A small castle.
An extraordinary story.
The Tokugawa helped build it.
Then they came to attack it.
To survive,
he built a castle and chose his path.
Without a lord, between great powers.
The Takeda fell, and Oda Nobunaga died at Honnoji. As the Uesugi, Hojo and Tokugawa competed for power, Masayuki changed his alliances to protect Sanada lands.
A castle built with Tokugawa support.
After submitting to Ieyasu, Masayuki began building Ueda Castle with his aid. Facing Uesugi territory, a new Sanada stronghold began to take shape.
- A turning pointThe dispute over Numata
Surrender his land—or break with Ieyasu?
Ieyasu, prioritizing relations with the Hojo, demanded that Masayuki hand over Numata. Masayuki refused and turned to Uesugi Kagekatsu. The Tokugawa, who had supported the castle's construction, became his enemies.
A great army approaches an unfinished castle.
The Tokugawa advanced on Ueda. Still preparing the castle with Uesugi support, Masayuki chose to make his stand here.
How did Masayuki face the approaching army?
Explore the First Battle of Ueda through maps and scenesEnter the Sanada StoryRead the complete story and historical notes →
Sources for this prologue
Ueda City Museum: Ueda Castle and its lords (Japanese) ↗
Ueda City: History of Ueda Castle (Japanese) ↗
The castle seen today includes Sengoku-clan rebuilding and later restorations. The interactive battle story includes dramatizations based on historical sources and traditions.