Here's some random things I've translated from Japanese sources and
had lying around (mostly direct translations and therefore maybe a
bit clunky):
Kenshin was valorous with a chivalrous spirit who prized justice
and order. His speach and actions were always passionate and direct
(to the point).
His personality is reflected in his military operations (movements),
which were 'colored' by his chivalry. He would help the weak and
crush the strong.
"It is recorded in the "Meishougenkouroku" that Kenshin admired
Minamoto Yoshitsune.
Kenshin's genius for battle command came from ardent adoration of
Minamoto Yoshitsune as well as his own battle experience.
"The Dragon of Echigo", Kenshin, was the second son of the Echigo
Shugo Nagao Tamekage. The Nagao clan was one of the "eight clans of
the Kantou" (Bandou Hachiheishi) which were descended from Emperor
Kammu.
While Shingen was alive, he said "Kenshin is an honorable and just
man. He has no equal in the realm." In 1573, when Shingen died of
illness on campaign, his final message to Katsuyori was "If you ask
Kenshin for assistance, he will not refuse. He will definately
assist you." Shingen recognized that Kenshin was an honorable man
with a strong sense of duty and justice.
Kenshin heard of Shingen's death while eating a meal at Kasugayama.
He threw his chopsticks without thinking, saying "He was my rival for
many years, but the great general who was a pillar of the Kantou
warrior families has been lost. It is truly a shame." It is
recorded that he wept at the news.
--- In samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com, "nez_uk1981" wrote:
> I'm looking to write a novel featuring real historical figures as
> back ground characters. The main characters and plot will be
fiction
> perhaps based loosely on real events.
> I was reading some interesting stuff about Uesugi Kenshin and was
> wondering if anyone can help me find out more information about
him.
> The Samurai-Archives have provided me with a decent basic knowledge
> but I'd like to get to know a little more about him, where he
lived,
> how he lived, his family history, what his people thought of him,
> rumours about him (like the one about him really being a woman),
> basically anything you've got on the guy would be really helpful.
>
> I'd also be very grateful if anyone can shed more light on the life
> of the common man during the Sengoku Jidai. How did a typical
village
> look, what kind of industries were prevelant, what did an average
> home look like? (particularly keen to
> find out information about what life in the mountainous areas of
> Japan was like).
>
> I've collected thousands of pages of information on the history of
> Japan so far but I'm looking for information from people who have a
> true passion for this particular era. I'm hoping you can perhaps
> introduce me to some interesting characters and stories which I
might
> not have picked up before.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Nez.