Uesugi Kenshin - After Death

After Death

At the time of his death, Kenshin was regarded as the most formidable warrior of the era. His death marked the collapse of the Second Anti-Oda Coalition, and henceforth there would be no more serious challenges to Oda Nobunaga's bid for supremacy.

Domestically, Kenshin left behind a succession crisis. While he never had any children of his own, Kenshin adopted four boys during his lifetime. His nephew, Uesugi Kagekatsu, was gradually being set up to be his heir, however the process had not yet been completed when Kenshin's abrupt death at a relatively young age threw the clan into turmoil. Another adopted son, Uesugi Kagetora, who was originally of the Hojo family, contested Kagekatsu's claim. Kagekatsu was supported by the bulk of Echigo's families from within and by the Takeda clan from abroad, and was eventually able to secure his succession. However, in the aftermath of the costly internal struggle, the Oda clan exploited rebellions against Kagekatsu to advance right up to the border of Echigo, having captured Noto and Kaga while the Uesugi brothers were busy with the infighting. This combined with the destruction of the Takeda clan, Uesugi ally and long time Oda enemy, would come close to destroying the Uesugi clan before Oda Nobunaga's own death once again shattered the balance of power in Japan.

Speculation that Kenshin was a woman posing as a man (due to the fact he did not marry) is a modern concept not considered relevant by some scholars.