Changes

==The Tiger of Kai==

==The Tiger of Kai==

[[Image:Takeda_shingen.gif||thumb|left|The most famous portrait of Takeda Shingen, the authenticity of which has been questioned.  Certain scholars have suggested that this was in fact a painting of a Hatakeyama lord from Noto Province.]]

[[Image:Takeda_shingen.gif||thumb|left|The most famous portrait of Takeda Shingen, the authenticity of which has been questioned.  Certain scholars have suggested that this was in fact a painting of a Hatakeyama lord from Noto province.]]

Takeda Shingen was the eldest son of the aggressive warlord [[Takeda Nobutora]] ([[1493]]-1573).<ref>The Takeda clan had been powerful in Kai from the 12th Century, when Takeda Nobuyoshi (a grandson of Minamoto Yoshiie's brother Yoshimitsu, 1138-1186) had sided with Minamoto Yoritomo during the Gempei War. The Takeda's power had increased in the Ashikaga era, and branches became strong in Aki and Wakasa, as well as Kai. Mori Motonari eventually defeated the Aki branch in 1516; the Wakasa Takeda became vassals of the Asakura by 1560 and faded from history.  

Takeda Shingen was the eldest son of the aggressive warlord [[Takeda Nobutora]] ([[1493]]-1573).<ref>The Takeda clan had been powerful in Kai from the 12th Century, when Takeda Nobuyoshi (a grandson of Minamoto Yoshiie's brother Yoshimitsu, 1138-1186) had sided with Minamoto Yoritomo during the Gempei War. The Takeda's power had increased in the Ashikaga era, and branches became strong in Aki and Wakasa, as well as Kai. Mori Motonari eventually defeated the Aki branch in 1516; the Wakasa Takeda became vassals of the Asakura by 1560 and faded from history.  

</ref> A competent if not especially well-liked leader, Nobutora had secured the position of the Takeda in [[Kai Province|Kai]] and established his headquarters in Fuchu in [[1519]], building a castle called Yogai-jo on Maruyama, an 820-meter height north of the town. In the course of his career Nobutora fended off attacks against her borders by the Imagawa (1521) and the Hojo ([[1526]]). During the campaign in 1521, Nobutora defeated an Imagawa general named Fukushima Ujikatsu at the [[Battle of Iidagawara]] and soon afterwards learned of the birth of his first son, whom he named Katsuchiyo.<ref>Katsuchiyo can be translated as '1000 Victories in Succession', or, as Hiroaki Sato does in Legends of the Samurai, 'Victory Forever'.</ref>  

</ref> A competent if not especially well-liked leader, Nobutora had secured the position of the Takeda in [[Kai province|Kai]] and established his headquarters in Fuchu in [[1519]], building a castle called Yogai-jo on Maruyama, an 820-meter height north of the town. In the course of his career Nobutora fended off attacks against her borders by the Imagawa (1521) and the Hojo ([[1526]]). During the campaign in 1521, Nobutora defeated an Imagawa general named Fukushima Ujikatsu at the [[Battle of Iidagawara]] and soon afterwards learned of the birth of his first son, whom he named Katsuchiyo.<ref>Katsuchiyo can be translated as '1000 Victories in Succession', or, as Hiroaki Sato does in Legends of the Samurai, 'Victory Forever'.</ref>  

When Katsuchiyo turned 13, Nobutora arranged for him to marry the daughter of [[Ogigayatsu-Uesugi Tomooki]], who still held considerable lands in the [[Kanto Province|Kanto]]. This unfortunate young woman would die the following year, terminating what would, in time, come to seem a highly ironic union. Katsuchiyo's coming of age ceremony (around [[1535]]) was something of an affair, and a number of court notables were in attendance, including a certain [[Sanjo Kinyori]], a retired Dainagon, whose daughter Katsuchiyo would soon marry. The Shogun, [[Ashikaga Yoshiharu]], sent permission for Katsuchiyo to incorporate 'Haru' in his adult name, and Katsuchiyo thus became known as Harunobu. He was also given the honorific title Shinano no Kami (an appropriate moniker, as it would turn out). Despite this memorable coming of age ceremony, it would seem that Nobutora took a disliking to his eldest son. The reasons for this (however embellished this part of Shingen's life may have become over the centuries) are not clear, but were not eased by Harunobu's valuable role in the defeat of [[Hiraga Genshin]] in [[1536]]. The events between 1536 and [[1540]] are entirely murky, with the Imagawa figuring into the controversy, possibly as agitators. It would appear that Nobutora planned to name his second son Nobushige heir, and perhaps ship Harunobu off to the Imagawa clan in Suruga (for adoption?). For years, Harunobu had been under the guardianship of [[Obu Toramasa]], a tough warrior who may well have been at the center of what transpired next. In [[1541]] Harunobu suddenly rebelled, supported by a great many of his father's retainers. Nobutora submitted with little bloodshed and Harunobu exiled his father to Suruga. In this act he had the aid of the top Takeda retainers, many of whom held personal grudges against Nobutora or at least saw some gain in assisting the young usurper to power. Nobushige, for his part, seems to have borne his brother no ill will, and became a valued retainer. Sources conflict on what the exact events where which led to the replacement of Nobuhide with Harunobu. One version of events is that in the 5th month of 1541, Nobutora and Harunobu went on a campaign together to attack [[Unno Munetsuna]] in [[Shinano province]]. Unno Munetsuna lost and fled the province, and by the 4th day of the 6th month, they were on their way back to Kai. However, on the 10th day of their trip back to Kai province, Harunobu suddenly rebelled in a coup supported by his ashigaru and retainers, forcing Nobutora to flee to [[Suruga Province]], and in to the care of his daughter's husband, [[Imagawa Yoshimoto]]. This generally follows the Koyogunkan, which essentialy states that Harunobu uncovered a plot by Nobutora to dispose of him and eventually give control of the Takeda clan to his younger brother, Nobushige. According to the Koyogunkan, Harunobu and loyal vassals drove Nobutora out of Kai province into Suruga. Another version of events states that during the 6th month of 1541, Harunobu and Nobutora travelled to Suruga province to visit upon Nobutora's son in law, Imagawa Yoshimoto. Little did Nobutora know, Shingen and Yoshimoto had a secret agreement, and upon arrival, Nobutora was forcibly retired to Suruga castle, and his son Harunobu was given control of the Takeda clan. Although what really happened is not clear, historians seem to be in agreement that Imagawa Yoshimoto had a hand in the removal of Nobutora. Regardless, Harunobu took control of the clan in what is often specifically cited as a 'bloodless coup'.  

When Katsuchiyo turned 13, Nobutora arranged for him to marry the daughter of [[Ogigayatsu-Uesugi Tomooki]], who still held considerable lands in the [[Kanto]]. This unfortunate young woman would die the following year, terminating what would, in time, come to seem a highly ironic union. Katsuchiyo's coming of age ceremony (around [[1535]]) was something of an affair, and a number of court notables were in attendance, including a certain [[Sanjo Kinyori]], a retired Dainagon, whose daughter Katsuchiyo would soon marry. The Shogun, [[Ashikaga Yoshiharu]], sent permission for Katsuchiyo to incorporate 'Haru' in his adult name, and Katsuchiyo thus became known as Harunobu. He was also given the honorific title Shinano no Kami (an appropriate moniker, as it would turn out). Despite this memorable coming of age ceremony, it would seem that Nobutora took a disliking to his eldest son. The reasons for this (however embellished this part of Shingen's life may have become over the centuries) are not clear, but were not eased by Harunobu's valuable role in the defeat of [[Hiraga Genshin]] in [[1536]]. The events between 1536 and [[1540]] are entirely murky, with the Imagawa figuring into the controversy, possibly as agitators. It would appear that Nobutora planned to name his second son Nobushige heir, and perhaps ship Harunobu off to the Imagawa clan in Suruga (for adoption?). For years, Harunobu had been under the guardianship of [[Obu Toramasa]], a tough warrior who may well have been at the center of what transpired next. In [[1541]] Harunobu suddenly rebelled, supported by a great many of his father's retainers. Nobutora submitted with little bloodshed and Harunobu exiled his father to Suruga. In this act he had the aid of the top Takeda retainers, many of whom held personal grudges against Nobutora or at least saw some gain in assisting the young usurper to power. Nobushige, for his part, seems to have borne his brother no ill will, and became a valued retainer. Sources conflict on what the exact events where which led to the replacement of Nobuhide with Harunobu. One version of events is that in the 5th month of 1541, Nobutora and Harunobu went on a campaign together to attack [[Unno Munetsuna]] in [[Shinano province]]. Unno Munetsuna lost and fled the province, and by the 4th day of the 6th month, they were on their way back to Kai. However, on the 10th day of their trip back to Kai province, Harunobu suddenly rebelled in a coup supported by his ashigaru and retainers, forcing Nobutora to flee to [[Suruga province]], and in to the care of his daughter's husband, [[Imagawa Yoshimoto]]. This generally follows the Koyogunkan, which essentialy states that Harunobu uncovered a plot by Nobutora to dispose of him and eventually give control of the Takeda clan to his younger brother, Nobushige. According to the Koyogunkan, Harunobu and loyal vassals drove Nobutora out of Kai province into Suruga. Another version of events states that during the 6th month of 1541, Harunobu and Nobutora travelled to Suruga province to visit upon Nobutora's son in law, Imagawa Yoshimoto. Little did Nobutora know, Shingen and Yoshimoto had a secret agreement, and upon arrival, Nobutora was forcibly retired to Suruga castle, and his son Harunobu was given control of the Takeda clan. Although what really happened is not clear, historians seem to be in agreement that Imagawa Yoshimoto had a hand in the removal of Nobutora. Regardless, Harunobu took control of the clan in what is often specifically cited as a 'bloodless coup'.  

[[Image:Takeda_mon.jpg||thumb|right|The Takeda mon.]]

[[Image:Takeda_mon.jpg||thumb|right|The Takeda mon.]]

Harunobu's chief ambition was the subjugation of Shinano but resistance in that quarter would prove fierce. A number of Shinano warlords, including [[Murakami Yoshikiyo]] ([[1510]]-[[1573]]), [[Ogasawara Nagatoki]] ([[1519]]-[[1583]]), [[Suwa Yorishige]] (? –[[1542]]), and [[Kiso Yoshiyasu]], made a move designed to hopefully nip any further Takeda aggression in the bud. In April 1542 the four daimyo combined forces and marched to the border of Kai, encouraged by news that Harunobu was strengthening his defenses and preparing to make a stand in [[Fuchu Province|Fuchu]]. In fact, Harunobu's activities had been a ruse - far from waiting passively in Kai, Harunobu led his men out and caught the Shinano warriors by surprise, defeating them at Sezawa. Emboldened by the results of Sezawa, Harunobu made a drive into Shinano later that same year, focusing on the territory of the Suwa clan. He first took Uehara in a surprise attack and then moved on to the Suwa headquarters at Kuwahara, located 2 kilometers to the east. Caught completely off-balance, Suwa Yorishige had little choice but to surrender when Harunobu made a promise of safe conduct. Yorishige and his brother were taken to Kai where the Takeda general [[Itagaki Nobutaka]] arranged for their deaths; both Suwa were either made to commit suicide or were murdered outright.  

Harunobu's chief ambition was the subjugation of Shinano but resistance in that quarter would prove fierce. A number of Shinano warlords, including [[Murakami Yoshikiyo]] ([[1510]]-[[1573]]), [[Ogasawara Nagatoki]] ([[1519]]-[[1583]]), [[Suwa Yorishige]] (? –[[1542]]), and [[Kiso Yoshiyasu]], made a move designed to hopefully nip any further Takeda aggression in the bud. In April 1542 the four daimyo combined forces and marched to the border of Kai, encouraged by news that Harunobu was strengthening his defenses and preparing to make a stand in [[Fuchu]]. In fact, Harunobu's activities had been a ruse - far from waiting passively in Kai, Harunobu led his men out and caught the Shinano warriors by surprise, defeating them at Sezawa. Emboldened by the results of Sezawa, Harunobu made a drive into Shinano later that same year, focusing on the territory of the Suwa clan. He first took Uehara in a surprise attack and then moved on to the Suwa headquarters at Kuwahara, located 2 kilometers to the east. Caught completely off-balance, Suwa Yorishige had little choice but to surrender when Harunobu made a promise of safe conduct. Yorishige and his brother were taken to Kai where the Takeda general [[Itagaki Nobutaka]] arranged for their deaths; both Suwa were either made to commit suicide or were murdered outright.  

Harunobu, with the aid of [[Yamamoto Kansuke]]'s strategies, further expanded his territory through the defeat of both [[Tozawa Yorichika]] ([[1542]]) and [[Takato Yoritsugu]] of central Shinano ([[1544]]-[[1545|45]]). The acquisition of [[Takato Castle]] was of particular value, as it provided a secure staging area into southern Shinano, as well as a buffer against any southern aggression. In 1544 the Takeda marched into Suruga in support of the Imagawa and faced Hojo Ujiyasu. No actual fighting occurred as a result of this confrontation, and later Harunobu was compelled to arrange for a peace treaty between the Hojo, Imagawa, and himself due to his wars in Shinano. Over the next decade Harunobu kept up a relentless pressure on the Shinano warlords. Only at Uehara would he be checked, if only briefly. In [[1548]] [[Murakami Yoshikiyo]], perhaps the most formidable of Harunobu's Shinano enemies, moved on Ueda and defeated the Takeda in a bitter clash which saw the use (on the part of the Murakami) of a number of Chinese arquebuses, the first such weapons ever deployed in a Japanese battle. While the defeat at Uehara left two of his best generals dead, Harunobu rebounded quickly, and by [[1552]] the Murakami and Ogasawara clans had fled Shinano outright to Echigo.<ref>The fallen generals in question were Amari Torayasu and Itagaki Nobutaka, both of whom were considered first-rate retainers by the Takeda clan. Shingen managed to score a counter-victory against the Ogasawara at Shiojiritoge the same year that restored the initiative to the Takeda.</ref>

Harunobu, with the aid of [[Yamamoto Kansuke]]'s strategies, further expanded his territory through the defeat of both [[Tozawa Yorichika]] ([[1542]]) and [[Takato Yoritsugu]] of central Shinano ([[1544]]-[[1545|45]]). The acquisition of [[Takato castle]] was of particular value, as it provided a secure staging area into southern Shinano, as well as a buffer against any southern aggression. In 1544 the Takeda marched into Suruga in support of the Imagawa and faced Hojo Ujiyasu. No actual fighting occurred as a result of this confrontation, and later Harunobu was compelled to arrange for a peace treaty between the Hojo, Imagawa, and himself due to his wars in Shinano. Over the next decade Harunobu kept up a relentless pressure on the Shinano warlords. Only at Uehara would he be checked, if only briefly. In [[1548]] [[Murakami Yoshikiyo]], perhaps the most formidable of Harunobu's Shinano enemies, moved on Ueda and defeated the Takeda in a bitter clash which saw the use (on the part of the Murakami) of a number of Chinese arquebuses, the first such weapons ever deployed in a Japanese battle. While the defeat at Uehara left two of his best generals dead, Harunobu rebounded quickly, and by [[1552]] the Murakami and Ogasawara clans had fled Shinano outright to Echigo.<ref>The fallen generals in question were Amari Torayasu and Itagaki Nobutaka, both of whom were considered first-rate retainers by the Takeda clan. Shingen managed to score a counter-victory against the Ogasawara at Shiojiritoge the same year that restored the initiative to the Takeda.</ref>

In [[1551]], Harunobu had adopted the name Shingen and a monk's habit, adding even more color to this up-and-coming Sengoku warlord, who was already known for his taste for women, penetrating judgment, skill at calligraphy, and wise government. Perhaps all that was now required was a great rival. This came, too, in the form of Uesugi Terutora of Echigo - the famed Kenshin.  

In [[1551]], Harunobu had adopted the name Shingen and a monk's habit, adding even more color to this up-and-coming Sengoku warlord, who was already known for his taste for women, penetrating judgment, skill at calligraphy, and wise government. Perhaps all that was now required was a great rival. This came, too, in the form of Uesugi Terutora of Echigo - the famed Kenshin.  

==References==

==References==

* Hall, John Whitney, et al. (ed.) ''Japan Before Tokugawa.'' Princeton, 1981  

* Hall, John Whitney, et al. (ed.) ''Japan Before Tokugawa.'' Princeton, 1981  

* Kanaya, Shunichiro. ''Sengoku Jidai Ga Omoshiroi Hodo Wakaru Hon'', 2003  

* Kanaya, Shunichiro. ''Sengoku Jidai Ga Omoshiroi Hodo Wakaru Hon'', 2003  

* ''[[Koyo Gunkan|The Koyo Gunkan]]'' (Edited by Yoshida Toyo) 19th edition, Tokyo, August 2005.

* ''[[Koyo Gunkan|The Koyo Gunkan]]'' (Edited by Yoshida Toyo) 19th edition, Tokyo, August 2005.

* Kuwada, Tadachika. ''Nihon Busho Retsuden Series #3'', 1989  

* Kuwada, Tadachika. ''Nihon Busho Retsuden Series #3'', 1989  

* Narumoto, Tatsuya. ''Sengoku Bushou Omoshiro Jiten'', Japan, 1998

* Narumoto, Tatsuya. ''Sengoku Bushou Omoshiro Jiten'', Japan, 1998

* Rekishi Gunzô. ''Shirizu #5: Takeda Shingen.'' Japan: Gakken, 1999  

* Rekishi Gunzô. ''Shirizu #5: Takeda Shingen.'' Japan: Gakken, 1999  

* Rekishi Gunzô. ''Shirizu #6: FuuRinKaZan.'' Japan: Gakken, 1999  

* Rekishi Gunzô. ''Shirizu #6: FuuRinKaZan.'' Japan: Gakken, 1999  

* Sadler, A. L. ''The Maker of Modern.'' Japan Tuttle, 1978  

* Sadler, A. L. ''The Maker of Modern.'' Japan Tuttle, 1978  

* Sato, Hiroaki. ''[[Legends of the Samurai]].'' Overlook, 1995  

* Sato, Hiroaki. ''[[Legends of the Samurai]].'' Overlook, 1995  

* Suzuki, D. T. ''Zen and Japanese Culture.'' Princeton, 1993  

* Suzuki, D. T. ''Zen and Japanese Culture.'' Princeton, 1993  

* Turnbull, Stephen. ''Samurai Warlords.'' London: Blandford, 1992

* Turnbull, Stephen. ''Samurai Warlords.'' London: Blandford, 1992

[[Category:Samurai]]

[[Category:Samurai]]

[[Category:Sengoku Period]]

[[Category:Sengoku Period]]