Yamagata Masakage

Yamagata Masakage
Painting of Japanese samurai, Yamagata Masakage, possibly painted in the 1540’s
Native name
山県 昌景
Birth nameObu Masakage
Born1524
DiedJune 29, 1575
Allegiance Takeda clan
Known forOne of the main characters in Akira Kurosawa's epic film Kagemusha
Battles / warsSiege of Odawara (1569)
Battle of Mimasetoge (1569)
Battle of Mikatagahara (1573)
Siege of Yoshida Castle (1575)
Battle of Nagashino (1575)
RelationsObu Toramasa

Yamagata Masakage (山県 昌景, 1524 – June 29, 1575) also known as Obu Masakage was a Japanese samurai warrior of the Sengoku period. He is known as one of the "Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda Shingen". He was famous for his red armour and skill in battle, and was a personal friend of Takeda Shingen. He was the younger brother of Obu Toramasa, who was also a retainer of Shingen, leading the famous "red fire unit" (derived from Shingen's slogan Fūrinkazan).