Katakura clan
The Katakura clan (片倉氏 Katakura-shi) is a Japanese family which claims its descent from Fujiwara no Toshihito by way of Katō Kagekado. The family entered Mutsu Province in the 14th century as subordinates of the Ōsaki clan. However, in 1532, they became retainers of the Date clan, and remained so until 1872. In the Sengoku era, the Katakura took part in all the major campaigns of the Date clan. The family's head, Katakura Kagetsuna, became renowned throughout the country, even receiving praise from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who granted Kagetsuna a fief (thereby bypassing Kagetsuna's status as vassal to Date Masamune).
In the Edo period, the heads of the Katakura clan were hereditary karō in the Sendai Domain. Their personal fief was centered at Shiroishi Castle (modern-day Shiroishi, Miyagi).
Shigenobu Katakura, the current chief priest of Sendai's Aoba Shrine, is a direct descendant of this family.
References
- (in Japanese) "Katakura-shi" on Harimaya.com (9 March 2008)
- (in Japanese) Family tree of the Katakura clan (9 March 2008)