Kenshin Uesugi

(1530–1578) was one of the most powerful lords of the Sengoku period, and was regarded as an extremely skilful administrator who fostered the growth of local industries and trade. He is famed for his honourable conduct, his military expertise and his long-standing rivalry with Takeda Shingen (1521–1573). Over the years, there would be a total number of five battles between them at the famous site of Kawanakajima, though only the fourth in 1561 would prove to be a serious, all-out conflict.

The story goes that Kenshin once rode up to Shingen and slashed at him with his sword. Shingen fended off the blows with his iron war fan. Kenshin failed to finish Shingen off, as a Takeda retainer drove him away.

Although Shingen and Kenshin were rivals for more than fourteen years, they are known to have exchanged gifts a number of times, most famously when Shingen gave away to Kenshin a precious sword, which he valued greatly. When Shingen died in 1573, Kenshin was said to have wept aloud at the loss of so worthy an adversary, and dismissed advice from his retainers to use the opportunity to attack as childish.