Takeda Shingen
The "Tiger of Kai," a Warring States daimyo famed for his cavalry and his statecraft.
Life
Tiger of Kai
Takeda Shingen, originally named Harunobu, exiled his father Takeda Nobutora in 1541 and became lord of Kai Province. Taking "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain" as the motto on his war banner, he conquered Shinano and expanded his domain.
Kawanakajima
He fought Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo five times at Kawanakajima (1553–1564), most fiercely in the fourth battle of 1561, with no decision on either side. He governed his domain ably, building the "Shingen Embankment" for flood control, developing gold mines, and drawing up the domain law code "Koshu Hatto no Shidai."
Western campaign
In 1572 he led a great army west and inflicted a crushing defeat on Tokugawa Ieyasu at Mikatagahara; the following year he died of illness while on the march.
Legacy
Takeda Shingen is one of the most popular Warring States daimyo in Japan; his banner "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain" is taken from The Art of War.
Major works & achievements
- "Koshu Hatto no Shidai"
Did you know? He is said to have left a dying wish that his death be kept secret for three years.
Key dates
- 1541Exiled his father and became lord of the province
- 1553Battles of Kawanakajima began
- 1561Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima
- 1572Routed Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Mikatagahara
- 1573Died of illness during his westward march