Uesugi Kagekatsu

Japanese feudal lord

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July 14, 2026

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Uesugi Kagekatsu (1555–1623) was a prominent Japanese feudal lord and the head of the Uesugi clan. He was an early ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in his campaign to unify Japan. Before Hideyoshi's death, he appointed Kagekatsu as one of five regents for Hideyoshi's infant son.

In 1600, Kagekatsu challenged Tokugawa Ieyasu, but his defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara marked the rise of the Tokugawa family. Despite this, Ieyasu allowed the Uesugi to retain control of Yonezawa in northern Honshu, where they served as daimyos until the abolition of the feudal system in 1868.1

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Uesugi Family
Uesugi Kagekatsu (1555–1623), who succeeded Kenshin as head of the clan, became one of the early allies in the campaign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to reunify Japan. Before Hideyoshi died, he appointed Kagekatsu to serve as one of the five regents for his infant son Hideyori.
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Uesugi Kagekatsu (1555–1623), who succeeded Kenshin as head of the clan, became one of the early allies in the campaign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to reunify Japan. Before Hideyoshi died, he appointed Kagekatsu to serve as one of the five regents for his infant son Hideyori.
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Ishida Mitsunari
…following year, however, Ishida persuaded Uesugi Kagekatsu, one of the five regents, to marshal his forces against Tokugawa. While Tokugawa’s troops were diverted fighting Uesugi in the north, Ishida rallied many of the other lords to his side and attacked the Tokugawa position from the rear. When several of Ishida’s…
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…following year, however, Ishida persuaded Uesugi Kagekatsu, one of the five regents, to marshal his forces against Tokugawa. While Tokugawa’s troops were diverted fighting Uesugi in the north, Ishida rallied many of the other lords to his side and attacked the Tokugawa position from the rear. When several of Ishida’s…
Read More