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Takeda forces · Kōsaka (Kasuga)

Kōsaka Masanobu

“The Retreating Danjō / One of the Takeda Four Guardians”

Of peasant birth, he was discovered by Shingen and rose to the Takeda Four Guardians. His skilful withdrawals that kept losses low earned him the name "the retreating Danjō." Entrusted with Kaizu Castle, the front line at Kawanakajima, he was the first to detect the Uesugi movements and set the woodpecker plan in motion. The Kōyō Gunkan, the military chronicle of the rise and fall of the Takeda, is said to be based on his dictation.

Epithet
“The Retreating Danjō / One of the Takeda Four Guardians”
Rank / office
Danjō-no-jō
Domain / base
Kai → Kaizu, Shinano
Side
Takeda forces
Lived
1527–1578 (aged 52)

Life

  1. Eiroku 4 Holding Kaizu Castle Entrusted with the front line at Kawanakajima, he watched for the Uesugi advance south.
  2. Genki 3 The March on the Capital Followed Shingen's campaign toward Kyoto and fought in many places.
  3. Tenshō 6 Death Supported the Takeda into Katsuyori's day and died at Kaizu Castle.

Battles in this archive1 battles

  1. Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima 10th day of the 9th month, Eiroku 4 Kawanakajima, Shinano Province Commander of the 12,000-strong detached force that stormed an empty Mount Saijo. He came straight back down and swung round behind the Uesugi army. 6,000 troops Watch ▸

Related sites

  • Matsushiro Castle (Kaizu Castle)
  • Kawanakajima battlefield