Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Kenshin(上杉謙信) (February 18, 1530 - April 19, 1578) was a warlord who ruled Echigo province in the Sengoku Period of Japan.

In 1548, Kenshin became the owner of the castle of Haruyama and was engaged in the Battle of Kawanakajima with Takeda Shingen.

His original name was Nagao Kagetora(長尾景虎). Later he consecutively changed his name to Uesugi Masatora(上杉政虎), to Uesugi Terutora(輝虎) and finaly to Kenshin after he became a buddist.

His death has always been veiled in mystery. According to some records the death found him while he was on lavatory. One theory says a ninja assassinated him with a spear, the other explains his death as a consequence of, at that time unknown, disease. The theory of planned murder might not be far from truth, as ninja warriors were often used for secret actions of this nature during Kenshin's period.

ko:우에스기 겐신 ja:上杉謙信