Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Kenshin (February 18, 1530 – April 19, 1578) was a daimyo who was born as Nagao Kagetora of the Nagao clan and controlled Echigo Province in Japan during the Sengoku period. He was a strong daimyo during the Sengoku period. While primarily recognized for his skills on the battlefield as a military genius, Kenshin is also considered an extraordinarily skilled administrator who supported the expansion of local businesses and trade, and his administration witnessed a significant boost in Echigo's level of life.

Kenshin is well-known for his honorable behavior, military prowess, long-standing rivalry with Takeda Shingen, several defensive wars to restore order in the Kant area as the Kanto Kanrei, and his faith in the Buddhist god of war, Bishamonten. Many of his disciples and others believed Kenshin was the Avatar of Bishamonten and referred to him as the "God of War."

It is an interesting fact that since 1926, the Kenshin Festival 謙信公祭 (Kenshin Kousai) has been held in Jōetsu every August. The procession begins at Kasugayama Castle, where an army of 400-1,000 troops will reenact the fourth Kawanakajima war. The Echigo Kenshin Sake Festival, which takes place every October, attracts over 100,000 visitors.

Japanese name: 上杉 謙信

Born: February 18, 1530, in Echigo Province, Japan
Died: April 19, 1578, in Echigo Province, Japan

Nicknames: Dragon of Echigo, God of War

Notable battles: Siege of Tochio, Battles of Kawanakajima, Siege of Odawara