Takeda Shingen Research Paper

Takeda Shingen:The Strategic Samurai

Being a good strategist is helpful if you are a Japanese Samurai in the 1500s. Born on December 1, 1521 and the eldest son of aggressive warlord Takeda Nobutora, Takeda Shingen grew up to be a powerful military leader. He almost won the war but died before the last battle. His original name was Takeda Harunobu. Born of a powerful clan called Shugo Daimyo, Takeda became recognized as one of the most-powerful military leaders in east-central Japan. Even though Takeda Shingen was a skilled strategist, he had many powerful enemies, and his death made it easier for others to take over.

Takeda shingen has a history of being a skilled strategist. “He began a long rivalry with the Uesugi family to his north, one of the more famous and romantic tales of the Warring States period” (Takeda Shingen). Throughout Takeda Shingen life he show that he was a skilled strategist like with his rivalry with the Uesugi family. Shingen began his struggle with Uesugi for mastery of the Kantō. “The Uesugi family, became involved in a series of battles with the eastern warlords and Takeda families for control of that region. Uesugi’s battles with the noted general Takeda Shingen resulted in no permanent gain for either side (Nirala).” This is showing that Takeda Shingen was

“Before he died he struck out toward the west with the intention of coming to the aid of the Ashikaga Nobunaga. Then fell ill and died (Pletcher).”this shows that he was still trying to actively trying to defeat his rivals at the time he died. During that time they didn’t have medicine therefore he couldn’t get the help he needed to survive. It was easy for others to take over because his son tried to pursue his father's work but failed. Him dying left all the countries and leadership roles open for others to take. His death put his son in charge and he couldn’t hold onto his lands therefore the Takeda’s legacy fell