Akao Kiyotsuna (赤尾 清綱, 1514 – September 1 , 1573) was a Japanese samurai of the late Sengoku period, a senior retainer of the Azai clan of Ōmi Province. Together with Kaihō Tsunachika and Amemori Yahei, Kiyotsuna was known as one of the "Three Generals of the Azai" (浅井三将 Azai-sanshō).[1] Kiyotsuna served three generations of the Azai lords: Sukemasa, Hisamasa, and Nagamasa.[2] As a mark of the Azai family's deep trust of Akao, he was allowed to maintain a residence within Odani Castle.[3]
Kiyotsuna was imprisoned after the fall of Odani Castle, and beheaded by Nobunaga. However, Nobunaga spared the life of Kiyotsuna's son Kiyofuyu.