Battle of Tedorigawa (1577)
Nagao Kagetora (長尾 景虎, February 18, 1530 – April 19, 1578[1]), later
known as Uesugi Kenshin (上杉 謙信) was a Japanese daimyō. He was born
in Nagao clan,[2] and after adoption into the Uesugi clan, ruled Echigo
Province in the Sengoku period of Japan.[3] He was one of the most
powerful daimyō of the Sengoku period. Known as the "Dragon of Echigo",
while chiefly remembered for his prowess on the battlefield as a military genius,
Kenshin is also regarded as an extremely skillful administrator who fostered the
growth of local industries and trade and his rule saw a marked rise in
the standard of living of Echigo.

Kenshin is famed for his honourable conduct, his military expertise, a long-
standing rivalry with Takeda Shingen, his numerous defensive campaigns to
restore order in the Kantō region as the Kanto Kanrei, and his belief in
the Buddhist god of war Bishamonten. Many of his followers and others
believed him to be the avatar of Bishamonten, and called Kenshin the "God of
War".

Name[edit]
 Depiction of Kenshin in a monk-like image with two
ministers, from Muromachi period (1336–1573)
His original name was Nagao Kagetora (長尾景虎).[4] He changed his name
to Uesugi Masatora (上杉政虎) when he inherited the Uesugi clan, and in
order to accept the official title of Kantō Kanrei (関東管領) he changed his
name again to Uesugi Terutora (上杉輝虎) to honor the 13th shōgun Ashikaga
Yoshiteru (足利義輝), and finally to Kenshin (上杉謙信) after he vowed to
become a Zen-Buddhist; in particular, he would become renowned for being a
devotee of Bishamonten.[5][6][7]

Kenshin was born in the Tiger year (Chinese zodiac) and always kept the word
"tora" (虎, tiger) in his names. He is respected as "The Tiger of Echigo" for his
intelligent capabilities and excellent contributions.

Kenshin is also referred to as "The Dragon of Echigo" (越後の龍) because of

his Kakarimidareryuu (懸かり亂れ龍) ensign displayed on the battlefield.[8] His
rival Takeda Shingen was called "The Tiger of Kai". They fought several times
at Battles of Kawanakajima.[9] In some versions of Chinese mythology (Shingen
and Kenshin had always been interested in Chinese culture, especially the works
of Sun Tzu), the Dragon and Tiger have always been bitter rivals who try to
defeat one another, but neither is ever able to gain the upper hand.

His ceremony of departure to war started with praying at the shrine of

Bishamonten, a traditional farewell meal with the generals with three dishes
(symbolizing good fortune) and three cups, which also symbolized good luck
and onmyōdō's heaven, earth and man. It was followed by two shouts "Ei!"
(Glory") and "O!" (Yes!) with the assembled troops, also repeated three times,
and the army standard lowered to the generals as a way of respect. In the end,
Kenshin re-dedicated to the war god with the "bow of Hachiman", and mounted
his horse surrounded by three flag banners; first with the first character of the
Bishamonten's name, second with the red rising sun on blue (Emperor's gift),
and the warring dragon flag.[10]

Early life and rise[edit]

Kasugayama Castle was Kenshin's primary

fortress
Born as Kagetora, he was the third or fourth son of the noted warrior Nagao
Tamekage (長尾為景),[2] and his life presents a unique story – he was not from
the Uesugi, but Nagao clan.[4] His father's family were the retainers of the
Yamanouchi branch of the Uesugi clan,[11] and his father has gained some
renown with his military victories over his lords Uesugi Akisada, Uesugi
Sadanori and Uesugi Funayoshi. However, in later years, Tamekage found
himself at odds with the neighboring Ikkō-ikki of Hokuriku, and as the political
power in the region started to shift in favor of the Ikkō-ikki (due largely to the
sudden rise of Hongan-ji), the situation for Echigo quickly deteriorated. It came
to a peak in 1536, when Kenshin's father gathered up an army and marched
westward. However, upon arriving at Sendanno (December 1536) in Etchū, his
forces were suddenly attacked by Enami Kazuyori, and in the resulting fracas
Tamekage himself was slain, and his army put to flight.[12]

The impact back at Echigo was immediate. Nagao Harukage, Tamekage's eldest
son, immediately made his bid for control of the Nagao, and succeeded in this
claim after a power struggle which resulted in the death of one of his brothers,
Kageyasu. Kenshin was removed from the conflict and relocated to Rinsen-
ji temple, where he spent his life from 7 to 14 dedicated to study, martial arts
and Zen.[13]

At the age of 14, Kenshin was suddenly contacted by Usami Sadamitsu and a
number of other acquaintances of his late father. They urged the
young Nagao son to go to Echigo and contest his older brother's rule. It would
seem that Harukage hadn't proven the most effective or inspiring leader
(probably due to ill health[14]), and his failure to exert control and gain support
of the powerful kokujin families had resulted in a situation which was nearly to
the point of tearing the province apart. As the story is told, at first Kenshin was
reluctant to take the field against his own brother, but was eventually convinced
that it was necessary to the survival of Echigo.
At the age of 15 he was placed in joint command of Tochio Castle, making a
reputation for himself by successfully defending it against the rebels who were
plotting against the Uesugi,[4] and Kenshin succeeded in wresting control of
the Nagao clan from Nagao Harukage in 1548. Nagao Harukage stepped down
from the lead of the clan and provincial government and gave the titles to his
younger brother. Harukage died five years later in 1553.[15]

At the age of 19 Kenshin became the head of the Nagao clan and entered
the Kasugayama Castle, but still as the retainer of the Uesugi clan.[4]

In the year 1551, Kenshin was called upon to provide refuge in his castle for his
nominal lord, Uesugi Norimasa, who had been forced to flee there due to the
expansion into the Kantō region by the lord Hōjō Ujiyasu from the Hōjō clan.
He agreed to give the warlord shelter, under specific terms, but was not in a
position at the time to move against the Hōjō.[3] The terms were Norimasa's
adoption of Kenshin as his heir, the title Lord of Echigo, and the Kantō
Kanrei post as shōgun's deputy.[11][16] Uesugi Norimasa, passed on the Uesugi
name to Nagao Kagetora of the Nagao clan, become Uesugi Masatora who was
gaining power as the Governor of Echigo.

In 1552, the Uesugi started to wage war against the Hōjō clan.[4] Though his rule
over the Nagao and Uesugi clans were now unquestioned, much of Echigo was
still independent of this young warlord's grasp. Kenshin immediately set out to
cement his power in the region, but these efforts were still in their infant stages
when far more pressing concerns appeared.

In 1553, Ogasawara Nagatoki and Murakami Yoshikiyo, two Shinano lords,

both appeared before Kenshin requesting his help in halting the advances of the
powerful warlord Takeda Shingen.[16] Around the time Kenshin became the new
lord of Echigo, Shingen had won major victories in Shinano Province. With
the Takeda's conquests taking them remarkably close to the borders of Echigo,
Kenshin agreed to take the field on two fronts,[4] however the conflicts between
the three lords showed also various alliances and treaties.[17]

In 1561, Masatora took the name of Uesugi Terutora, upon succeeding as head
of the Yamanouchi-Uesugi family and assuming the position of Kanto Kanrei.
Later, he changed his name again, finally to 'Kenshin' after he became a
Buddhist monk,

Kenshin's military success is related to his successful reform efforts on trade,

market, transportation network (taxing mechanism in the port towns), and
revenues generated by the cloth trade.[18] The result was control over commerce
which the previous government did not have. He also established feudal ties
with the warrior population by land grants.[19] The so-called Funai Statutes show
the provisions that apply to the traditional elites and common folk, tax breaks
due to war exhaustion, with intent to centralize and consolidate the lands around
his capital, which were followed by further reforms for the consolidation of the
imperial lands prior the 1560–1562 Kantō campaign. However, despite
Kenshin's control over agriculture and the economy, he did not thoroughly
implement key reforms such as cadastral surveys, important for military
obligations, implying Kenshin's focus on commerce. The management of the
administration, military organization, as well in some minor battles in Echigo
Funai were handed by vassal Kurata Gorōzaemon.[20][21]

Conflict with Takeda[edit]

Depiction of the legendary personal conflict

between Kenshin and Shingen at the fourth battle of Kawanakajima
What followed after the triple alliance of Kenshin was the beginning of a rivalry
which became legendary in the history of Japan and the Sengoku period. In the
first conflict between the two, both Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen were
very cautious, only committing themselves to indecisive skirmishes. Over the
years, there would be a total of five such engagements at the famous site
of Kawanakajima (1553, 1555, 1557, 1561, 1564),[22] though only the fourth
battle would prove to be a serious all-out battle between the two.[23]

4th Battle of Kawanakajima[edit]

Main article: Battle of Kawanakajima
In 1561, Kenshin and Shingen fought the biggest battle they would fight,
the fourth battle of Kawanakajima. Kenshin used an ingenious tactic: a special
formation where the soldiers in the front would switch with their comrades in
the rear, as those in the frontline became tired or wounded. This allowed the
tired soldiers to take a break, while the soldiers who had not seen action would
fight on the front lines. This was extremely effective and because of this
Kenshin nearly defeated Shingen. In Kōyō Gunkan there is one of the most
famous instances of single combat in samurai history; during this battle,
Kenshin managed to ride up to Shingen and slashed at him with his sword.
Shingen fended off the blows with his iron war fan or tessen. Kenshin failed to
finish Shingen off before a Takeda retainer drove him away. Shingen made a
counter-attack and the Uesugi army retreated.[24][25] The result of the fourth battle
of Kawanakajima is still uncertain. Many scholars are divided on who the actual
victor was, if the battle was actually decisive enough to even declare one, thus is
generally considered a draw.[26][27] It is considered to be the largest casualty
battle in the Sengoku period,[28] with loss of estimated 72 percent of Kenshin's
army and 62 percent of Shingen's army, but Shingen also lost two of his most
important generals during the battle, namely his advisor Yamamoto
Kansuke and younger brother Takeda Nobushige. Some more conservative
estimates place the casualties around 20 percent.[27]

In 1563, Shingen allied with Hōjō Ujiyasu against the Uesugi clan, they
captured Matsuyama Castle in Musashi Province. In 1565, Shingen then
took Kuragano Castle and Minowa Castle in Kōzuke province. In 1571,
Kenshin attacked Shingen's satellite Ishikura Castle in Kōzuke province, and
they again faced each other at the Battle of Tonegawa, to once again disengage.
[29]

In addition, after Shingen broke with the Hōjō, there was an incident when
the Hōjō boycotted salt supplies to Kai Province. When Kenshin heard of
Shingen's problem, he sent salt to Shingen from his own province. Kenshin
commented that the Hōjō had "performed a very mean act". Kenshin added, "I
do not fight with salt, but with the sword".[12][23]

Kenshin's respect for Shingen is evident from his reaction to Shingen's death: he
privately wept and stated, "I have lost my good rival. We won't have a hero like
that again!"[12]

Conflict with Hōjō[edit]

Though his rivalry with Takeda Shingen was legendary, Uesugi Kenshin
actually had a number of other ventures occurring around the times of these
famous battles (1553–1564).

In the year 1559, he made a trip with escort of 5,000 men to pay homage to
the shōgun in Kyoto.[30] This served to heighten his reputation considerably, and
added to his image as a cultured leader as well as a warlord. This same year he
was pushed once again by Uesugi Norimasa to take control of the Kantō back
from the Hōjō, and in 1560 he was able to comply. In August of the same year,
he put southern Echigo under control of a five-man council for broad
mobilization, as well formed a small investigative council for any kind of
unrest.[31]

1st Siege of Odawara[edit]

Main article: Siege of Odawara (1561)
Heading a campaign against Hōjō Ujiyasu from fall 1560 to the summer of
1561, Kenshin was successful in taking a number of castles from the clan,
like Numata Castle and Umayabashi Castle,[32] which ended with the first
siege of Odawara Castle in Sagami Province. He managed to break the defenses
and burn the town, but the castle itself remained unconquered due to threats
from Shingen,[33] and thus seized Kamakura.[34]

In 1563, Kenshin saved his ally Ōta Sukemasa who was under siege by
both Hōjō Ujiyasu and Takeda Shingen, while in November 1569 when Shingen
sieged Odawara Castle, Ujiyasu requested help from Kenshin.[11]

In 1566, after Yura clan of Kozuke Province changed their allegiance to Hojo
clan. Later in 1574, Kenshin ordered the Satake clan to attack Yura
clan Kanayama Castle, and participated in the siege himself, but Kanayama
castle withstood the attack.

Uesugi expansion[edit]

Uesugi Kenshin Armor

The other main area which interested Uesugi Kenshin was Etchū Province in the
west, and Kenshin would spend nearly half his life involved in the politics of
that province. The land was inhabited by two feuding clans, the Jinbō [ja] and
the Shiina. Kenshin first entered the dispute as a mediator in the early 1550s
between rivals Shiina Yasutane and Jinbō Nagamoto, but he later sided with the
Shiina and took over the Jinbo clan. Decades later, Kenshin turned against the
Shiina clan, taking their main castle in 1575 and having Shiina
Yasutane assassinated in 1576 by Kojima Motoshige.[citation needed]

In 1563, Kenshin occupied Sano Domain of Kōzuke Province. He

besieged Karasawa Castle against Sano Masatsune and made strong inroads into
the region, forcing many of the smaller warlords to submit to him.

At this point, by 1564 Kenshin controlled Echigo Province with both Etchū
Province and Kōzuke Province.[4] By the 1570s, Kenshin governed Echigo
Province, some adjacent provinces, all Hokuriku seaboard, and routed Oda
Nobunaga's forces in Echizen Province.[35]

Conflict with Oda[edit]

Uesugi Kenshin portrait close-up Rinsenji Temple

In 1568, when Oda Nobunaga installed Ashikaga Yoshiaki as the shogun,
Kenshin praised Nobunaga. Their good relationship continued for a while, but
in 1573, when Nobunaga expelled Yoshiaki, their relationship became delicate.

Under the protection of the Mōri clan, Yoshiaki, began frequently requesting
Uesugi, Takeda, and Hōjō to join forces and overthrow Nobunaga.

Kenshin broke his alliance with Nobunaga. Through the mediation of Yoshiaki,
he reconciled with Kennyo, formed an alliance, and became a member of the
power opposed to Nobunaga. When the death of Hatakeyama Yoshitaka, a lord
in Noto Province, sparked up confusion and conflict, Kenshin was quick to use
the opportunity, taking land from the weakened clan and successfully besieged
Nanao Castle,[36] which put him in a position to threaten Nobunaga and his
allies. In response, Nobunaga pulled together his own forces and those of his
two best generals, Shibata Katsuie and Maeda Toshiie, to meet Kenshin at
the Battle of Tedorigawa (1577) in Kaga Province.

Battle of Tedorigawa[edit]
Main article: Battle of Tedorigawa
Kenshin based his 30,000 strong army at the castle of Matsuto, while Oda
Nobunaga's forces arrived with 50,000 troops led by many famous generals.
[37]
Despite Nobunaga's superior numbers, Kenshin managed to score a solid
victory on the field. At first, Kenshin anticipated that Nobunaga would try to
move by night over the river for dawn attack and thus refused to engage the
Nobunaga army. Then he pretended to send forth a small unit to attack
Nobunaga's main force from behind and gave his enemy a great opportunity to
crush his remaining force. Nobunaga took the bait. Nobunaga's force attacked at
night expecting a weakened opponent at the front; instead Kenshin's full
military might was waiting.[37][4] Having lost 1,000 men in combat and some
more as the Oda troops attempted to escape across the Tedori River, Nobunaga
ordered a retreat into Ōmi Province.[38][39] However, Kenshin, who described the
opponent's performance as "surprisingly weak", had a false impression to have
defeated Nobunaga, as the Oda army was actually led by Shibata Katsuie.
[40]
Eventually, Kenshin secured the Noto Province from the Oda clan.

Death[edit]
Uesugi Kenshin's grave at the Rinsen-ji temple, Jōetsu, Niigata
In October 1577, Uesugi Kenshin arranged to put forth a grand army to continue
his assaults into Nobunaga's land. In 1578, he entered alliance with Takeda
Katsuyori against Nobunaga,[32] but held up by bad weather and died of
an esophageal cancer in the spring of 1578.[41] His death poem was:

Even a life-long prosperity is but one cup of sake; A life of forty-nine years is
passed in a dream; I know not what life is, nor death. Year in year out-all but a
dream. Both Heaven and Hell are left behind; I stand in the moonlit dawn, Free
from clouds of attachment.[42]
[dubious – discuss]

The cause of Kenshin's death has been questioned throughout the years. The
theory accepted by most scholars is that early sources record his deterioration of
health condition, his complaints of pain in the chest "like an iron ball", and
as Kenshin Gunki (1582) records "on the 9th day of the 3rd month he had a
stomach ache in his toilet. This unfortunately persisted until the 13th day when
he died".[41] However, it is also speculated that he was victim of one of the most
famous ninja assassinations, by a ninja concealed in the cesspool beneath the
latrine at Kenshin's camp with a short spear or sword.[43] The theories are not
mutually exclusive — the assassin, if he existed, might simply have fatally
wounded an already-dying man. However, as his anticipation of his own death
is recorded in the death poem, the possibility of the assassination is less likely.
[41]

Domestically, Kenshin left behind a succession crisis. While he never had any
children of his own, Kenshin adopted two boys during his lifetime. His
nephew, Uesugi Kagekatsu, was probably adopted for deflection of the
antagonism by Kagekatsu's father, Nagao Masakage, relatives and supporters.
Another adopted son, Uesugi Kagetora, who was originally the son of Hōjō
Ujiyasu,[4] was adopted to secure the Echigo's borders.[44] Some suppose that
Kagekatsu was intended to be gradually set up as his heir,[44] while others that
Kenshin decided to divide the estates between the two.[45]

Letter from Uesugi Kenshin to Uesugi Kagekatsu

Both sons had external blood ties, and reasonable claims. Kagetora
was besieged at Otate in 1578, and although contacted for aid Hōjō
Ujimasa and Takeda Katsuyori, the former backed down. Kagekatsu married
Takeda's sister, and eventually was able to secure his succession. Kagetora fled
to a castle near the Echigo-Shinano border where he committed suicide in 1579.
[45][46]

The death caused local power struggles, with the result of almost decade long
infighting in Echigo between 1578 and 1587, usually divided into "Otate
Disturbance" (1578–1582) and "Shibata rebellion" (1582–1587).[47] The
resistance of the Kagetora's supporters continued for few years in north-central
Echigo.[46] In 1582, Shibata Shigeie, who was a vassal of Kagekatsu, led a
rebellion in north Echigo, probably due to low rewards for his support of
Kagekatsu, but even more the Kagekatsu's granting control over the toll
barriers in the port of Niigata to Takemata Yoshitsuna.[48]

However, in the aftermath of the costly internal struggle, the Oda clan exploited
rebellions against Kagekatsu to advance right up to the border of Echigo, having
captured Noto and Kaga while the Uesugi brothers were busy with the
infighting. This combined with the destruction of the Takeda clan, Uesugi's then
ally and long time Oda enemy, would come close to destroying the Uesugi clan
before Oda Nobunaga's own death once again shattered the balance of power in
Japan.[49]

Kenshin festivals[edit]
 Gackt as Kenshin at the Kenshin Festival in
Jōetsu, Niigata, 2008
The Kenshin Festival 謙信公祭 (Kenshin Kousai) takes place every August
in Jōetsu since 1926. The procession starts at Kasugayama Castle for the
reenactment of the fourth Kawanakajima battle, with an army of 400–1,000
soldiers.[50][51] Japanese singer-songwriter Gackt portrayed Kenshin on several
occasions since 2007, and thanks to his participation, the festival in 2015
reached record high attendance of 243,000 people.[52][53]

The Echigo Kenshin Sake Festival is held every October and reaches attendance
of roughly 100,000 visitors.[54]

Female Uesugi Kenshin theory[edit]

In the mid 20th century Japanese novelist Tomeo Yagiri theorized that Uesugi
Kenshin was a woman after he discovered a report on 16th century Japan in the
monastery of Toledo which was used as a fort during the Spanish Civil War.
This report about Japan was written by a person named Gonzalez of Spain
to King Philip II. In that report, Gonzalez refers to a certain Uesugi as "tia"
(aunt) of Uesugi Kagekatsu, the biological son of Kenshin's sister. The
discovery of this letter led the novelist to theorize that "in the West, Uesugi
Kenshin is a woman". On this basis, Yagiri wrote the "上杉謙信女性
説" (Female Uesugi Kenshin theory). Other evidence supporting this theory is
that Kenshin had severe stomach cramps on a monthly basis around the 10th of
the month (recorded in the Kōyō Gunkan) and actually planned his military
campaigns around these cramps. The cause of Kenshin's death is recorded
in Matsudaira Tadaaki's history "Tōdaiki" (当代記) as "大虫" ("Daichu"),
which some interpret as a female term referring to menstruation or uterine
cancer.[55]

There is a theory that Kenshin died of a stroke while using the toilet. This
theory is based on a misinterpretation of historical records, as Kenshin was
recorded as having fallen ill and died. Some researchers propose alternative
interpretations for the "大虫" ("Daichu") term, suggesting it might refer to
parasitic infestations rather than menstruation. This interpretation could explain
references to abdominal pain and suffering attributed to Kenshin, which might
have been caused by intestinal blockages due to parasites.
According to some accounts of Kenshin's personal life, he had an interest in
traditionally feminine subjects, such as historical novels, poetry, and calligraphy
aimed at the female audience. Kenshin's appearance was reportedly feminine;
portraits of Kenshin made in the Edo period (1600–1868) tried to reinforce a
masculine appearance, while those of the Sengoku period (1467–1615) display
a more female appearance, with fair skin and long hair. Kenshin was the only
one allowed to freely enter the women's quarters in the Kyoto Imperial Palace,
which was a rare occurrence. Kenshin had neither biological children nor wife
or concubine. His relations with women and men are only written of in tales and
nothing is historically proven.[56]

In popular culture, the question regarding Kenshin's gender has often been
answered by portraying Kenshin as female or as undefined gender. Critics of
this theory claim that women could not succeed to the leadership of a samurai
clan. Advocates of the theory refute the critics by noting that women leaders of
samurai clans were not entirely unknown during the 16th century, as was the
case of Tachibana Ginchiyo, Ii Naotora, Lady Otsuya, Otazu, Onamihime and
others. Although this theory is not considered valid in academia, it has impacted
Kenshin's representation in culture and popular imagination.[57]

The mummified body of Kenshin remains at the Yonezawa Uesugi clan

cemetery, but the Uesugi clan considers it to be sacred and refuses to allow
academic study of it.

In popular culture[edit]
Main article: People of the Sengoku period in popular culture § Uesugi Kenshin
Kenshin is the main protagonist of Chōgorō Kaionji's epic historical novel Ten
to Chi to ("Heaven and Earth") and NHK taiga drama adaptation Ten to Chi
to (1969) where was played by Kōji Ishizaka. Kenshin, played by Isao
Natsuyagi is featured in 1979 film G.I. Samurai, and played by Eiichi
Kanakubo is a minor character in Akira Kurosawa's 1980 jidaigeki Kagemusha.
The 1990 movie adaptation of Kaionji's novel, Heaven and Earth directed
by Haruki Kadokawa, where's Kenshin played by Takaaki Enoki, covers the
rivalry between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, focusing mainly on the
character of Kenshin who is referred to by his original name Kagetora. The film
has been praised for its realistic depictions of warfare and battles of the period.
Being a box office success in Japan, it is also famous for holding the world
record for most saddled horses used in one sequence — 800 horses were in a
battle segment.[58] Kaionji's novel was also adapted by TV Asahi for their 50th
anniversary as 2008 TV drama special where Kenshin was played by Masahiro
Matsuoka.[59] In the 2007 NHK taiga drama, Fūrin Kazan, Uesugi Kenshin is
portrayed by Japanese singer-songwriter Gackt.[60] Gackt recalls that Kenshin
was always portrayed as a very tough man, but wanted to play him with the
female myth in the mind, which presented him clean-shaven and with long hair,
[61]
although received some harsh criticism, co-actor Ken Ogata expressed his
approval of Gackt's work and audience demanded the increase of his role in the
series.[62][63] The 2009 NHK Taiga drama Tenchijin partly re-tells the story of
Uesugi Kenshin, played by Hiroshi Abe, although its main focus is on Naoe
Kanetsugu, the page and later advisor to Uesugi Kenshin's adopted son and
heir Kagekatsu.[64] Kenshin was again voiced by Gackt in the anime of the gag
manga, Tono to Issho (2010–2011).[65] The live-action drama Sengoku Basara:
Moonlight Party cast actress Mayuko Arisue as Kenshin. Gackt participated in
the production, but voiced Oda Nobunaga.[66] In Cobra Kai, Season 5 episode 2,
Terry Silver shows Chozen a samurai sword that he purchased at an auction,
telling Chozen that it was used by Kenshin in the fourth battle of
Kawanakajima.[citation needed]

Kenshin has been featured in many video games, such as the Koei's Samurai
Warriors and Warriors Orochi and Capcom's Sengoku Basara series. He is a
playable character in Pokémon Conquest (Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition in
Japan), where he is the warlord of Illusio with his
partner Pokémon being Gallade and Mewtwo.[67] Kenshin also appears in a
gender bender parallel universe anime series Battle Girls: Time Paradox.[citation
needed]
A female Kenshin, as Nagao Kagetora, also appears in the mobile
game Fate/Grand Order, voiced by actress and singer Nana Mizuki.
[68]
Similarly appearing as a female character, Kenshin is found in
the Rance series most notably in Sengoku Rance. The manga Yukibana no
Tora by Akiko Higashimura, serialised
in Shogakukan's seinen manga magazine Hibana from March 2015 to August
2017, also portrays its main protagonist Kenshin as a woman.[citation needed]

Kenshin was portrayed by Japanese figure skater and two-time Olympic

champion Yuzuru Hanyu in his Olympic free skate program Heaven and
Earth (天と地と), using the soundtrack of the two taiga dramas Ten to Chi
to and Shin Heike Monogatari. Hanyu's motivation behind the music choice was
his strong resonance with Kenshin's situation as well as his values and approach
towards battle.[69][70] The program was debuted in December 2020 at Big
Hat arena in Nagano, near the historical location of the fourth Battle of
Kawanakajima in 1961.[69] It earned Hanyu two of his six titles at the Japan
Figure Skating Championships, tying Takeshi Honda's record of most national
titles in 50 years.[71]

Quotes[edit]
Fate is in heaven, armor is on the chest, accomplishment is in the feet; always
fight with your opponent in the palm of your hand, and you won't get wounded.
If you fight willing to die, you'll survive; if you fight trying to survive, you'll
die. If you think you'll never go home again, you will; if you hope to make it
back, you won't. While it is not incorrect to consider the world uncertain, as a
warrior one should not think of it as uncertain but as totally certain.[72]

Gallery[edit]


Kenshin's mythical riding into battle by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1883)

Kenshin writing his death poem, by Yoshitoshi (1839–1892)

Kenshin depicted by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1843–1844)

 

Kenshin depicted by Utagawa Yoshitora (1866)

 Kenshin depicted by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1845)

Honours[edit]

 Junior Second Rank (September 9, 1908; posthumous)[73]

See also[edit]

 Naoe Kanetsugu
 Aya-Gozen

References[edit]

1. ^ Uesugi Kenshin at the Encyclopædia Britannica

2. ^ Jump up to:a b Dupuy, Johnson & Bongard 1992, p. 765.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b Turnbull 1987, pp. 41, 44.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i Turnbull 2012, p. 53.
5. ^ Turnbull 1998, p. 13, 89, 295.
6. ^ Cleary 2008, p. 268.
7. ^ Ōta 2011, p. XV.
8. ^ According to the descriptions in Kōyō Gunkan (甲陽軍鑑), Hokuetsu
Taiheiki (北越太平記) and Hokuetsu military talk (北越軍談).
9. ^ Sansom 1961, pp. 246, 288.
10.^ Turnbull 1998, p. 153.
11.^ Jump up to:a b c Turnbull 1998, p. 13.
12.^ Jump up to:a b c Sato 1995, pp. 210–213, 225, 221.
13.^ "Rinsenji Temple". Japan National Tourism Organization.
Retrieved February 18, 2021.
14.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 182.
15.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 183.
16.^ Jump up to:a b Turnbull 2013, p. 119.
17.^ Turnbull 1998, pp. 12–13.
18.^ Goldsmith 2008, pp. 179–181, 186, 192, 194.
19.^ Goldsmith 2008, pp. 186–187, 230.
20.^ Goldsmith 2008, pp. 197–221, 230, 248.
21.^ Hall & Jansen 2015, p. 191.
22.^ Turnbull 1998, pp. 212–217.
23.^ Jump up to:a b Turnbull 2013, p. 120.
24.^ Turnbull 1998, pp. 269–272.
25.^ Charles & Tzu 2012, p. 124.
26.^ Turnbull 1998, p. 272.
27.^ Jump up to:a b Goldsmith 2008, p. 219.
28.^ Turnbull 1998, p. 269.
29.^ Turnbull 1998, p. 221.
30.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 196.
31.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 211.
32.^ Jump up to:a b Turnbull 1998, p. 89.
33.^ Turnbull 1998, p. 216.
34.^ Goldsmith 2008, pp. 197–215.
35.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 230.
36.^ Ōta 2011, p. 403.
37.^ Jump up to:a b Turnbull 1998, p. 228.
38.^ Uesugi Kenshin
39.^ Rekishi Gunzô Shirizu , Uesugi Kenshin Japan: Gakken, 1999
40.^ Ōta 2011, p. 37.
41.^ Jump up to:a b c Turnbull 2012, p. 32.
42.^ Suzuki 1993, p. 82.
43.^ Turnbull 2012, pp. 53–54.
44.^ Jump up to:a b Goldsmith 2008, p. 233.
45.^ Jump up to:a b Turnbull 1998, p. 230.
46.^ Jump up to:a b Goldsmith 2008, p. 234.
47.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 231.
48.^ Goldsmith 2008, p. 235.
49.^ Ōta 2011, pp. 9–15.
50.^ "GACKT 謙信、400 人の武者を引き連れ出陣 上越市「謙信公
祭」" (in Japanese). Oricon. August 23, 2015. Retrieved September
4, 2016.
51.^ "【イベントレポート】出陣行列・川中島合戦の再現に、GACKT
謙信登場". Barks (in Japanese). Japan Music Network. August 23, 2015.
Retrieved September 4, 2016.
52.^ "過去最高 24 万 3000 人 第 90 回謙信公祭の入り込み発表". Joetsu
Town Journal (in Japanese). August 24, 2015. Retrieved September
4, 2016.
53.^ "謙信公祭入り込み数、過去最多２４万３２００人ＧＡＣＫＴさ
んメッセージ、｢来年も楽しみに｣". Joetsu Times (in Japanese).
August 24, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
54.^ Williamson, Claire (November 23, 2019). "Joetsu: A historic town
braces for the first snowfall of winter". The Japan Times. Retrieved June
24, 2020. The annual Echigo Kenshin Sake Festival in October, which
has more than 100 tasting booths of sake, wine and local culinary
specialties stretching down Honcho-dori, draws another 100,000-plus
visitors.
55.^ 上杉謙信の生涯 (in Japanese). 新人物往来社. 1988.
56.^ 上杉謙信は女だった: 血戦川中島 (in Japanese). 1977.
57.^ 三池純正. ""美少年好き"な戦国武将たち 上杉謙信、武田信玄、
織田信長らも、"男好き"だった？". ビジネスジャーナル/Business
Journal | ビジネスの本音に迫る. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
58.^ "Ten To Chi To – Trivia". IMDB.
59.^ "天と地と（新聞ラテ欄表記…「天と地と 謙信 VS 信玄 戦国最大
の戦い・川中島の合戦!!神秘のベールに包まれた無敵の男上杉謙
信の真実!!出生の秘密、運命に翻弄される恋…空前のスケールで
描く歴史巨編!!」）". TVdrama-db.com.
60.^ "「風林火山」情報" [Fūrin Kazan information] (in Japanese). NHK.
Archived from the original on September 30, 2013. Retrieved April
17, 2018.
61.^ "GACKT さんもびっくり 上杉謙信は女だった？". joetsutj.com.
June 19, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2020. GACKT さんが 2007 年に NHK
大河ドラマ『風林火山』で上杉謙信役を務めた際、「女性説があ
るという人物像を感じさせるような演技をしたい」と述べてお
り、長い髪で役に臨んだ。GACKT さんはこのドラマを契機に上杉
謙信ファンとなり、謙信公祭の出陣行列などで謙信公役を務める
ことになった。
62.^ Erin Efrus (April 4–17, 2014). "GACKT: Perennial idol looks back on
triumphs and tragedies". Metropolis. No. 1045. p. 8. Archived from the
original on September 20, 2016.
63.^ "Gackt 古装剧扮演上杉謙信 形象迷倒日本师奶". Sina Corp.
October 13, 2007.
64.^ "「天地人」放送前情報" [Tenchjin pre-broadcast information] (in
Japanese). NHK. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010.
65.^ "殿といっしょ Staff and Cast". Tono Anime. Retrieved April
17, 2018.
 66.^ Loo, Egan (July 3, 2012). "Live-Action Sengoku Basara Show's Cast
Revealed in Costume". Anime News Network. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
67.^ "Kenshin + Mewtwo". Pokemon Conquest. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
68.^ "Nagao Kagetora". Gamepress. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
69.^ Jump up to:a b Russell, Susan D. (May 2, 2021). "Hanyu takes fresh
approach". International Figure Skating. Denville Township, New
Jersey. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021.
70.^ 羽生結弦、語る フリー編（1）「みんなが光」 [Yuzuru Hanyu
free skate interview (1) "Everyone is the light"]. Sports Nippon (in
Japanese). Chiyoda, Tokyo. April 16, 2021. Archived from the original
on October 9, 2021.
71.^ "Yuzuru Hanyu attempts quadruple Axel, wins Japan figure skating
nationals". NBC Sports. Stamford, Connecticut. December 26,
2021. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021.
72.^ Cleary 2008, p. 196.
73.^ 侯爵 桂太郎 (ed.). "故上杉輝虎外四名贈位ノ件". Japan Center for
Asian Historical Records [ja]. Ref. A10110299500.
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