Kosaka Masanobu

Kōsaka Masanobu (高坂昌信, sometimes known as Kōsaka Danjō Masanobu; 高坂弾正昌信) (d. 1578) was one of Takeda Shingen's most loyal retainers, and one of his 'Twenty-Four Generals'. He is often credited as the original author of Kōyō Gunkan, which records the history of the Takeda family and their military tactics. However, recent studies strongly suggest that other writers used Kōsaka's name to boost the book's credibility.

Related Topics:
1578 - Takeda Shingen - Twenty-Four Generals - Kōyō Gunkan - Takeda family

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Kōsaka in known as one of the three Danjō's that served the Takeda family, along with Sanada Yukitaka and Hoshina Masatoshi (Danjō stands for a formal title, Danjōchū; 弾正忠). Among these three, Kōsaka was known as the "Nige Danjō" (literally, the fleeing Danjō), because of his cautious commanding and skillful retreats.

Related Topics:
Sanada Yukitaka - Hoshina Masatoshi

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As the general in command of Kaizu castle, Kōsaka played an important role in the fourth Battle of Kawanakajima. He informed Takeda via signal fires of the movements of Uesugi Kenshin's army as it approached, and then led the sneak attack up Saijo-yama in order to drive Uesugi's men down to the plain where they could be surprised by Takeda's army. Even though that tactic failed, Kōsaka led his men back down the hill, attacking Uesugi's army from the rear, and turning the tide of the battle into a Takeda victory.

Related Topics:
Battle of Kawanakajima - Uesugi Kenshin

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Kosaka Masanobu is known to have openly critized Katsuyori numerious times, because of this, Kosaka was forced to "retire" from service in 1578 and died later from illness.

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The depiction of Kosaka Masanobu in popular culture, especially in video games, is often seen wearing a full kabuto helmet with a face guard.

Related Topics:
Video games - Kabuto - Face guard

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There had been rumours that Kosaka has a bisexual relationship with Takeda Shingen.

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