Japan’s 10 Most Stunning Samurai Warriors
6. Uesugi Kenshin (上杉 謙信)
Uesugi Kenshin was a leading ruler and one of the most powerful daimyōs during the Sengoku period. He was so revered by his people, many believed him to be the Avatar of Bishamonten, the Buddhist God of War.
As a daimyō, Kenshin ruled Echigo Province, and while he was known to be a strong administrator and ruler, he was best known for his prowess on the battlefield. Throughout his life, he came into conflict with some of the most powerful men of his era: Oda Nobunaga and Takeda Shingen, the latter of whom was involved in a bitter personal rivalry for years.
Kenshin's rivalry with Shingen was so prominent during his life, the man's passing affected him deeply. When he learned of Shingen's death, he said, "I have lost my good rival. We won't have a hero like that again!"
His conflict with Nobunaga evolved into one of the biggest conflicts in Japan during the period. Nobunaga was the most powerful warlords at the time, which led to huge conflicts involving tens of thousands of men. Unfortunately, Kenshin died of esophageal cancer in 1578 and never met his greatest enemy on the battlefield, though he is still remembered as one of Japan's greatest warriors.