| Yamagata Masakage | |
| Born: | 1524 |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth: | Unknown |
| Died: | June 29, 1575 |
| Cause of Death: | Shot down |
| Place of Death: | Battle of Nagashino |
| Style name: | 山県 昌景 |
| Served: | Takeda |
| Participation(s): | Takeda conquest of Shinano *Siege of Toishi Battles of Kawanakajima *Battle of Uenohara Battle of Mimasetoge Battle of Mikatagahara Battle of Nagashino |
Yamagata Masakage was a retainer of Takeda Shingen and also one of his Twenty-Four Generals.
Biography[]
Yamagata was a fierce warrior and friend of Takeda Shingen. He was granted a fief in Shinano and led the shock troops known as the red fire unit,it's name derived from the Furinkazan slogan.
Battle of Mimasetoge
He participated in the Battle of Mimasetoge. The Takeda army was hard pressed by the Hojo forces, but Masakage launched a counter attack. The Hojo were defeated and the Takeda were able to escape.
Mikatagahara Campaign
Masakage also participated in the Mikatagahara campaign. He took Yoshida castle from the Tokugawa and fought at the battle of Mikatagahara. He and Baba Nobuharu were in charge of the vanguard after the battle. It was them who fell for Ieyasu's empty fort strategy.
Death
Yamagata Masakage continued serving under Takeda Katsuyori. He advised Katsuyori to withdraw at the battle of Nagashino. He died in the battle.
Legacy[]
Ii Naomasa from the Tokugawa clan followed in Yamagata Masakage's example and formed the 'red devils' unit.
Gallery[]
