UesugiMaeda (Takigawa kin)
Maeda Keiji
前田慶次
“The Realm's Licensed Dandy”
1533–1612 (aged 80)
- Rank / office
- —
- Domain / base
- Yonezawa, Dewa (guest of the Uesugi)
- Banner / crest
- Kaga plum blossom
- Battles in 3D
- 1 battle
Later imagined depiction · Source: Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Go as far as the great ones go; beyond that, be free.
Attributed to Maeda Keiji, from verses dedicated at Kameoka Monju (loosely rendered)
Born into the family of Takigawa Kazumasu, he was adopted by Toshihisa, elder brother of Maeda Toshiie. A kabukimono known for his flamboyant dress and eccentric behaviour, he is famous for the tale of luring Toshiie into a cold bath and riding off. He left the Maeda to live an elegant life in Kyoto, then through his friendship with Naoe Kanetsugu entered the service of Uesugi Kagekatsu. In the battle of Hasedō in Keichō 5 he commanded the rear guard of the Uesugi army retreating on news of Sekigahara, and with his vermilion spear and great horse broke the pursuing Mogami again and again. He followed the Uesugi to Yonezawa after the reduction of their domain and spent his last years enjoying poetry and linked verse.
Life and battlesGold dots mark battles you can watch in 3D
- 1533Tenbun 2
Birth
Born into the Takigawa clan and adopted by Maeda Toshihisa (his birth year is disputed).
- 1590Tenshō 18
Leaves the Maeda
Quarrelling with Toshiie, he left the Maeda house and lived as he pleased in Kyoto.
- 1598Keichō 3
Enters Uesugi service
Through his friendship with Naoe Kanetsugu he entered the service of Uesugi Kagekatsu and went down to Aizu.
- 1600Keichō 5
Rear guard at Hasedō
As rear guard of the retreating Uesugi he swung his vermilion spear and beat off the pursuing Mogami.
Battle of Hasedō 800 troops Watch in 3D › The realm's most notorious dandy-warrior. As rear guard on the retreat he swung his vermilion spear and broke the pursuing Mogami again and again: the hero of "the finest withdrawal in the north." - 1612Keichō 17
Death at Yonezawa
Lived in retirement at Dōmori in Yonezawa and died quietly (the year is disputed).
