Kinoshita Masanao
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Kinoshita Masanao (木下昌直? ? - May 4, 1584) was a senior retainer beneath the Ryūzōji clan throughout the late Sengoku period of Feudal Japan. Originating within the capital of Kyoto as a relative drifter, without any actual allegiance, Masanao heard word of Ryūzōji Takanobu; and admiring the ruler for his rising power and influence, left the capital for Kyūshū, enlisting in retainership under the Ryūzōji clan, initially around the late 1560s. As the years passed on, Masanao obtained a reputation among his fellow retainers as a man of fearless nature, conjectively by means of fighting in the Battle of Iwayama in 1570, which resulted in a decisive victory for the Ryūzōji. Unfortunately, however, despite Masanao's intense conviction and ability, he would be felled during the Battle of Okitanawate in 1584, initially fighting as a Rearguard General. Even though Masanao thus died, he was largely regarded for holding the rank of 'Shi-tenno' (literally "Directional Guardian"), and thus obtained great fame for such a factor long following his death.
[edit] References
- Kinoshita Masanao - SamuraiWiki. (Samurai Archives) FWSeal & CEWest, 2005
