Yoshisada Nitta

(1301–1338) supported the Southern Court of Emperor Go-Daigo and is often blamed for the split between the Northern Court and the Southern Court. His death was as remarkable as his life. While Nitta was fighting in the Siege of Kuromaru, his horse was felled by arrow fire. Nitta, pinned under the dead horse and unable to move, was an easy target for archers. As his final act, Nitta drew his short sword and cut off his own head.