Sanada Yukitaka

Sanada Yukitaka (1513-1574) was a warrior of Shinano Province (present-day Nagano Prefecture) celebrated as a brilliant strategist who served Takeda Shingen. Regarded as the founder of the Sanada clan's rise, he expanded his power base around the Ueda region. He supported Shingen through diplomatic and tactical stratagems—most notably the capture of Toishi Castle—and laid the groundwork for the renowned lineage that would produce Sanada Masayuki and Yukimura. His mastery of intrigue earned him the epithet "The Schemer of Sanada," making him a model of the Sengoku warrior who relied on wits as much as arms. His swords were largely crafted by Shinano smiths, and he stands as one of the foremost strategists of the Takeda army in sword history.