Satake Yoshishige

Satake Yoshishige (1547-1612) was a Sengoku daimyo who dominated northern Kanto centered on Hitachi (Ibaraki), a fierce general feared by warriors of Kanto with the nickname "Oni Yoshishige (Demon Yoshishige)." He fought on equal or superior terms with the Hōjō, Date, and Yūki clans in southern Mutsu and northern Kanto, building the height of the Satake clan's power.

Yoshishige's fighting style was characterized by a combination of thoroughly aggressive tactics and skillful diplomatic strategy. While engaging in long-standing conflict with Hōjō Ujiyasu and Ujimasa father and son while maintaining independence, after Uesugi Kenshin's death he established himself as an influential power in Kanto. He also faced off against Date Masamune and is known for having given Masamune a difficult fight at the Battle of Hitotorigawa.

Regarding swords, Yoshishige actively patronized Hitachi swordsmiths and worked to develop "Hitachi swords." He also had excellent discernment in sword appraisal and utilized the bestowing of swords on warriors as a diplomatic tool. After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Satake clan, which had sided with the Western Army, was ordered to transfer to Dewa Akita, where Yoshishige spent his remaining years. The strength and independence of "Oni Yoshishige" continues to be spoken of today as a symbol of the warrior spirit of northern Kanto.