Situated in the rural area of Southern Yamagata, today Yonezawa is a rather quaint and peaceful city within the prefecture. However, the history of this town and the importance it holds within Yamagata Prefecture dates back to one of the most famous Samurai battles of the Tohoku region.

Uesugi Kenshin is known as one of the most famous Samurai in Japan from the Sengoku Period. This is the era in which Japan faced decades of civil war and social upheaval from 1467–1615.

Out of approximately 70 battles he fought during his lifetime, it is said that there were only two times in which his army failed to win a victory, earning him the fierce reputation as a ‘God of War.’ The Uesugi festival showcases a representation of one of his most famous victories, a fight against the large and powerful army of his biggest rival, Takeda Shingen.

In 1561, Kenshin and Shingen fought their biggest battle, known as the fourth battle of Kawanakajima. Kenshin used an ingenious tactic to overpower his rival. The soldiers in the front would switch with their comrades in the rear, and as those in the frontline became tired or wounded, they would continue to switch ranks. This allowed the tired soldiers to take a break, while the soldiers who had not seen action would fight on the front lines with fresh legs.

In the end, the Uesugi army suffered 62% casualties, while the Takeda lost 72%. However, as the result of their rivalry is considered by many historians to have ended as a draw, the festival in Yonezawa will always end the reenactment with a contest of battle cries from the two opposing sides – leaving it in the hands of the audience as to which will be crowned victorious upon the day of the battle! 

Which side will you choose?