Murakami Yoshikiyo facts for kids
Murakami Yoshikiyo (born 1501, died 1573) was a brave Japanese samurai warrior. He lived during the 16th century, a time in Japan called the Sengoku period, which means "Age of Warring States." Yoshikiyo was part of the Murakami clan and was a loyal supporter, or "retainer," of the Uesugi clan.
He was known for fighting against two powerful leaders: Takeda Nobutora and his son, Takeda Shingen. Yoshikiyo was a close friend and ally of Uesugi Kenshin. He was one of Shingen's toughest enemies, often winning battles against him.
Contents
Early Conflicts with the Takeda Clan
Before their big fights, Murakami and the Takeda clan actually had a good relationship. Yoshikiyo once captured a person named Oi Sadataka, who was an enemy to both clans. Yoshikiyo sent him back to Takeda's main city, Kōfu, as a prisoner.
In 1542, Murakami Yoshikiyo joined forces with other leaders like Ogasawara Nagatoki, Suwa Yorishige, and Kiso Yoshiyasu. They formed a group to stop Takeda Shingen's growing power. They met Shingen's army at the Battle of Sezawa. Unfortunately, Yoshikiyo's group lost this battle.
Yoshikiyo's Victories Against Shingen
In 1546, Shingen and his Takeda army attacked Toishi Castle. Yoshikiyo quickly came to help, leading 6,000 soldiers. He bravely pushed back Shingen's main attack and defeated some of his commanders, including Amari Bizen and Yokota Bitchū.
Later, some of Takeda's smart strategists, like Yamamoto Kansuke, Sanada Yukitaka, and his son Sanada Masayuki, joined the fight. They used clever plans to help Shingen win some battles.
However, in 1547, Yoshikiyo got his revenge. Shingen had just won a battle at Shiga Castle. Yoshikiyo surprised him with a full attack and forced Shingen's army to retreat.
One year later, in 1548, Yoshikiyo gave the Takeda clan an even bigger defeat at the Battle of Uedahara. He killed three of Shingen's important generals: Itagaki Nobukata, Amari Torayasu, and Hajikano Den'emon. Shingen lost 700 men and had to go back to his home province of Kai.
Losing His Territory
In 1550, Yoshikiyo defended Toishi Castle for a whole year against Sanada Yukitaka. He eventually lost the castle, but not before one of Takeda's generals, Yokota Takatoshi, was killed.
Then, in 1553, during the Siege of Katsurao, Yoshikiyo lost his own Katsurao Castle. This was a major defeat for him.
After losing to Takeda in the Siege of Kannomine in 1553, Yoshikiyo had to leave his home province of Shinano. He went to Uesugi Kenshin for help and became Kenshin's loyal supporter.
Service to Uesugi Kenshin
Murakami Yoshikiyo was given Nechi Castle in Echigo province for his service. He fought bravely at the Battles of Kawanakajima as a commander in the center of the Uesugi army.
Some stories say that at the fourth battle of Kawanakajima, Yoshikiyo killed Takeda Nobushige. Nobushige was Shingen's brother and one of his most important generals. However, other stories say that Kenshin himself killed Nobushige.
Yoshikiyo was never able to get his old territory back. He died in Echigo in 1573. His son, Murakami Kunikiyo (also known as Yamaura Kagekuni), continued to serve the Uesugi clan.
See also
- Uesugi clan
- Nagano Narimasa
