Yamagata Masakage
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(born 1524-1575 died) was one of the 24 generals of the Takeda clan, he was famous for his red armour and skill in battlefield, also he was a personal friend of Shingen. He was a younger brother of Obu Toramasa who was also a retainer of Shingen leading the famous "red fire unit" (from Shingen slogan Furinkazan). After his brother committed Seppuku as a cover for Takeda Yoshinobu's failed rebellion, Yamagata took the red fire unit title and outfitted his cavalry in bright-red armor. Whenever there is a battle Yamagata would always charge first with his cavalry towards the enemies to create confusion and panic.
Yamagata was a fierce warrior who fought in many battles and was given a fief in Shinano. He was present at the Battle of Mimasetoge in 1569 and captured Yoshida Castle, a Tokugawa possession, during the Mikatagahara Campaign (1572-73) and was present for the following Battle of Mikatagahara. His last campaign was in the ill fated Battle of Nagashino in 1575 where he was shot down on horse while charging together with his famous red fire unit. All of them died together with him.
Yamagata tried to persuade Takeda Katsuyori to call off twice at the attack of Nagashino, as he knew there was a trap waiting for them, however Katsuyori didn't listen.
Ii Naomasa from the Tokugawa clan was inspired by Yamagata's red colour, he made tribute to him by naming his army the "Red Devil Brigade."
According to legend, Shingen called out to Yamagata from his deathbed in 1573 and ordered him to plant his banners at the Seta Bridge, the traditional eastern gateway to Kyôto.
Yamagata in popular culture
He appears as one of the main characters in Akira Kurosawa's epic Kagemusha. In the movie he appears to be openly critical (albeit as a friend) towards the "real" Shingen.
Sources
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