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Uesugi Kenshin

In thisJapanese name,thesurnameisUesugi.

Nagao Kagetora(Đuôi dàiCảnh hổ,February 18, 1530 – April 19, 1578[1]),later known asUesugi Kenshin(Thượng samKhiêm tin),was a Japanesedaimyō.He was born inNagao clan,[2]and after adoption into theUesugi clan,ruledEchigo Provincein theSengoku periodofJapan.[3]He was one of the most powerfuldaimyōof the Sengoku period. Known as the "Dragon of Echigo",while chiefly remembered for his feats and prowess on the battlefield as a military genius and war hero, 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 thestandard of livingof Echigo.

Uesugi Kenshin
Thượng sam khiêm tin
Portrait from Uesugi Shrine
Head ofUesugi clan
In office
1561–1578
Preceded byUesugi Norimasa
Succeeded byUesugi Kagekatsu
Head ofNagao clan
In office
1548–1578
Preceded byNagao Harukage
Succeeded byUesugi Kagekatsu
Personal details
Born
Nagao Kagetora

February 18, 1530(1530-02-18)
Echigo Province,Japan
DiedApril 19, 1578(1578-04-19)(aged 48)
Echigo Province, Japan
Parents
Relatives
Nicknames
  • "Dragon of Echigo"
  • "God of War"
  • "Bishamonten no Keshin"
Military service
AllegianceNagao clan
Uesugi clan
RankLord (Daimyō),Kanrei
CommandsKasugayama Castle
Battles/warsSiege 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)
Siege of Matsukura(1568)
Battle of Tonegawa(1571)
Siege of Kanayama(1574)
Siege of Nanao(1576, 1577)
Battle of Tedorigawa(1577)

Kenshin is famed for his honourable conduct, his military expertise, a long-standing rivalry withTakeda Shingen,his numerous defensive campaigns to restore order in theKantō regionas theKanto Kanrei,and his belief in theBuddhistgod of warBishamonten.Many of his followers and others believed him to be theavatarof Bishamonten, and called Kenshin the "God of War".

Name

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Depiction of Kenshin in a monk-like image with two ministers, fromMuromachi period(1336–1573)

His original name wasNagao Kagetora( đuôi dài cảnh hổ ).[4]He changed his name toUesugi Masatora( thượng sam chính hổ ) when he inherited theUesugi clan,and in order to accept the official title ofKantō Kanrei( quan đông quản lãnh ) he changed his name again toUesugi Terutora( thượng sam huy hổ ) to honor the 13thshōgunAshikaga Yoshiteru( đủ lợi nghĩa huy ), and finally toKenshin( thượng sam khiêm tin ) after he vowed to become aZen-Buddhist;in particular, he would become renowned for being a devotee ofBishamonten.[5][6][7]

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

Kenshin is also referred to as "The Dragon ofEchigo"( càng sau の long ) because of his Kakarimidareryuu ( huyền かり loạn れ long ) ensign displayed on the battlefield.[8]His rivalTakeda Shingenwas called "The Tiger ofKai".They fought several times atBattles of Kawanakajima.[9]In some versions ofChinese mythology(Shingen and Kenshin had always been interested in Chinese culture, especially the works ofSun 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. Kenshin and Shingen were also known to harbour a deep respect for the other's military prowess and strategic foresight with Kenshin even going so far as to express remorse and weep at news of Shingen's death.

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 andonmyōdō'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 ofHachiman",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

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Kasugayama Castlewas Kenshin's primary fortress.

Kenshin born as Kagetora, he was the third or fourth son of the noted warriorNagao Tamekage( đuôi dài vì cảnh ),[2]and his life presents a unique story – he was not from theUesugi,butNagao clan.[4]His father's family were theretainersof the Yamanouchi branch of the Uesugi clan,[11]and his father has gained some renown with his military victories over his lordsUesugi Akisada,Uesugi SadanoriandUesugi Funayoshi.However, in later years, Tamekage found himself at odds with the neighboringIkkō-ikkiofHokuriku,and as the political power in the region started to shift in favor of the Ikkō-ikki (due largely to the sudden rise ofHongan-ji), the situation forEchigoquickly deteriorated. It came to a peak in 1536, when Kenshin's father gathered up an army and marched westward. However, upon arriving atSendanno(December 1536) inEtchū,his forces were suddenly attacked byEnami 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 theNagao,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 toRinsen-jitemple, where he spent his life from 7 to 14 dedicated to study, martial arts andZen.[13]

At the age of 14, Kenshin was suddenly contacted byUsami Sadamitsuand a number of other acquaintances of his late father. They urged the youngNagaoson to go toEchigoand 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 powerfulkokujinfamilies 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 ofTochio Castle,making a reputation for himself bysuccessfully defending itagainst the rebels who were plotting against theUesugi,[4]and Kenshin succeeded in wresting control of theNagao clanfromNagao Harukagein 1548. Nagao Harukagestepped 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 theNagao clanand entered theKasugayama Castle,but still as the retainer of theUesugi 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 theKantō regionby the lordHōjō Ujiyasufrom theHōjō 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 theKantō Kanreipost asshōgun's deputy.[11][16] Uesugi Norimasa, passed on the Uesugi name to Nagao Kagetora of the Nagao clan, becomeUesugi Masatorawho 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 NagatokiandMurakami Yoshikiyo,twoShinanolords, both appeared before Kenshin requesting his help in halting the advances of the powerful warlordTakeda Shingen.[16]Around the time Kenshin became the new lord of Echigo, Shingen had won major victories inShinano Province.With theTakeda's conquests taking them remarkably close to the borders of Echigo, Kenshin agreed to take the field on two fronts,[4]against Hojo and Takeda, however the conflicts between the three lords showed also various alliances and treaties.[17]

In 1561, Masatora took the name ofUesugi 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.

Conflict with Takeda

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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 thehistory of Japanand theSengoku period.In the first conflict between the two, both Uesugi Kenshin andTakeda Shingenwere very cautious, only committing themselves to indecisive skirmishes. Over the years, there would be a total of five such engagements at the famous site ofKawanakajima(1553, 1555, 1557, 1561, 1564),[18]though only the fourth battle would prove to be a serious all-out battle between the two.[19]

4th Battle of Kawanakajima

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Main article:Battle of Kawanakajima

In 1561, Kenshin and Shingen fought the biggest battle they would fight, thefourth 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. InKōyō Gunkanthere 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 ortessen.Kenshin failed to finish Shingen off before a Takeda retainer drove him away. Shingen made a counter-attack and the Uesugi army retreated.[20][21]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.[22][23]It is considered to be the largest casualty battle in the Sengoku period,[24]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 advisorYamamoto Kansukeand younger brotherTakeda Nobushige.Some more conservative estimates place the casualties around 20 percent.[23]

In 1563, Shingen allied withHōjō Ujiyasuagainst theUesugi clan,they capturedMatsuyama CastleinMusashi Province.In 1565, Shingen then tookKuragano CastleandMinowa CastleinKōzuke province.In 1571, Kenshin attacked Shingen's satelliteIshikura Castlein Kōzuke province, and they again faced each other at theBattle of Tonegawa,to once again disengage.[25]

In addition, after Shingen broke with the Hōjō, there was an incident when theHōjō clanboycotted salt supplies toKai 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][19]However, there is doubt that Kenshin's act as purely altruistic as it was recorded that he did not merely sending salts, but allowing the merchants of Echigo to sell their salts in Takeda's territory. In essence, it was argued that Kenshin also saw the economic opportunity for merchants under his rule to prosper to go into Shingen's territories and selling salt, which direly needed by peoples of Kai due to the salt embargo enacted by the Hōjō.[26]

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

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Though his rivalry withTakeda Shingenwas 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 theshōguninKyoto.[27]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 byUesugi Norimasato take control of theKantōback from theHōjō,and in 1560 he was able to comply. In August of the same year, he put southernEchigounder control of a five-man council for broad mobilization, as well formed a small investigative council for any kind of unrest.[28]

1st Siege of Odawara

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Main article:Siege of Odawara (1561)

Heading a campaign againstHōjō Ujiyasufrom fall 1560 to the summer of 1561, Kenshin was successful in taking a number of castles from the clan, likeNumata CastleandUmayabashi Castle,[29]which ended with thefirst siegeofOdawara CastleinSagami Province.He managed to break the defenses and burn the town, but the castle itself remained unconquered due to threats from Shingen,[30]and thus seizedKamakura.[31]

In 1563, Kenshin saved his allyŌta Sukemasawho was under siege by bothHōjō UjiyasuandTakeda Shingen,while in November 1569 when Shingen sieged Odawara Castle, Ujiyasu requested help from Kenshin.[11]

In 1566, afterYura clanofKozuke Provincechanged their allegiance to Hojo clan. Later in 1574, Kenshin ordered theSatake clanto attack Yura clanKanayama Castle,and participated in the siege himself, but Kanayama castle withstood the attack.

Uesugi expansion

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Uesugi Kenshin portrait close-up Rinsenji Temple

In 1563, Kenshin occupiedSano DomainofKōzuke Province.He besiegedKarasawa CastleagainstSano Masatsuneand made strong inroads into the region, forcing many of the smaller warlords to submit to him. At this point, by 1564 Kenshin controlledEchizen ProvinceandKōzuke Province.[4]in June 12 of the same year, Kenshin entered alliance withHōjō Ujiyasuand Oda Nobunaga. Later, in same month, Shingen asked shogun Yoshiaki Ashikaga and Nobunaga to mediate peace agreement with Kenshin, which was responded to by Nobunaga to ask Kenshin for peace agreement with Shingen, in a meeting which calledKoetsu Peace Agreement.However, in March of the next year, Kenshin break the negotiation with Shingen and instead reaffirm his alliance with Hōjō clan. Meanwhile,Tokugawa Ieyasu,who was an ally of the Hōjō clan, also seeking alliance with Kenshin by sending envoy to the Uesugi clan. In response, Kenshin sent a reply dated August 22 toTokugawa clan's senior vassal,Sakai Tadatsugu,and Matsudaira Masanori (son of Yoshinori, 1546-1582), a member of the Matsudaira clan. In the reply, he indicated his intention to come to an agreement. From this point, concrete alliance negotiations began, and on October 8, Ieyasu issued a pledge to Kenshin and also broke his relationship with the Takeda clan. As Ieyasu formed an alliance with Kenshin, he swore to break off relations with Shingen and afforded to have the marriage proposal between relatives of Nobunaga and Shingen to be called off.[32]

The other main area which interested Uesugi Kenshin wasEtchū Provincein 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, theJinbō[ja]and theShiina.Kenshin first entered the dispute as a mediator in the early 1560s between rivalsShiina YasutaneandJinbō 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 1570 and havingShiina Yasutaneassassinated in 1576 byKojima Motoshige.[citation needed]

By the 1570s, after Kenshin tookToyama CastleandMatsukura Castle,Kenshin governedEchigo Province,controlledKōzuke Province,Etchū Provinceand some adjacent provinces, allHokuriku seaboard,and routedOda Nobunaga's forces inEchizen Province.[33]

Conflict with Oda

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In 1568, whenOda NobunagainstalledAshikaga Yoshiakias theshogun,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 theMōri 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 withKennyo,formed an alliance, and became a member of the power opposed to Nobunaga. When the death ofHatakeyama Yoshitaka,a lord inNoto Province,sparked up confusion and conflict, Kenshin was quick to use the opportunity, taking land from the weakened clan and successfullybesieged Nanao Castle,[34]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 KatsuieandMaeda Toshiie,to meet Kenshin at theBattle of Tedorigawa(1577) inKaga Province.

Battle of Tedorigawa

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Main article:Battle of Tedorigawa

Kenshin based his 30,000 strong army at the castle of Matsuto, whileOda Nobunaga's forces arrived with 50,000 troops led by many famous generals.[35]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.[35][4]Having lost 1,000 men in combat and some more as the Oda troops attempted to escape across theTedori River,Nobunaga ordered a retreat intoŌmi Province.[36][37]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 byShibata Katsuie.[38]Eventually, Kenshin secured theNoto Provincefrom theOda clan.

Death

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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 withTakeda Katsuyoriagainst Nobunaga,[29]but held up by bad weather and died of anesophageal cancerin the spring of 1578.[39]Hisdeath poemwas:

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.[40]

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 asKenshin 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".[39]However, it is also speculated that he was victim of one of the most famousninjaassassinations,by a ninja concealed in the cesspool beneath the latrine at Kenshin's camp with a short spear or sword.[41]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.[39]

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 ofHōjō Ujiyasu,[4]was adopted to secure the Echigo's borders.[42]Some suppose that Kagekatsu was intended to be gradually set up as his heir,[42]while others that Kenshin decided to divide the estates between the two.[43]

Letter from Uesugi Kenshin toUesugi Kagekatsu

Both sons had external blood ties, and reasonable claims. Kagetora wasbesieged at Otatein 1578, and although contacted for aidHōjō UjimasaandTakeda 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.[43][44]

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 "Shibatarebellion "(1582–1587).[45]The resistance of the Kagetora's supporters continued for few years in north-central Echigo.[44]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 thetoll barriersin the port of Niigata to Takemata Yoshitsuna.[46]

However, in the aftermath of the costly internal struggle, theOda clanexploited 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 theTakeda 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.[47]

Legacy

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Kenshin's military success is related to his successful reform efforts on trade, market, transportation network (ta xing mechanism in the port towns), and revenues generated by the cloth trade.[48]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.[49]The so-calledFunai Statutesshow 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 1560–1562Kantōcampaign. However, despite Kenshin's control over agriculture and the economy, he did not thoroughly implement key reforms such ascadastral 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 vassalKurata Gorōzaemon.[50][51]Kenshin is said to have been undefeated in over 50 open battles, hence being dubbed the “God of War” by his followers.

Kenshin festivals

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Gacktas Kenshin at the Kenshin Festival in Jōetsu, Niigata, 2008

The Kenshin Festival khiêm tin tưởng niệm(Kenshin Kousai)takes place every August inJōetsusince 1926. The procession starts atKasugayama Castlefor the reenactment of the fourthKawanakajima battle,with an army of 400–1,000 soldiers.[52][53]Japanese singer-songwriterGacktportrayed Kenshin on several occasions since 2007, and thanks to his participation, the festival in 2015 reached record high attendance of 243,000 people.[54][55]

The Echigo Kenshin Sake Festival is held every October and reaches attendance of roughly 100,000 visitors.[56]

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Main article:People of the Sengoku period in popular culture § Uesugi Kenshin

Kenshin is the main protagonist ofChōgorō Kaionji's epic historical novelTen to Chi to( "Heaven and Earth" ) andNHKtaiga dramaadaptationTen to Chi to(1969) where was played byKōji Ishizaka.Kenshin, played byIsao Natsuyagiis featured in 1979 filmG.I. Samurai,and played by Eiichi Kanakubo is a minor character inAkira Kurosawa's 1980jidaigekiKagemusha.The 1990 movie adaptation of Kaionji's novel,Heaven and Earthdirected byHaruki Kadokawa,where's Kenshin played byTakaaki 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.[57]Kaionji's novel was also adapted byTV Asahifor their 50th anniversary as 2008 TV drama special where Kenshin was played byMasahiro Matsuoka.[58]In the 2007 NHK taiga drama,Fūrin Kazan,Uesugi Kenshin is portrayed by Japanese singer-songwriterGackt.[59]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,[60]although received some harsh criticism, co-actorKen Ogataexpressed his approval of Gackt's work and audience demanded the increase of his role in the series.[61][62]The 2009 NHK Taiga dramaTenchijinpartly re-tells the story of Uesugi Kenshin, played byHiroshi Abe,although its main focus is onNaoe Kanetsugu,the page and later advisor to Uesugi Kenshin's adopted son and heirKagekatsu.[63]Kenshin was again voiced by Gackt in the anime of the gag manga,Tono to Issho(2010–2011).[64]The live-action dramaSengoku Basara: Moonlight Partycast actressMayuko Arisueas Kenshin. Gackt participated in the production, but voiced Oda Nobunaga.[65]InCobra Kai,Season 5episode 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]

The mangaYukibana no TorabyAkiko Higashimura,serialised inShogakukan'sseinenmangamagazineHibanafrom March 2015 to August 2017, also portrays its main protagonist Kenshin as a woman. Tomeo Yagiri's theory, known as theFemale Uesugi Kenshin Theory,served as the basis for the portrayal of female versions of Kenshin in popular culture. Yagiri proposed that Kenshin was a woman, inspiring various adaptations and interpretations in media. Various fictional works have utilized the femininity theory, portraying Kenshin as female or featuringgender-neutralinterpretations.

Kenshin has been featured in many video games, such as theKoei'sSamurai WarriorsandWarriors OrochiandCapcom'sSengoku Basaraseries. He is a playable character inPokémon Conquest(Pokémon+Nobunaga's Ambitionin Japan), where he is the warlord of Illusio with his partnerPokémonbeingGalladeandMewtwo.[66]Kenshin also appears in a gender bender parallel universe anime seriesBattle Girls: Time Paradox.[citation needed]A female Kenshin, as Nagao Kagetora, also appears in the mobile gameFate/Grand Order,voiced by actress and singerNana Mizuki.[67]Similarly appearing as a female character, Kenshin is found in theRanceseries most notably in Sengoku Rance.

Kenshin was portrayed by Japanesefigure skaterand two-time Olympic championYuzuru Hanyuin his Olympicfree skateprogramHeaven and Earth( thiên と mà と),using the soundtrack of the two taiga dramasTen to Chi toandShin 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.[68][69]The program was debuted in December 2020 atBig Hatarena inNagano,near the historical location of the fourth Battle of Kawanakajima in 1961.[68]It earned Hanyu two of his six titles at theJapan Figure Skating Championships,tyingTakeshi Honda's record of most national titles in 50 years.[70]

Quotes

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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.[71]

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Honours

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See also

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References

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  1. ^Uesugi Kenshinat theEncyclopædia Britannica
  2. ^abDupuy, Johnson & Bongard 1992,p.765.
  3. ^abTurnbull 1987,pp. 41, 44.
  4. ^abcdefghiTurnbull 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 inKōyō Gunkan( giáp dương quân giam ),Hokuetsu Taiheiki( Bắc Việt thái bình nhớ ) andHokuetsu military talk( Hokuetsu Gundan ).
  9. ^Sansom 1961,pp. 246, 288.
  10. ^Turnbull 1998,p. 153.
  11. ^abcTurnbull 1998,p. 13.
  12. ^abcSato 1995,pp. 210–213, 225, 221.
  13. ^"Rinsenji Temple".Japan National Tourism Organization.RetrievedFebruary 18,2021.
  14. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 182.
  15. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 183.
  16. ^abTurnbull 2013,p. 119.
  17. ^Turnbull 1998,pp. 12–13.
  18. ^Turnbull 1998,pp. 212–217.
  19. ^abTurnbull 2013,p. 120.
  20. ^Turnbull 1998,pp. 269–272.
  21. ^Charles & Tzu 2012,p. 124.
  22. ^Turnbull 1998,p. 272.
  23. ^abGoldsmith 2008,p. 219.
  24. ^Turnbull 1998,p. 269.
  25. ^Turnbull 1998,p. 221.
  26. ^Tsunoda Akio (2023)."Chiến quốc thời đại の nghĩa đem ・ thượng sam khiêm tin は bổn đương に diêm を đưa った の か?".Rekishi-ya.rekishiya.RetrievedJune 23,2024.
  27. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 196.
  28. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 211.
  29. ^abTurnbull 1998,p. 89.
  30. ^Turnbull 1998,p. 216.
  31. ^Goldsmith 2008,pp. 197–215.
  32. ^Motoki Kuroda (2023)."Tin trường でも tin huyền でもない… Tam hà bình định sau の gia khang が｢ quyết して thiết らない｣という khởi thỉnh văn を đưa った ngoài ý muốn な đồng minh tương tay"[Not Nobunaga or Shingen... After conquering Mikawa, Ieyasu sent a pledge to an unexpected ally that he would never betray].President Online ( プレジデントオンライン )(in Japanese). President Inc. pp. 1–4.RetrievedJune 17,2024.
  33. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 230.
  34. ^Ōta 2011,p. 403.
  35. ^abTurnbull 1998,p. 228.
  36. ^Uesugi Kenshin
  37. ^Rekishi Gunzô Shirizu, Uesugi Kenshin Japan: Gakken, 1999
  38. ^Ōta 2011,p. 37.
  39. ^abcTurnbull 2012,p. 32.
  40. ^Suzuki 1993,p. 82.
  41. ^Turnbull 2012,pp. 53–54.
  42. ^abGoldsmith 2008,p. 233.
  43. ^abTurnbull 1998,p. 230.
  44. ^abGoldsmith 2008,p. 234.
  45. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 231.
  46. ^Goldsmith 2008,p. 235.
  47. ^Ōta 2011,pp. 9–15.
  48. ^Goldsmith 2008,pp. 179–181, 186, 192, 194.
  49. ^Goldsmith 2008,pp. 186–187, 230.
  50. ^Goldsmith 2008,pp. 197–221, 230, 248.
  51. ^Hall & Jansen 2015,p. 191.
  52. ^"GACKT khiêm tin, 400 người の võ giả を dẫn き liền れ xuất trận thượng càng thị “Khiêm tin tưởng niệm” "(in Japanese).Oricon.August 23, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 4,2016.
  53. ^"【イベントレポート】 xuất trận hàng ngũ ・ xuyên trung đảo hợp chiến の tái hiện に, GACKT khiêm tin lên sân khấu".Barks(in Japanese). Japan Music Network. August 23, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 4,2016.
  54. ^"Qua đi tối cao 24 vạn 3000 người đệ 90 hồi khiêm tin tưởng niệm の nhập り込み phát biểu".Joetsu Town Journal(in Japanese). August 24, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 4,2016.
  55. ^"Khiêm tin tưởng niệm nhập り込み số, qua đi nhiều nhất ２４ vạn ３２００ người ＧＡＣＫＴさんメッセージ, ｢ năm sau も lặc しみに｣".Joetsu Times(in Japanese). August 24, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 4,2016.
  56. ^Williamson, Claire (November 23, 2019)."Joetsu: A historic town braces for the first snowfall of winter".The Japan Times.RetrievedJune 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.
  57. ^"Ten To Chi To – Trivia".IMDB.
  58. ^"Thiên と mà と ( tin tức ラテ lan vật lưu niệm… “Thiên と mà と khiêm tin VS tin huyền chiến quốc lớn nhất の chiến い・ xuyên trung đảo の hợp chiến!! Thần bí の ベールに bao まれた vô địch の nam thượng sam khiêm tin の thật thật!! Sinh ra の bí mật, vận mệnh に lật tới lật lui される luyến… Chưa từng có の スケールで miêu く lịch sử cự biên!!” ) ".TVdrama-db.
  59. ^"“Phong lâm núi lửa” tình báo "[Fūrin Kazaninformation] (in Japanese).NHK.Archived fromthe originalon September 30, 2013.RetrievedApril 17,2018.
  60. ^"GACKTさんもびっくり thượng sam khiêm tin は nữ だった?".joetsutj.June 19, 2014.RetrievedJune 24,2020.GACKTさんが2007 năm にNHK sông lớn ドラマ『 phong lâm núi lửa 』で thượng sam khiêm tin dịch を vụ めた tế, “Nữ tính nói があるという nhân vật giống を cảm じさせるような kỹ thuật diễn をしたい” と thuật べており, trường い phát で dịch に lâm んだ. GACKTさんはこ の ドラマを cơ hội に thượng sam khiêm tin ファンとなり, khiêm tin tưởng niệm の xuất trận hàng ngũ などで khiêm tin công dịch を vụ めることになった.
  61. ^Erin Efrus (April 4–17, 2014)."GACKT: Perennial idol looks back on triumphs and tragedies".Metropolis.No. 1045. p. 8.Archivedfrom the original on September 20, 2016.
  62. ^"Gackt cổ trang kịch sắm vai thượng sam khiêm tin hình tượng mê đảo Nhật Bản sư nãi".Sina Corp.October 13, 2007.
  63. ^"“Thiên địa người” truyền trước tình báo "[Tenchjinpre-broadcast information] (in Japanese).NHK.Archived fromthe originalon February 10, 2010.
  64. ^"Điện といっしょ Staff and Cast".Tono Anime.RetrievedApril 17,2018.
  65. ^Loo, Egan (July 3, 2012)."Live-Action Sengoku Basara Show's Cast Revealed in Costume".Anime News Network.RetrievedApril 17,2018.
  66. ^"Kenshin + Mewtwo".Pokemon Conquest.RetrievedJune 17,2012.
  67. ^"Nagao Kagetora".Gamepress.June 20, 2021.RetrievedApril 29,2022.
  68. ^abRussell, Susan D. (May 2, 2021)."Hanyu takes fresh approach".International Figure Skating.Denville Township, New Jersey.Archived fromthe originalon May 6, 2021.
  69. ^Yuzuru Hanyu, ngữ る フリー biên ( 1 ) “みんなが quang”[Yuzuru Hanyu free skate interview (1) "Everyone is the light" ].Sports Nippon(in Japanese).Chiyoda, Tokyo.April 16, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on October 9, 2021.
  70. ^"Yuzuru Hanyu attempts quadruple Axel, wins Japan figure skating nationals".NBC Sports.Stamford, Connecticut.December 26, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2021.
  71. ^Cleary 2008,p. 196.
  72. ^Hầu tước Katsura Taro (ed.)."Cố thượng sam huy hổ ngoại bốn gã tặng vị ノ kiện"(in Japanese).Japan Center for Asian Historical Records.Ref. A10110299500.

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