Uesugi clan

The Uesugi clan (上杉氏) were descendants of Fujiwara Yoshikado, who was a daijo-daijin during the 9th Century. During the 13th century, Shigefusa effectively adopted the surname of "Uesugi". Since the Uesugi were related to that of the Ashikaga, in which gave the Uesugi very much power in the Muromachi Period. Then providing many deputy governors of the Kanto Ashikaga for many years following. Until the introduction of the Sengoku Period, the Uesugi was represented by the Ogigayatsu-Uesugi and Yamanouchi-Uesugi branches of the clan. These two branches of the Uesugi both vied for very much power during the mid-15th century. By the 16th century, the Ogigayatsu became based at the Kawagoe Castle, while the branch of the Yamanouchi was at Hirai in the Kozuke province.

It is known that traditionally the Ogigayatsu was relied on the Oto family, while the Yamanouchi relied on the Nagao of Echigo Province as a pillar of their strength. After the year of 1593, the expansion of the Hojo into the lower Kanto forced the two branches of the Uesugi to become allies. During the year of 1537, the Kawagoe had then fell to Hojo Ujitsuna. Then during the year of 1545, both of the branches of the Uesugi shared defeat, and attempted to regain their power. However, this ended the Ogigayatsu as an independent power during that period. Uesugi Norimasa, the holder of the Hirai Castle which had fallen during the year of 1551 by the hands of the Hojo, took up with his retainer, Nagao Kagetora in Echigo. Kagetora then adopted the surname of "Uesugi" after campaigning against the Hôjô in Sagami Province, along with the title of "Kanto-kanrei".

In the end the Uesugi survived that of the Sengoku Period, and gave line to many future Daimyo of Edo. Although Uesugi Kagekatsu (the current heir of the Uesugi) owed his support to Ishida Mitsunari during the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the Uesugi were afterwards much reduced in power.

Family-head successorship:
* Tamekage
* Kenshin
* Kagekatsu