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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Historical

Takeda Shingen

Takeda Shingen (1521–1573) was a Japanese samurai and daimyō of the Sengoku period, known as the "Tiger of Kai." He was one of the most powerful military leaders of his era and is especially remembered for his rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin and his battlefield reputation.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Takeda Shingen was a Japanese samurai and daimyō of the Sengoku period, known as the 'Tiger of Kai.' He was one of the most powerful military leaders of his era, remembered for his rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin and his battlefield reputation.

What it is

Takeda Shingen (1521–1573) was a daimyō from Kai Province during Japan’s Sengoku period. He became famous for his military strength and command of cavalry forces, earning the nickname 'Tiger of Kai.'

Why it matters

Shingen is a major figure in Japanese history and folklore. His rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin, culminating in the Battles of Kawanakajima, is one of the most famous military contests in Japanese history. His leadership and strategic reputation continue to be studied.

Key details

Shingen used the military motto Fūrinkazan, emphasizing speed, secrecy, ferocity, and immovability. He died in 1573 while on campaign, with sources describing illness or complications from a gunshot wound. His forces were known for disciplined cavalry tactics.

In short

  • Daimyō from Kai Province during the Sengoku period.
  • Famous for military strength and cavalry tactics.
  • Rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin led to the Battles of Kawanakajima.
  • Used the motto Fūrinkazan.

Quick questions

Who was Takeda Shingen?
Takeda Shingen was a Japanese samurai and daimyō of the Sengoku period, known as the 'Tiger of Kai' and one of the era’s most powerful warlords.
What is Takeda Shingen known for?
He is known for his military leadership, cavalry tactics, governance of the Takeda domain, and his rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin in the Battles of Kawanakajima.
How did Takeda Shingen die?
He died on 13 May 1573 while on campaign; sources describe illness or complications from a gunshot wound.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeda_Shingen
    Supports: Birth date, death date, nickname, general biography, and identification as a Sengoku-period daimyō.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Takeda-Shingen
    Supports: Born and died dates and places, role as a daimyō, prominence in Sengoku-period warfare, and rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin.
  3. JREF — https://jref.com/articles/takeda-shingen-%E6%AD%A6%E7%94%B0%E4%BF%A1%E7%8E%84-1521-1573.313/
    Supports: Death circumstances described as illness or possible gunshot complications and summary of his campaigns.
  4. Samurai Archive — https://samurai-archive.com/en/people/5
    Supports: Nicknamed Tiger of Kai, clan leadership, Battles of Kawanakajima, Fūrinkazan, and military reputation.
  5. Samurai Museum — https://samuraimuseum.jp/en/blog/takeda.html
    Supports: Fūrinkazan strategy description, rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin, and battle history.