Yamamoto Kansuke, renowned as a samurai strategist and one of Takeda Shingen's esteemed 24 Generals, hailed from the Mikawa region, known for breeding formidable warriors. Despite physical challenges—blindness in one eye, lameness in one leg, and a malformed hand—Kansuke embarked on a warrior's pilgrimage in his twenties. Traveling across the land, he honed his skills in strategy, tactics, castle construction, and warfare, engaging in various swordsmanship schools and forms.
Initially rejected by the Imagawa Clan due to his appearance, Kansuke found recognition and trust as a loyal vassal of Takeda Shingen, who esteemed his intellect and military prowess. Rising through the ranks, Kansuke earned his place among the Takeda's illustrious Twenty Four Generals, showcasing his valor during the fourth Battle of Kawanakajima.
In October 1561, facing an enemy led by Uesugi Kenshin positioned on Mt. Saijou, threatening the strategically vital Kaizu Castle, Kansuke devised the "Woodpecker Strategy." Drawing inspiration from the woodpecker's method, he proposed a night-time assault to provoke the Uesugi troops and lure them down the mountain to the waiting Takeda forces below.
Although the plan was approved and troops ascended the mountain, the Uesugi, possibly tipped off by spies or anticipating the maneuver, had already descended the opposite side, catching the Takeda off guard with a surprise counterattack.
Realizing the imminent danger to Lord Shingen and taking responsibility for the failed plan, Kansuke led a valiant but fateful suicide charge on the Uesugi main camp. Despite sustaining severe wounds from spears and bullets, Kansuke made a final, determined assault on the Uesugi samurai, sacrificing his life in the process. Despite the setback, the Takeda forces ultimately prevailed, compelling the Uesugi to retreat. In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, Kansuke was honored with a battlefield burial.
See also
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Yasuke
Yasuke, an African page, arrived in Japan in 1579 as the attendant of the Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano. Before the arrival of the Englishman William Adams, it is thought that Yasuke was possibly the inaugural non-Japanese samurai, arriving about twenty years earlier.
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Yamanami Keisuke
Yamanami Keisuke, the second in command of the Shinsengumi, a special police force during the late Edo period, shocked many when he performed seppuku on March 20, 1865, at the age of 32.
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Yamaga Soko
Yamaga Soko was a multifaceted figure in Japanese history, renowned as a strategist, philosopher, and scholar. Later in life, he became a ronin, leaving a significant mark on the understanding of the Tokugawa period samurai.
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William Adams - Miura Anjin
William Adams, also known as Miura Anjin, holds the distinction of being one of the few non-Japanese individuals granted samurai status. Born in Gillingham, Kent, England in 1564, Adams embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become an influential figure in Japanese history.
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Wakisaka Yasuharu
Wakisaka Yasuharu held the position of daimyo over Awaji Island before ruling over Ozu in Iyo Province. His significance in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 cannot be overstated.
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Ukita Hideie
Ukita Hideie was born as the second son of Ukita Naoie, the ruler of Okayama Castle. Tragically, Hideie's father passed away when he was just nine years old, thrusting him into the responsibilities of leading the castle, clan, and domain. Prior to his father's demise, the Ukita clan had aligned with Oda Nobunaga. After Nobunaga's assassination during the Honno-ji Incident, Hideie remained loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, whose ties were further solidified through marriage.
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Uesugi Kenshin
Uesugi Kenshin stands out as one of the most formidable daimyo of the Sengoku period, presenting the sole substantial challenge to Oda Nobunaga's quest for dominance.
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Uesugi Kagekatsu
Uesugi Kagekatsu was born into the Nagao clan of Ueda, the son of Nagao Masakage. After Masakage's death, Kagekatsu was adopted by his uncle, Uesugi Kenshin, as his mother, Aya Gozen, was Kenshin’s elder sister. When Kenshin passed away suddenly in 1578, Kagekatsu found himself entangled in a power struggle with his stepbrother/cousin, Uesugi Kagetora, also adopted by Kenshin.
